bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UNDERSTANDING INCLUSIVE PHYSICAL PLACES AND VIRTUAL SPACES: THE FORTITUDE OF OLDER MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES
Authors: Fang Mei Lan , Sixsmith Judith , Buell Susan , Chadwick Darren , Almack Kathryn , Vytniorgu Richard , Tai Joe 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) agenda emphasizes collaboration among older individuals, local groups, councils, and businesses to enhance communities. This involves improvements in several social and environmental domains including transportation, outdoor spaces, volunteering, employment opportunities, and leisure and community services. IncludeAge, a UK Economic and Social Research Council funded project, addresses multifaceted aspects of age-friendly communities beyond the emphasis on social and physical environments, highlighting the importance of belonging and identity alongside cultural and life course experiences. Focusing on physical and online places and spaces, IncludeAge takes intersectional and life course perspectives to understanding the inclusion of mid-older (40+) people who are often marginalized: those with intellectual disabilities and LGBT+ individuals. Employing a transdisciplinary, innovative mixed-methods approach and guided by Community-Based Participatory Research principles, our longitudinal study uses life course interviews, GIS story mapping and social network analysis to document experiences of inclusion and exclusion in past lives and current real-time. Preliminary insights underscore the importance of the cultural and historical dynamics of experienced stigma and discrimination, the value of ‘hidden spaces and places’ and ‘experiences on the periphery’. We use the Intersectional Place Perspective (IPP) theoretical model to aid interpretation. Through co-developed story maps and individual narratives, we aim to amplify the voices of marginalized groups in designing potential solutions to exclusionary experiences and practices, fostering empowerment and social inclusion. Our research will advance understanding of AFCC and community inclusion as a human right, thereby supporting meaningful everyday lives for our focal populations.
UNVEILING THE DIFFERENTIAL IMPACT OF NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE AFFECT ON SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE PERCEPTIONS
Authors: Gehling Jacklyn , Marx Hannah , Dhaliwal Ravneet , Harris Steven , Robertson Frank , Chenoweth Claudia Jacova 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) is a state of perceived decline in cognitive abilities that may mark Alzheimer’s disease onset and may be influenced by affective and personality factors. This study aimed to examine the distinct impact of negative and positive affect on SCD burden in older adults. The sample included 279 cognitively healthy, community-dwelling participants, aged 60-96 (M=73.8), 52% female, education 10-20 years (M=14.9). Participants completed an online survey including demographics, depression (PHQ-2, M=.51), perceived memory difficulties (ECog-Memory, M=12.4), and affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, PANAS, M=13.7 and M=7.1 respectively). Separate regression analyses of ECog-Memory showed that PANAS-Negative (B=.35, ΔR²=.05, p&lt;.001) but not PANAS-Positive (B=-.08, ΔR²=.008, p=.12), added explained variance beyond demographics and depression. Further exploration of PANAS-Positive, incorporating its interaction with education due to trending significance (p=.08), showed that PANAS-Negative (B=.35, p&lt;.001), but not PANAS-Positive (B=.52) or the interaction (B=-.04), contributed explained variance (ΔR²=.07). Our findings highlight the significant influence of negative affect on the subjective cognitive perceptions of older adults. Elevated negative affect is correlated with diminished subjective cognitive perceptions, and notably, this association remains independent of endorsed depression. Interestingly, positive affect, a known protective factor in AD-related cognitive decline, does not seem to have an impact on subjective cognition.
BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES: A COMPARATIVE EXAMINATION OF SUBJECTIVE MEMORY AND AGING MEASURES
Authors: Harris Steven , Gehling Jacklyn , Marx Hannah , Dhaliwal Ravneet , Robertson Frank , Chenoweth Claudia Jacova 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Understanding subjective cognition is imperative as it offers valuable insights into individuals’ perceptions, beliefs, and interpretations regarding their cognitive abilities, exerting a profound influence on their overall well-being and behavior. This study sought to explore perceptions of subjective cognition and aging among a national sample of community-dwelling older adults (n=279, M=73.8, education M=14.9, 52% female). In particular, we evaluated relationships between three measures of subjective cognition and aging: subjective memory complaints, subjective memory age, and subjective age. Everyday Cognition-Memory (ECog-mem) items were summed to measure memory complaints; memory age identity (MAI) was obtained by subtracting subjective memory age from chronological age; Subjective age identity (SAI) was calculated by subtracting subjective age from chronological age. We also assessed subjective health and objective memory using AVLT-Delayed recall. We conducted three hierarchical regression analyses to predict ECog-mem, MAI, and SAI. In each model, we entered age and education in the first step, subjective health and objective memory (AVLT) in the second, and depression (PHQ-2) in the third. Our sample reported a low burden of memory complaints (M=12.35) and a younger subjective than chronological age: MAI (M=-10.82) and SAI (M=-9.86). These measures were only moderately correlated (range r.29-.64). Better health ratings predicted lower ECog-mem (B=1.387, p&lt;.001), younger MAI (B=4.16, p&lt;.001), and younger SAI (B=4.72, p&lt;.001), and these contributions remained after PHQ2 entry. Objective memory did not contribute to the prediction. Subjective cognition and aging measures appear to capture somewhat different experiences, but these are all influenced by perceptions of health.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE GENOMIC, BIOLOGIC, AND BEHAVIORAL PATHWAYS AMONG EXCEPTIONAL LONGEVITY FAMILIES
Authors: Wojczynski Mary , Cosentino Stephanie , Raghavachari Nalini 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and its prevalence rates increase sharply in older adults aged 65 and above. Examining whether long-lived families are protected against dementia, and the predictors of dementia within these families, can inform genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors associated with dementia-free survival and the delay of pathological aging. The Long Life Family Study (LLFS), funded by the National Institute on Aging, is an international collaborative study of the genetics and familial components of exceptional longevity and healthy aging. We phenotyped 4,953 individuals from 539 two-generational families (1,727 proband; 3,226 offspring) at baseline (2006-2009), with up to two follow-up in-person visits. These longitudinal, comprehensive in-person visits measured domains of healthy aging, including physical performance, cognition, and blood markers. Extensive genetic analyses were performed using the baseline blood draw, including GWAS chip, linkage analyses, WGS, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Collectively, this symposium will present novel findings that examined genomic, biological, and behavioral pathways to AD. Specifically, Dr. Xicota will discuss results of the impact of sampling on the limitations of population polygenic risk scores for dementia. Then, Dr. Arbeev will share findings on the longitudinal changes of lysophosphatidylcholine and risk of incident AD. Next, Dr. Cheng will explain results of a multi-omic analysis of the effect of lipids on AD. Lastly, Dr. Gu will discuss analyses of sleep duration in relation to cognition in LLFS. As Discussant, Dr. Nalini Raghavachari from the NIA will share insights and propose future directions for LLFS.
GENES, LIPIDS, AND ALZHEIMER DISEASE RISK IN FAMILIES WITH EXCEPTIONAL LONGEVITY
Authors: Cheng Rong , Xicota Laura , Rodriguez Sandra Barral , Honig Lawrence , Patti Gary , Lee Joseph 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Clinical studies have consistently shown that various classes of lipids are involved in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). To better understand the biological processes involved, we examined three layers of omic data from the Long Life Family Study (LLFS), which aimed to investigate the biological basis of familial exceptional longevity. Using 3,059 US participants, we performed a multi-stage analysis examining whole genome sequencing, transcriptomic, and lipidomic data. In addition, we examined two independent datasets for confirmation: the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort, representing the general population; and the Multiomic Studies of Alzheimer’s Disease in Adults with Down Syndrome (omicsADDS), representing the high-risk Down Syndrome cohort. First, to identify biologically relevant lipids, we identified 18 lipids of 188 were shown to be highly heritable and were associated with AD risk. Our genome search of 18 lipids yielded two loci: 11q12.2 included MYRF, TMEM258, FEN1, FADS1, FADS2, and FADS3 as candidate genes; while 20p12.1 included SPTLC3 and LINC01723. After excluding genes not differentially expressed between affected and unaffected individuals, genes on 11q12.2 were associated with five lipids, including classes of triacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and lysophophatidylcholine. In contrast, genes on 20p12.1 were associated with the class of ceramide non-hydroxy fatty acid-sphingosine. Lastly, we confirmed the 11q12.2 associations observed in LLFS in the ADNI and omicsADDS datasets. In sum, we showed that 11 AD-associated lipids were associated with genes on 11q12.2 in LLFS and were confirmed in the general population and the high-risk cohort.
LOWER COMMUNITY LIVABILITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER DEMENTIA PREVALENCE AMONG WOMEN IN SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTIES
Authors: Alhasan Dana , Wende Marilyn , Antonucci Toni , Dallo Florence , Miller Maggi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Community livability may be associated with lower dementia prevalence through access to healthcare professionals, for example. Given the high rates of dementia among older adults with a disproportionate impact on women, there is a need to understand how community livability may buffer against dementia and mitigate gender disparities. Yet, few studies have considered community livability as an exposure. Therefore, our exploratory study determined county-level associations between community livability and dementia prevalence by gender in South Carolina (SC). We retrieved county-level dementia prevalent cases in 2016 among ≥50 years old (N=46) from the SC Alzheimer’s Disease Registry. Community livability data (categorized into tertiles) were obtained from the American Association of Retired Persons’ Livability Index in 2018, which included seven domains: housing, neighborhood, transportation, physical environment, healthcare access, social engagement, and economic as well as educational opportunity. We conducted OLS regression analysis adjusting for county-level rurality to estimate beta coefficients and p-values. The study included 48.6% women (n=622) and 51.4% men (n=656). In adjusted analyses, low vs. high livability was associated with higher dementia prevalence (B=0.38; p-value=0.31). Although not statistically significant, the findings are in the expected direction. Low vs. high livability was associated with higher dementia among women (B=0.11; p-value=0.69), but lower dementia among men (B= -0.78; p-value=0.07). Our novel findings regarding communities with higher livability being associated with lower dementia highlight the potential health benefits of enhancing the livability of communities and is a first step towards future research to better understand this understudied relationship.
