bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information and Communication Technology Use in Community-Dwelling Persons Living with Dementia
Authors: Lee Kyung Hee , Lee Ji Yeon , Kim Bora 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Although many persons living with dementia still remain living in the community, they encounter many difficulties due to cognitive and physical impairment. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) could be helpful to protect persons living with dementia from risky events and monitor changes in physical function. This study aimed to review studies regarding ICT usage to monitor physical activity and safety in community-dwelling persons living with dementia. We searched quantitative studies that utilized ICT to monitor physical activity and safety published from 2011 to 2020 through five databases; 24 studies were included in the systematic review. Most studies (79%) were observational studies and conducted in North America or Europe (75%). In terms of ICT usage, the most frequently used type was a wearable device (96%); data such as physical activity, gait, and circadian rhythms were gathered. The ICT data were utilized for: 1) comparing ICT data within dementia group or with normal cognition group; 2) exploring a relationship with other variables in observational studies; 3) measuring an outcome of the experimental studies; and 4) determining feasibility of a sensor itself. Less than half of the studies met all five criteria in quality assessment. We found the ICT is being used in various ways in research for community-dwelling persons living with dementia. However, we are uncertain about the effectiveness of ICT use and the quality of studies. Future studies with rigorous study design are needed to provide better evidence for ICT use in persons living with dementia.
Prevalence of MCI and Dementia Prior to Incarceration
Authors: Kuffel Randall , Byers Amy , Williams Brie , Fortinsky Richard , Boscardin John , Li Yixia , Barry Lisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As the number of older, incarcerated persons increases, prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in this population will likely grow, with implications for healthcare costs and advance care planning within the prison setting. This study is the first to determine the prevalence of dementia or MCI in later-life adults prior to incarceration. We leveraged a national cohort of Veterans aged 50+ whose most recent incarceration was ≤10 years in length and who were released between 10/1/2012 and 9/30/2018 (N=17,962). We linked VA and CMS healthcare records to determine diagnosis of dementia or MCI within 3 years prior to incarceration. The overall sample had a mean age of 62.4 (±7.6) years at the start of their incarceration, were largely male (97%), and were 65% White and 30% Black. Before incarceration, 445 (2.5%) and 152 (0.8%) Veterans were diagnosed with dementia and MCI, respectively. Compared to those without a diagnosis of dementia or MCI prior to incarceration, those with dementia or MCI were older at incarceration start (66.1 [±8.3] vs. 62.3 [±7.9]), had more chronic medical conditions (4.0 [±2.2] vs. 2.2 [±1.9]), were more likely to experience homelessness (21.6% vs. 9.1%), have a TBI (24.5% vs. 9.1%), and have serious mental illness (81.7% vs. 49.1%). All comparisons were significant (p&lt;.001). Our findings indicate that later-life adults with dementia or MCI are being incarcerated. Improved understanding of pathways linking cognitive impairment to later-life incarceration is needed to both prevent unnecessary incarceration and to help provide appropriate healthcare for this vulnerable group.
Adapting Training and Use of an Application for Cognitively Impaired Older Adults Amidst COVID-19
Authors: Falzarano Francesca , Weingast Sarah , Gladstone-Groth Gabriel , Ceruso Marco , Czaja Sara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements have resulted in disruptions to daily life, reduced opportunities for social engagement, and diminished resource access for millions of older adults. Individuals with cognitive impairments (CI) are particularly vulnerable to risk for social isolation. This presentation will discuss the PRISM-CI pilot trial, which aims to examine the feasibility and potential efficacy of the PRISM-CI software system on enhancing connectivity and quality of life among a diverse sample of 50 older adults aged 65 and over with a CI. PRISM-CI, adapted from the PRISM system (developed by the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement) for this population, is intended to support social engagement, memory, and access to resources and information. We will present data regarding the feasibility and perceived value of PRISM-CI and discuss the challenges, and strategies used, to adapt the PRISM-CI trial during the pandemic. We used a multi-modal approach to provide remote training and specialized tablet instruction that includes individualized training sessions tailored to individuals’ learning needs, hobbies, and prior technology use. The adapted protocol also involves the use of remote access software for troubleshooting. We will also discuss how participant feedback guided the inclusion of additional features, such as Zoom videoconferencing and virtual library access, for the PRISM-CI application. Finally, we will demonstrate how the adaptation of the PRISM-CI protocol holds promise for the use of flexible, remote technology approaches to reach socially isolated older adults to foster psychosocial well-being.
