bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erectile Function, Sexual Satisfaction, and Cognitive Decline in Men from Midlife to Old Age
Authors: Slayday Riki , Bell Tyler , Lyons Michael , Kremen William , Franz Carol 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We investigated how changes in erectile function and sexual satisfaction relate to cognitive decline in men from midlife into early old age. This is a major transitional period for increased incidence of erectile function and for cognitive decline. We examined 833 men from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging whose mean ages were 56, 61, and 68 at the time of assessment. Erectile function and sexual satisfaction were measured using scores from the International Index of Erectile Function. Individuals with erectile dysfunction at baseline were excluded. Cognitive performance was measured using factor scores for separate domains of episodic memory, executive function, and processing speed. We tested linear mixed models hierarchically adjusted for demographics, sexual activity, as well as physical and mental health confounders to examine how changes in erectile function and sexual satisfaction related to changes in cognitive function. Declines in erectile function were associated with declines in episodic memory (p=.004, d=.25), while declines in sexual satisfaction were associated with declines in processing speed (p=.006, d=.19). Decreasing erectile function and sexual satisfaction may be indicative of individuals also likely to be facing cognitive decline. Possible mechanisms accounting for these changes may include white matter microvascular disease and/or various lifestyle influences. Discussing and tracking sexual health with middle aged men may be a crucial step in identifying those likely to face cognitive decline.
Comparison of Embedded Sensor Data for Long-Term Care Residents Before and After Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Robinson Erin , Wu Wenlong , Park Geunhye , Tefera Gashaye M , Lane Kari , Skubic Marjorie , Keller James , Popescu Mihail 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults have experienced greater isolation and mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. In long-term care (LTC) settings, residents have been particularly impacted due to strict lockdown policies. Little is known about how these policies have impacted older adults. This study leveraged existing research with embedded sensors installed in LTC settings, and analyzed sensor data of residents (N=30) two months pre/post the onset of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic (1/13/20 to 3/13/20, 03/14/20 to 5/13/20). Data from three sensors (bed sensors, depth sensors, and motion sensors) were analyzed for each resident using paired t-tests, which generated information on the resident’s pulse, respiration, sleep, gait, and motion in entering/exiting their front door, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. A 14.4% decrease was observed in front door motion in the two months post-onset of the pandemic, as well as a 2.4% increase in average nighttime respiration, and a 7.6% increase in nighttime bed restlessness. Over half of our sample (68%) had significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in restlessness. These results highlight the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing policies on older adults living in LTC. While it is not surprising that significant differences were found in the front door motion sensor, the bed sensor data can potentially shed light on how sleep was impacted during this time. As older adults experienced additional mental health concerns during this time, their normal sleep patterns could have been affected. Implications could help inform LTC staff, healthcare providers, and self-management of health approaches among older adults.
Large Scale Survey Research with Older Adults/Persons with Disabilities in a Public Health Crisis
Authors: Dys Sarah , Huebner Hannah , Van Tongeren Norma Carrillo- , Sirk Courtney , Urman Harold , Coddington Cathy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Best practice for measuring quality improvement and consumer satisfaction of health and human services for older adults and people with disabilities relies on in-person survey administration. This poster highlights adaptation strategies undertaken across three large-scale evaluation studies of program/service delivery conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a departure from in-person techniques: 1) Integrated Satisfaction Measurement for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (I-SAT-PACE), 2) National Core Indicators- Aging and Disabilities/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (NCI-AD/IDD), and 3) Assisted Living Resident Quality of Life (AL-QOL). Data collection for these projects occurred from September 2020 to August 2021, providing an opportunity to showcase project adaptation over the course of the pandemic. Using project implementation examples across 15 states and approximately 10,100 participants, we discuss implications for successful survey coordination, interviewer training, data collection, and participant/stakeholder engagement during a public health emergency. Strategies included pivoting to phone, Zoom, and paper-based data collection and increasing technical assistance for field staff and participants. Project teams were able to increase access to participation by implementing multimodal survey delivery, mitigate coronavirus exposure, continue collecting older adults and people with disabilities’ experiences, and compare results based on method of delivery. Technology barriers, field staff dropout, need for larger sample sizes, and inclusion of participants with dementia, hearing, and speech impairments present important tradeoffs to consider. These examples indicate it is possible to administer hybrid data collection methods across populations with varying cognitive and physical abilities without compromising data quality.