USING PROJECT ECHO FOR GERIATRIC TRAINING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Ross Sarah , Luk-Jones Susanna , Murphy Sara , Biggerstaff Matthew , Severance Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Expanding geriatric education and training to health care teams using the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model can improve access to quality geriatric care in rural communities. The UNTHSC Center for Older Adults applied the Project ECHO model to deliver interactive videoconferencing sessions and connect interprofessional teams of geriatric specialists with primary care providers and the nursing home workforce. Recruitment included social media marketing and mailing campaigns to target rural and other underserved communities in Texas and the surrounding regions. Training was offered as weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly ECHO sessions featuring specialist-led didactic presentations followed by interactive breakout discussions across a variety of geriatric topics in dementia care, workforce considerations, and age-friendly healthcare. Participants completed post-session surveys to track changes in geriatric care knowledge, skills, and abilities using a five-point Likert scale. From September 2019 to September 2022, a total of 157 ECHO sessions were conducted with 437 unique participants from 77 counties in 14 states. Of these 77 counties, 23 (29.9%) were rural. The most common job titles were nursing (36.2%), administration and leadership (24.9%), physician (12.1%) and student (7.9%). Out of the 437 unique attendees, 158 (36.2%) participated in at least 25% of the sessions. Participants completed post-session surveys to track changes in geriatric care knowledge, skills, and abilities using a five-point Likert scale, with positive scores on all measures.
PERSPECTIVES ON SENSORIZATION IN THE NURSING HOME SETTING AMONG LEADERS, STAFF, RESIDENTS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS
Authors: Holmes Sarah , Doran Kelly , Balogun Zainab , Kim Yoon Chung , Davis Lewis , Zimmerman Luke , Yus Roberto , Reynolds Tera 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sensorization, the process of adding smart devices (e.g., wearable or motion sensors) to spaces that can sense the environment and connect to the Internet, has numerous benefits such as improving patient outcomes, reducing clinical errors, and measuring provider stress to offer real-time interventions. However, decisions about which sensors to use can involve trade-offs including cost, accuracy, usability, and privacy. We sought to describe stakeholder perspectives toward sensorization in the nursing home. Guided by community-based participatory principles, this descriptive study included place-based observations of the nursing home environment, structured surveys to identify a priority goal that can be addressed with sensors, and qualitative interviews. The purposive sample of 25 participants included nursing home leaders (n=2), care staff (n=5), residents (n=10) and family members (n=8). Surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The top priority goal identified was staff stress reduction and additional goals were resident fall prevention and staff workflow and efficiency. Sensorization plans were developed and tailored to address this goal, and interviews were conducted with participants (n=25) to understand their perceptions of the plans. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed in NVivo12. Themes were identified in four topic areas: 1) information types collected by sensors; 2) data sharing privacy concerns; 3) sensor location and usability; and 4) implementation feasibility. Findings shed light on the unique perspectives of the stakeholders on how they view and value the use of sensors which will inform additional research on sensorization in nursing homes to overcome implementation barriers using a systematic, participatory process.
PERCEPTIONS OF THE “GOOD LIFE” AMONG NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA, FAMILY, AND STAFF
Authors: Benfer Jessica , Tucker Gretchen , Cagle John 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Providing high quality care to nursing home residents with dementia and enhancing their quality of life is complicated by a variety of noteworthy challenges (e.g., staff turnover, difficult transitions, quarantines). Our objective was to characterize perceptions of the “Good Life” among nursing home residents with dementia, families, and staff from a nationally derived sample of nursing homes. Using Gitlin’s “Good Life” model as a conceptual framework, 46 mixed-method interviews were conducted over the phone among 11 residents with dementia, 19 family members, and 16 staff from seven nursing homes across the United States. For resident interviews, family members or staff were present to help facilitate the interviews. Data were analyzed thematically. Overall, efforts were viewed as positive in nursing homes to support engaging environments for residents with dementia. Residents in our sample had better days when there was an easy-to-follow schedule of daily events and they felt connected with others, including having positive interactions with staff. Family members reported better days when they were reassured that they were doing what is right for their loved one and could balance caretaking with the rest of their lives. Staff were primarily concerned that residents were well cared for and their needs were met. Findings provide insight into several potential avenues to better promote the Good Life among nursing home residents with dementia, their families, and staff.