Frailty Status Moderates the Association Between Self-Efficacy and the Intention to Technology Use
Authors: Kang Miseon , Song Si Young , Jung Inhye , Kim YoonMyung , Kim Chang Oh , Jun Hey Jung 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study examined how the status of frailty moderated the association between the self-efficacy about gerontechnology use and the intention to use gerontechnology (IUG) among Korean older adults. In this study, gerontechnology devices referred to exoskeleton robots for exercise. The data was collected through an online survey in February 2021, and 324 Korean older adults aged 65 and above were included in the analysis (Women: 50.9%, Men: 49.1%). The dependent variable was the intention to use gerontechnology from the Almere model (Heerink, 2010) and the independent variable was self-efficacy about gerontechnology use from the Senior Technology Acceptance Model(Chen & Chan, 2014). Both were measured as continuous variables. The moderating variable was the status of frailty (Non-frail=0, Frail=1). Age, gender, education level, and log-transformed household income were controlled for. Multiple linear regression to examine moderation effect was conducted using PROCESS Macro model 1. The findings showed that frailty status moderates the association between self-efficacy and IUG among Korean older adults. Concretely, the higher self-efficacy about gerontechnology use, the lower IUG for non-frail Korean older adults. However, the main effect of self-efficacy was non-significant for the frail sample. Even though self-efficacy has been known to affect the variables related to technology use or acceptance positively, the results suggest that there may exist differences in research results depending on participants' health status. The type of gerontechnology devices may also have affected the results. Further exploration is needed to the interaction effects of potential influencing factors on the gerontechnology acceptance model.
The Role of Age-Friendly Environment between Cognitive Ability and Attitude towards Gerontechnology
Authors: Jung Inhye , Kang Miseon , Song Si Young , Lim Yun Mook , Jun Hey Jung 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study examined the impact of the age-friendly environment on the association between cognitive ability and the attitude towards gerontechnology. The participants were 277 Korean young-old age 65 through 74. The data were collected by an online survey conducted in February 2021. The dependent variable was the attitude towards gerontechnology sum of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived adaptability (Heerink et al., 2010; Xu et al., 2015). The independent variable was the cognitive ability of participants to report on their own. The moderating variable was the age-friendly environment sum of physical, service-side, and cultural conditions. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the relation between cognitive ability and the attitude towards gerontechnology. The moderating effect was then analyzed using PROCESS macro and bootstrapping. Results show that cognitive ability has a positive effect on the attitude towards gerontechnology, and the age-friendly environment has softened its effectiveness. When participants were living in a more age-friendly environment, their attitude toward gerontechnology was less affected by their cognitive ability. However, when age-friendly environmental condition scores above 62 (out of 75), the environmental aspect did not affect the association between cognitive ability and attitudes to gerontechnology. This study suggests that the age-friendly environment can narrow the disparity of the attitude towards gerontechnology depending on the cognitive capability levels under certain conditions. Regarding the attitude towards technology may affect the actual use, the possibility of environmental help is meaningful.