Measuring Covid-related Ageism
Authors: Sokan Amanda , Fain Mindy , Harwood Jake , Insel Kathleen , Chen Zhao , Phillips Linda 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Prejudice, discrimination, and negative stereotypes based on age (ageism) are long-standing and strongly implicated in poor health outcomes and limited access to health care for older adults. Recent writings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic raised the specter of ageism to an entirely new level. Do these observations reflect an exaggeration of “usual” ageism or a unique manifestation of intergenerational tension rooted in resentments of younger people concerning COVID-related disruptions in their lives believed to be primarily a function of older people’s vulnerability to the disease phenomenon? To address this question, the purpose of this study was to develop and test an instrument to measure ageist tendencies associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Scale items, written to reflect attitudes about paternalism, inconvenience, and sacrifice, were assessed for content validity. Then the 12-item scale was administered to 227 undergraduate and graduate students in the health and social sciences. Analysis showed items have strong internal consistency and concurrent and discriminant validity. Importantly the scale explained unique variance over and above other standard measures of ageism. Ageism is deeply embedded in global and U.S. culture and strongly related to negative outcomes. This scale will assist researchers investigating the ageist consequences of the current pandemic and help us to monitor what could be long-term residual ageist effects of the COVID pandemic.
Systematic Review of Psychological Aging Research in Nepal
Authors: Tshering Kezang , Shrestha Srijana , Kamholz Barbara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Nepal faces unprecedented levels of aging similar to trends in many less well-resourced countries. It has limited capacity to address the medical, social and psychological needs of older persons. Difficult choices regarding allocation of resources will be needed. In this review, we hope to clarify what is already known in aging research in Nepal. The databases APA PsychINFO and PubMed were searched. The inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles on i) psychological constructs and mental illnesses, ii) use of original data, iii) inclusion of senior participants and iv) studies conducted in Nepal. Studies that included mixed age group and cross-country comparisons were excluded from this review. The initial search resulted in 76 articles from APA PsychINFO and 590 articles from PubMed. Articles were reviewed independently for inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 49 articles were included in the final list. Preliminary results showed that the largest share of articles focused on depression (32.1%), followed by quality of life/life satisfaction or loneliness(18.9%). A large number of studies also examined prevalence rates of psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders (22.6%). Common conditions, like dementia and delirium were studied only in 1.9% and 3.8% of published studies respectively. All of the studies were cohort-based and none focused on evaluations of psychosocial/medical interventions. Robust intervention studies are needed to help improve the lives of seniors in Nepal. To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive review of published articles on psychological construct in aging populations in Nepal.
The Heritability of Cognitive Aging: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Twin Studies
Authors: Kim Alice , Kam Alyssa , Kofman Maxwell , Beam Christopher 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Heritability of cognitive ability changes across late adulthood, although whether genetic variance increases or decreases in importance is not understood well. We performed a systematic review of the heritability of cognitive ability derived from longitudinal twin studies of middle-aged and older adult twins. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, articles were identified in APA PsycINFO and Clarivate Web of Science electronic databases. Identified articles were screened by title and abstract; remaining full-text articles were then fully evaluated. Reference sections served as an additional method for identification of relevant articles. In total, 3,106 articles were identified and screened, 28 of which were included and were based on data from 10 longitudinal twin studies published from 1994-2021. There are large genetic influences on an initial level of cognitive performance across domains whereas there are small to moderate genetic influences on change in performance with age. Evidence was less definitive about whether the same or different genetic factors contribute to both level and change. Non-shared environmental influences appeared to drive individual changes in cognitive performance. Heritability tended to either be stable or decline after 65 years, possibly because of the increasing importance of non-shared environmental influences on cognitive ability. Recent studies report increases in heritability across specific subtests and domains. Shared environmental variance accounted for little variance in cognitive ability. Emerging research questions and future directions for understanding genetic and environment influences in the context of gene-environment interplay are highlighted in this review.