IMPLEMENTING EPIC-VR IN HEALTH CARE: ALIGNING VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING WITH ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND READINESS
Authors: Savundranayagam Marie , Norris Grace , Malheiro Grace , Schumann Annette , Campos Jennifer , Orange Joseph 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Be EPIC-VR is a virtual reality (VR)-based person-centered communication training for frontline healthcare workers in dementia care. The current study investigated factors influencing the successful implementation of Be EPIC-VR in home care and long-term care, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Participants included eight managers from four care settings. Managers were chosen for their decision-making roles in enabling their teams to take Be EPIC-VR. Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after Be EPIC-VR’s implementation and analyzed using framework analysis. Two themes emerged: organizational context and organizational readiness. Organizational context had two subthemes: increased training needs and staffing resources. Managers identified dementia-specific training needs evolving from limited training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staffing-related resources, such as scheduling and backfilling, were essential for implementation. This organizational context shaped the organizational readiness for Be EPIC-VR, which was evidenced by three subthemes: relative priority for Be EPIC-VR, relative advantage of Be EPIC-VR, and tailoring strategies for successful implementation. Managers prioritized Be EPIC-VR’s implementation because it aligned with organizational goals to support communication and address responsive behaviours. Managers reported on the relative advantage of Be EPIC-VR compared with existing training programs, emphasizing its interactive VR simulations, the ability to practice new skills in a safe environment, and personalized feedback. Tailored strategies affecting implementation included having sufficient resources to support remote delivery, piloting with small groups, and promoting an openness to VR technology. The findings underscore the value of aligning innovations with organizational goals and tailoring implementation plans to specific organizational contexts.
INEQUALITIES IN OLDER ADULTS’ LIFELONG LEARNING: HOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS SHAPES PARTICIPATION AND BENEFITS
Authors: Chin Shu Yee , Chua Jolin , Widjaja Nathan , Ang Shannon , Malhotra Rahul 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although lifelong learning has been increasingly utilized to promote active ageing, research increasingly suggests that older adults with lower socio-economic statuses (SES) may face unique barriers to participation in these programs. Simultaneously, we know little about whether SES moderates the well-being benefits of lifelong learning programs. Using two waves of data (2016-17; 2019) from a nationally representative sample of Singaporeans aged 60 and above (n = 2,508), this study investigates whether older adults’ SES shapes their participation and benefits reaped from lifelong learning programs. Firstly, we used a multinomial logistic regression model to examine the relationships between SES and participation in job-related and nonjob-related lifelong learning programs. Secondly, we used lagged dependent variable regression analyses with inverse probability weight adjustments to examine whether SES moderated the relationship between lifelong learning participation and quality of life, while addressing potential selection biases into lifelong learning participation. Findings indicate that older adults with higher educational attainment and occupational prestige had greater participation in both job- and nonjob-related lifelong learning. Moderation analyses further showed that the effects of nonjob-related learning on quality of life were only significant for those with lower SES. In summary, these findings suggest that although lower-SES older adults benefit more from participation in lifelong learning programs, they are also less likely to participate in such programs. Results highlight the need to make programs more accessible to lower-SES older adults. Future research should continue to investigate the mechanisms through which SES moderates the benefits of lifelong learning for well-being outcomes.
LONELINESS AMONG LONG-TERM SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS: A GENDER-BASED ANALYSIS USING THE CLSA
Authors: Li Lun , Wister Andrew , Lee Yeonjung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Spousal caregivers tend to undertake the most care for their loved ones. As a result, spousal caregivers also experience worse caregiving outcomes, including loneliness, than other types of caregivers. This study used three waves of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (2011 to 2021), and longitudinal analyses with the Linear mixed model were performed to examine the loneliness (measured by UCLA 3-item loneliness scale) of spousal caregivers over time. A total of 1569 participants were identified as long-term spousal caregivers (849 male and 720 female). The results showed that female spousal caregivers reported both a higher level of loneliness at the beginning and a greater increase of loneliness over time than male spousal caregivers. Besides participants’ demographic, social-economic and health-related factors, caregiving hours, social participation, and social support are the key predictors of loneliness. At the same time, female spousal caregivers experience a steeper increase in caregiver hours, and a greater decrease in social participation and social support over time. These disparities in changes over time amplify the negative impacts of caregiving on female spousal caregivers. The findings reveal the greater caregiver burden taken by female spousal caregivers than male ones over time. The study supports future programs and services for female spousal caregivers to manage caregiving tasks better and maintain active social interaction to balance caregiving and social life.