Voices of Caregivers: Key Demands Towards AI-driven Home Monitoring in Community-based Dementia Care
Authors: Wrede Christian , Braakman-Jansen Annemarie , van Gemert-Pijnen Lisette 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
While most people with dementia prefer to live at home for as long as possible, this also puts more pressure on both their informal and formal care network. To provide support in home-based dementia care, there is growing interest in technology that allows caregivers to remotely monitor health and safety of people with dementia. Novel generations of these technologies are using non-wearable, pervasive sensors coupled with algorithms to continuously collect and model meaningful in-home information. However, while these self-learning monitoring systems develop rapidly, their target users’ views and demands are still insufficiently mapped out. To identify possible barriers to acceptance and ways to overcome these, we conducted a scenario-based study, including semi-structured interviews with informal caregivers (n=19) and focus groups with home care professionals (n=16) of community-dwelling people with dementia. Inductive qualitative content analysis revealed that both groups of caregivers were concerned about the informational privacy of their care recipient with dementia, information overload, and ethical issues related to dehumanizing care. Identified demands mainly centered around how to overcome these barriers. We identified several demands related to specific functionalities, user experience factors, services surrounding the technology, and integration into the existing work context. Most notably, caregivers highlighted the importance of introducing AI-driven in-home monitoring technologies in a way it prevents them from feeling undervalued. In conclusion, our findings can help to inform the development of more acceptable and unobtrusive in-home monitoring technologies to support home-based dementia care.
Genomic Analysis Of NAD+ Synthesis Pathways Involved In Aging and Cancer
Authors: Meyers Jeremy , Castro-Portuguez Raul , Espejo Luis , Sutphin George 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cancer cells have elevated energy demands to sustain continuous growth and other malignant processes and undergo extensive metabolic reprogramming to meet these demands. One element of this reprogramming in many cancer subtypes is elevated synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical co-enzyme that supports energy production through both glycolysis and the TCA cycle. The kynurenine metabolic pathway is the evolutionarily conserved means by which cells produce NAD+ de novo from tryptophan. NAD+ levels drop with age, a contributing factor to many forms of age-related disease. While interventions that increase NAD+ have been shown to extend lifespan, previous work from our lab demonstrates that knockdown of several kynurenine pathway enzymes, thus decreasing de novo NAD+ production, results in increased longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans by 20-30%. To address this apparent contradiction, we propose that kynurenine pathway inhibition may produce metabolic feedback that results in upregulation of NAD+ recycling. Eukaryotic cells recycle NAD+ from nicotinamide (NAM) through one of two pathways: the Salvage pathway in mammalian cells and the Preiss-Handler pathway in C. elegans and related invertebrates species. We are using tools in C. elegans and human cell culture to examine the interaction between kynurenine/de novo NAD+ synthesis and NAD+ recycling through Salvage and Preiss-Handler. In particular, we are interested in how combining interventions between these pathways will influence activity throughout the NAD+ metabolic networks (measured via mass spectrometry), physiological phenotypes, and transcriptomic changes (via RNA sequence data) involved in aging and age-associated disease.
Plasma Biomarkers of Angiogenesis Related to Small Vessel Brain Disease in SPRINT
Authors: Pajewski Nicholas , Elahi Fanny , Ix Joachim , Nasrallah Ilya , Hinman Jason , Launer Lenore , Williamson Jeff , Wilcock Donna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Meta-analyses incorporating the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) have shown a reduced incidence of dementia with blood pressure lowering. However, mechanistic explanations for this effect are lacking, apart from slowed progression of cerebral white matter lesions (WML). Here we examine possible biomarkers of angiogenesis related to small vessel brain disease including bFGF, FLT1, PLGF, TIE-2, VEGF, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. The biomarkers were assayed in plasma at baseline and during follow-up (median follow-up = 3.8 years) in a subgroup of participants 60 to 89 years old from SPRINT (N=517). We modeled changes in each biomarker using robust linear mixed models accounting for treatment group, time since randomization, and kidney function. Participants were 69.8 ± 7.1 (standard deviation) years of age, 42.1% female, with a mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 138.2 ± 17.0 mm Hg. At baseline, none of the biomarkers were associated with WML lesion volume or total brain volumes adjusting for age (all p&gt;0.05), while FLT1, PLGF, and TIE-2 were negatively associated with frontal gray matter cerebral blood flow (partial correlations of -0.11, -0.10, and -0.12 respectively, all p&lt;0.05). For both intensive (target SBP&lt;120 mm Hg) and standard (target SBP&lt;140 m Hg) blood pressure control, mean levels for the majority of biomarkers increased during follow-up, with the exceptions of TIE-2 (decreased over follow-up) and VEGF-D (no change). We did not observe significant between-group differences for the change in these plasma biomarkers of angiogenesis comparing intensive to standard blood pressure treatment.