The impact of HCBS use patterns on older aduts’ physical function among continuous service users
Authors: Chen Ya-Mei , Wu Shih-Cyuan , Chen Kuan-Ming , Hsiang Chen-Wei , Chao Shiau-Fang , Lin Ming-Jen , Hsieh Ji-Lung , Chou Yu-Hsuan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background Taiwan, one of the fastest aging countries in the world, provides home-and community-based services (HCBS) care recipients through the second 10-Year Long-Term Care Plans (LTC Plans 2.0). The current study aimed to examine the impact of continuous use of HCBS offered by LTC plan 2.0 on older adults’ physical function change overtime. Methods This study used the LTC Plan 2.0 database and the National Health Insurance Plan claim dataset, and included 157,682 clients who had applied for and were evaluated for LTC services for the first time from 2018 through 2020 and continuously used any LTC Plan 2.0 services for six months. Outcome variables were measured by activities ofdaily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) between baseline assessment and the assessment after the six months of serivce utilization. Latent class analysis and generalized estimating equations were used to investigate the influences of different service use patterns on the changes in physical functions. Results Three subgroups of LTC recipients with different use patterns, including home-based personal care (home-based PC) services (n = 111,976; 71.01%), professional care services (n = 31,584; 20.03%), and community care services (n = 14,122; 8.96%) were identified. When compared to care recipients in the community care group, those in the home-based PC group improved more in IADL scores, and the professional care group improved more ADL scores. Conclusion Those receiving more professional services made more progress in ADL ability, but those in home-based PC made more progress in IADL ability.
Understanding Barriers to Healthcare Access for Heart Failure Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xu Hanzhang , Miller Julie , Thompson Roy , Granger Bradi , Dupre Matthew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Early outpatient follow-up within two weeks after hospital discharge is an effective strategy for improving transitions of care in older patients with heart failure (HF). However, implementing timely follow-up care for HF patients has been challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This convergent mixed-methods study identified patients’ barriers to accessing care and ascertained their recommendations for addressing these barriers. We enrolled 264 HF patients admitted to the Duke Heart Center between May 2020 and August 2021. A standardized survey and electronic health records (EHR) were used to collect patients’ sociodemographic, psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical data. For patients who reported some difficulty accessing their healthcare (n=30), semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand these barriers. Data were analyzed using rapid analysis techniques. Barriers to accessing care varied across participants, with scheduling an appointment being the most common barrier (12 of the 30 responses). Participants indicated that job-related conflicts, providers’ availability, or COVID-19 contributed most to the difficulty in scheduling an appointment. Some participants experienced more difficulties during the pandemic due to fewer appointments available for non-acute and non-COVID-19 related needs. Transportation was another critical barrier, which was often associated with the participants’ physical functional status. Participants identified the benefits of using telemedicine to address access to care barriers; however, they shared their concerns that telemedicine visits may not be sufficient to assess their HF conditions. Study findings highlight the need for more continual, tailored, and patient-centered interventions to improve access to care in older HF patients.
A trend of Korean older adults’ awareness as a threat to society during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kwon Soonhyung , An Jaesung , Shin Oejin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Unlike ageism that consists of one’s prejudice, stereotype, and discrimination toward older adults, age-based threats are one’s negative cognition (Levy, 2001). Previous studies indicated that the younger generation stigmatizes the older generation as unworthy during the COVID-19 pandemic (Meisner, 2021). However, there is no study looking at how older adults perceive themselves as threats to society during this time of the pandemic. Thus, our study aimed to understand the varying trend of older adults’ awareness as a threat to society in association with socio-economic profiles before and during the pandemic. Method: This study included 637 Korean older adults who answered the older generation’s threats to society from 2018 to 2020. We used Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to categorize participants into different subgroups that shared distinct patterns of threats to society. Multinomial logistic regression examined how the subgroups in threats to society were associated with socio-demographic characteristics in each year. Results: For three waves, three clusters of threats to society (low, mid, and high) were identified. Although the mid-level of threat remained the same (60% of the sample for three years), the high level of threats has been doubled in 2019 (25%) compared to 2018 (11%) and 2020 (13%). Regarding the associated socio-demographic characteristics with threats to society, those who being female in 2018 and younger age in 2020 were more likely to be associated with mid-level of threats to society. Discussion: Further study needs to identify the relationship between awareness as a threat to society and health outcomes.
Acculturation moderates cognitive performance in adults at risk of autosomal dominant Alzheimer's Disease.