Using Threshold Regression as an Approach to Incorporate Informative Missingness in Long Life Family Study Data
Authors: Zhbannikov Ilya , Arbeev Konstantin , Bagley Olivia , Loika Yuriy , Kulminski Alexander , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Stallard Eric , Yashin Anatoliy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Genetics of aging is important since aging is a major risk factor in most diseases. Variables describing physiological state and cognitive functioning that influence morbidity and mortality risks can serve as biomarkers of aging. They change with increasing age and the ways in which these variables change can also influence these risks. Missing data due to dropout or death create problems in longitudinal studies producing biased results especially if the gap between exams is relatively long, as is the case in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS). We applied the threshold regression model to LLFS data to investigate the vitality and its rate, which are conceptualized as latent variables characterizing health and longevity, and to cope with such a problem. We performed genome-wide association study by sex and age groups to discover genetic signals on these phenotypes. We found 11 variants from the DACT2 gene, p-values &lt; 1E-6 and variants rs12151399 (p-value = 8.43E-8, intron variant, gene AGAP1, in females), rs27958 (p-value = 8.39E-8, intron variant, gene ARHGAP26, in males) showing associations with the vitality. Olfactory receptors showed significant enrichment among the group of males over 80 years for the rate of aging phenotype. Results showed that vitality and its rate differ among sex and age groups. This work is an important step toward understanding the processes of aging linking the vitality with individual genetics using data from deceased and living individuals.
Effects of Smoking Cessation on Epigenetic Aging
Authors: Chen Brian , Wang Weiye , Rigby Nichole , Olson Randal , Sabes Steve 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
“Epigenetic clocks” have become widely used to assess individual rates of biological aging. However, experimental data are limited in humans to identify potential confounding factors that may influence one’s rate of epigenetic aging and multiple health outcomes. We examined multiple epigenetic aging measures among regular smokers who quit smoking for two weeks. DNA methylation markers were assessed in both whole blood and saliva at multiple time points using a customized DNA methylation microarray. Generally, no changes in epigenetic aging rates were detected in the two week observation period with the exception of pronounced decreases over time in rate of Hannum’s clock and Extrinsic Epigenetic Age Acceleration in blood DNA. In saliva DNA, decreases over time were detected in the rates of the GrimAge and DNAmPhenoAge clocks, but we saw an increase in the rate of the Skin and Blood Clock. Additional experimental studies of other common exposures may be useful to better characterize factors that may affect the observed “rate” of epigenetic aging.
Hematopoietic mosaic chromosomal alterations in the New England Centenarian Study.
Authors: Leshchyk Anastasia , Genovese Giulio , Monti Stefano , Perls Thomas , Sebastiani Paola 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs) are structural alterations that include deletions, duplications, or copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity. mCAs are reported to be associated with survival, age, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Previous studies of mCAs in large population-based cohorts (UK Biobank, MGBB, BioBank Japan, and FinnGen) have demonstrated a steady increase of mCAs as people age. The distribution of mCAs in centenarians and their offspring is not well characterized. We applied MOsaic CHromosomal Alteration (MoChA) caller on 2298 genome-wide genotype samples of 1582 centenarians, 443 centenarians’ offspring, and 273 unrelated controls from the New England Centenarian Study (NECS). Integrating Log R ratio and B-allele frequency (BAF) intensities with genotype phase information, MoChA employs a Hidden Markov Model to detect mCA-induced deviations in allelic balance at heterozygous sites consistent with genotype phase in the DNA microarray data. We analyzed mCAs spanning over 100 k base pairs, with an estimated cell fraction less than 50%, within samples with genome-wide BAF phase concordance across phased heterozygous sites less than 0.51, and with LOD score of more than 10 for the model based on BAF and genotype phase. Our analysis showed that somatic mCAs increase with older age up to approximately 102 years, but the prevalence of the subjects with mCAs tend to decrease after that age, thus suggesting that accumulation of mCAs is less prevalent in long-lived individuals. We also used Poisson regression to show that centenarians and their offspring tend to accumulate less mCA (RR = 0.63, p=0.045) compared to the controls.