Authors: Tureson Kayla , Beam Christopher , Ringman John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Acculturative processes via persistent exposure to a set of cultural practices and behaviors can influence cognitive functioning (Park & Huang, 2010). The impact of acculturation on populations at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, remains understudied. Persons with or at-risk for early-onset autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) offer a known AD pathogenesis and the opportunity to study whether acculturation moderates their cognitive performance. The present study used a latent variable model to test whether effects of latent cognitive ability on observable cognitive performance depend on acculturation. Participants included 119 adults with or at-risk for ADAD, the majority of whom were of Mexican origin with various levels of U.S. acculturation. Participants completed the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) and the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II (ARSMA-II). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to estimate a latent general cognitive ability factor from nine domains (e.g., attention, abstraction and judgment). The ARSMA-II was used to test whether factor loadings depended on level of acculturation, covarying for mutation status. Results revealed ARSMA-II scores nearly significantly moderated the effects of general cognitive ability on abstraction and judgment (λ = 0.20, SE = 0.11, p = .070). Individual differences in general cognitive ability at lower levels of acculturation likely predict lower abstraction and judgment performance. Cognitive assessments may not equally represent true cognitive ability in Mexican-Americans. Although the CASI was developed as a cross-cultural measure of cognitive functioning, caution should be exercised in inferring true cognitive functioning in Mexican-Americans who may not be acculturated to the U.S.
Brest Cancer Screening and Mobile Web App Intervention: Perceptions, Knowledge, and Needs among Native Women
Authors: Roh Soonhee , Lee Yeon-Shim 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
American Indian (AI) women have the highest breast cancer mortality and lowest breast cancer screening rates in the U.S. The present study, in collaboration with the Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST) in South Dakota, sought to (1) identify the general public/professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and needs for a mobile web app for breast cancer screening (wMammogram) intervention, and (2) inform development of the wMammogram intervention to improve Breast Cancer screening among YST women. Following a community-based participatory research approach, two focus groups were conducted in October 2020 with a total of 22 YST women aged 40-70 years, including 17 elderly women. Each group consisted of 11 community leaders, members, healthcare professionals. Qualitative analysis was conducted using grounded theory. Participants in both groups were generally favorable toward the wMammogram intervention, and noted a potential health benefit, particularly for women in their 50s to 60s. Key areas identified by participants for intervention include: (1) needs for better knowledge of breast cancer, screening, and prevention/early detection, (2) culturally tailored educational materials rooted in AI cultural values and beliefs (e.g., holistic wellness approach, Native lifestyles), (3) barriers (e.g., fear), (4) motivators (e.g., reminders), and (5) suggestions for acceptability (e.g., content and structure of messages). These results suggest that the wMammogram intervention, which is culturally tailored and addresses the community’s concerns, can be a feasible, acceptable, and effective tool to promote breast cancer screening among YST women. The results informed the development of an innovative health intervention to help reduce health disparities experienced in Indian Country.
COVID-19 Vaccines in Skilled Nursing Facilities: Recurring Interviews with Administrators
Authors: Meehan Amy , Brazier Joan , Shield Renee , Madrigal Caroline , Gadbois Emily 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are on the front lines of changing policies regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent development is a potential vaccine mandate for staff working in SNFs. We use ongoing findings from 130 of 160 in-depth, semi-structured interviews in progress with administrators at 40 SNFs in eight diverse healthcare markets across the United States to understand the current landscape of COVID-19 in SNFs. Four repeated interviews at 3-month intervals provide a unique longitudinal perspective on the impact of COVID-19 and SNFs’ response to vaccinations, including the vaccine mandate. Rigorous thematic analysis reveals insights into administrator responses and creative approaches to address vaccine hesitancy, and future expectations for SNF operations in light of the vaccine and the mandate. Administrators express cautious hope that the vaccine will allow SNFs to return to a new normal of daily life for residents in terms of family visitations, communal dining, and resident activities. Overriding questions include how to overcome persistent vaccine hesitancy from SNF staff who cite fear of side effects despite education initiatives and how to stem staff retirement or transition to other healthcare settings. SNFs represent a microcosm of the country’s concerns as a whole. Insight into the evolving and complex dynamics shed important light on national trends and help provide solutions for moving forward. Findings from this study have implications for policymakers and SNF leadership as they consider ways to promote vaccination and retain staff amid vaccine mandates.