Exercise During Childhood Protects Against Cardiac Dysfunction Later in Life
Authors: Bruns Danielle , DeHoff MacKenzie , Yusifov Aykhan , Polson Sydney , Cook Ross , Schmitt Emily , Woulfe Kathleen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cardiovascular disease continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in aging populations. Exercise is amongst the most cardioprotective interventions identified to date, with early in life exercise such as during the juvenile period potentially imparting even more cardioprotective outcomes due to the plasticity of the developing heart. To test the hypothesis that juvenile exercise would impart later in life cardioprotection, we exercised juvenile male and female mice via voluntary wheel running from 3-5 weeks of age and then exposed them to cardiac stress by isoproterenol (ISO) at 4-6 and 18 months of age in adulthood and older age, respectively. We compared cardiac function and remodeling to sedentary control animals, sedentary animals who received ISO, and adult and aged mice that exercised for two weeks immediately before ISO exposure. Juvenile mice engaged in voluntarily wheel running, with male mice running 1.3 ± 0.8 km and female mice 2.8 ± 1.0 km a day. Echocardiography suggested that these juvenile animals underwent running-induced cardiac remodeling as evidenced by higher ejection fraction and stroke volume compared to sedentary controls. Exercise in the juvenile period attenuated ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling later in life compared to sedentary animals and those that exercised immediately before ISO administration. The mechanisms by which early versus late exercise is protective in adult and aged mice are under investigation. Further ongoing work will identify the adaptations induced by exercise in the juvenile heart that may help improve cardiac aging.
Losartan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in the Brains of Aged IL10-/- Mice
Authors: Saleh Nazaneen , Cosarderelioglu Caglar , Vajapey Ramya , Walston Jeremy , Abadir Peter M 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Chronic inflammation has been linked to frailty and declined cognition in older adults. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) through the angiotensin Type1 receptor (AT1R) has been suggested as a contributory factor that links both inflammation and aging. Here we examined the impact of 4 weeks of oral Losartan treatment on IL10-/- mice brains, a mouse model of chronic inflammation and frailty. Frontal cortex, cerebellar, and hippocampal tissue of aged (100 weeks old) male IL10-/- mice were studied. Western blot techniques were employed to quantify changes in brain AT1R, nitrotyrosine (NT) as an oxidative stress marker, and Tau proteins. Our data show that aged IL-10 mice have significantly higher levels of AT1R in the cortex tissue but not in cerebellar or hippocampal tissue compared to age and sex-matched WT mice (0.63 + 0.35 vs 1.5 + 0.54, WT vs IL10, respectively, P&lt;0.004). When treated with LOS, brain cortical tissue of IL10 -/- mice showed significant decreases in levels of AT1R (1.5 + 0.54 vs 0.98 + 0.50, IL10 vs LOS treated IL10, respectively, P&lt;0.04), NT (0.72 + 0.12 vs 0.42 + 0.10, IL10 vs LOS treated IL10, respectively, P&lt;0.009), and Tau protein (1.3 + 0.31 vs 0.15 + 0.08, IL10 vs LOS treated IL10, respectively, P&lt;0.004) as compared to control IL10-/- mice. Losartan treatment had no significant effect on hippocampal AT1R or NT levels. Our results highlight the impact of Losartan, a drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, on the brain-specific angiotensin system and its downstream effects on brain oxidative stress and Tau pathology.