bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, social connectedness and cognitive performance of older adults
Authors: Souza-Talarico Juliana , Silva Fernanda , Jesus Maria Clara , Barbosa Breno J A P , Nitrini Ricardo , Brucki Sonia M D 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted older adult's health and well-being worldwide. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily activities and mental health and its relationship with cognitive performance in older adults. Methods: One-hundred individuals 60 years and older, without cognitive impairment and enrolled in the Brazilian Memory Study (BRAMS), a longitudinal study, were applied the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Participants were asked whether they had changes in daily routine and social connectedness during the pandemic. Results: Almost half of the participants (48.4%) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected their lives, 38.9% lost a relative or friend because of COVID-19, and 60% had daily routine changes. Relationships (40.5%) and emotion (22%) were reported as the most impacted area. Stopping physical activities and stay at home represented the main routine changed for 78% of participants. The use of voice messages through mobile phones to maintain social connectedness increased from 24.2% to 42.1%. For 38% of participants, their autonomy to daily decisions decreased, and 40% complained that memory got worse during the pandemic. More than 30% felt more stress, loneliness, or depression than in the pre-pandemic period. Controlling for age, sex, and education, higher loneliness scores were significantly associated with low MMES scores (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Significant changes in life, daily routine, social connectedness, and mental health-related to the COVID-19 pandemic were reported by older adult participants. Loneliness was associated with lower cognitive performance.
Lung Function Reserve and Physical Function in Healthy Older Adults: Findings from BLSA
Authors: Saavedra Joey , Karikkineth Ajoy , Ferrucci Luigi , Simonsick Eleanor 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1-second (FEV1) that falls below the lower limit of normal (LLN) is a well-established correlate of functional limitation and disability. However, less is known about the functional implications of gradations of lung function above the LLN. We examined the cross-sectional association between gradations of healthy lung function and usual gait speed, reported walking ability, and fast 400m walk performance in 750 persons (50.7% men) aged 55-95 free from respiratory disease and mobility limitations, participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). The 2012 Global Lung Initiative (GLI) reference equations were used to calculate FEV1 Z-scores, with healthy lung function categorized as follows: -1.6 &lt; Z ≤ -1.0 (pre-clinical), -1.0 &lt; Z ≤ -0.3 (low normal), -0.3 &lt; Z ≤ 0.3 (normal), 0.3 &lt; Z ≤ 1.0 (high-normal), and Z &gt; 1.0 (high). Associations between gradations of healthy lung function and physical function were evaluated using multivariate linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, height, weight, and waist circumference. Compared to the ‘pre-clinical’ category, the difference in 400m walk time was 0.71 (p&gt;.05), -6.60 (p&gt;.05), -12.21 (p&lt;0.05), and -15.52 (p&lt;0.01) seconds for the ‘low normal’, ‘normal’, ‘high-normal’, and ‘high’ categories, respectively. No associations between gradations of healthy lung function and normal gait speed or walking ability were found (p&gt;0.05). Higher levels of lung function reserve are associated with better 400m walking performance, thus efforts to promote and/or reduce loss of lung function reserve may help individuals maintain high functional capacity in later life.
Mapping the Endogenous Ketogenic System Across Ages, Sex and Diets
Authors: Eap Brenda , Nomura Mitsunori , Panda Oishika , Garcia Thelma , Newman John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Understanding how our cells maintain energy homeostasis has long been a focus of aging biology. A decline in energy metabolism is central to many age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure, frailty, and delirium. Intervening on pathways involved in energy homeostasis can extend healthy lifespan. When our primary energy substrate glucose, is scarce, our bodies use ketone bodies (i.e. beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, acetone). Aging is associated with glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity, yet what role ketone body metabolism might play in compensating for impaired glucose utilization in age-related diseases is understudied. Here, we investigated how the body’s endogenous ketone body production and utilization pathways are modulated by age across the lifespan of female and male C57BL/6 mice (4 mo old, 12 mo old, 22 mo old). We show how different ages have different metabolic and gene expression responses to 1-week ketogenic diet (KD) or ketone ester diet. We observed an apparently compensatory ketogenic response in older animals fed normal diet, with a stronger compensatory response driven by KD. We observed tissue-specific changes, including induction of ketone body production enzymes in the aging heart. When comparing the ketogenic capacity between sexes, females had a higher basal level and less variation with age, underscoring the importance of sexual dimorphism in metabolism. Overall, these findings suggest that older animals use ketone bodies to meet energetic demands in a normal diet context. This study supports the potential roles of ketogenic therapies such as exogenous ketones to improve energy homeostasis in conditions of aging.
NIA Coordinated Analysis of Dynamic Socioemotional Experiences and Well-Being during the Pandemic
Authors: Neupert Shevaun , Ali Sumbleen , Bouklas Isabella , Hu Rita , Kincaid Reilly , Nelson Niccole , Zhang Shiyang , Scott Stacey 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We conducted a coordinated analysis of eight longitudinal studies with data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our overarching aim was to examine within-person fluctuations in health and well-being during the pandemic that may differ across the adult lifespan. The studies are from different regions of the U.S. with data collected during different periods of the pandemic. These studies sampled heterogenous age groups, used diverse methods, and were harmonized on constructs. Four longitudinal studies (Notre Dame Study of Health & Well-being, Within-Family Differences Study, Social Relations Study, and the Einstein Aging Study [EAS] Covid Telephone Interviews) and four intensive, microlongitudinal studies (Daily Experience and Well-being Study, Daily COVID-19 Spring, Daily COVID-19 Fall, EAS), with data collected between March 2020 and August 2021 were analyzed. In three studies, older adults were consistently less variable (i.e., lower within-person standard deviation) in negative emotional well-being such as negative affect and depressive symptoms compared to younger adults. In four studies older adults were also less variable in stress. Evidence of better outcomes associated with social interactions was found in three studies, where within-person variability in social interactions was positively correlated with variability in positive affect across age. These findings point toward the complexities of dynamic socioemotional experiences that unfold across historical periods and across the lifespan. These within-person fluctuations could be used as a benchmark to examine long-term trajectories of well-being.
Adult Sibling Tension and Older Mothers’ Psychological Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Caregiving
Authors: Gilligan Megan , Suitor J Jill , Hou Yifei , Brottman Barbra , Lee Jeenkyoung , Kim Eunbea 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The life course perspective concept of “linked lives” suggests that the lives of adult children and older parents are interconnected and consequential for the well-being of members of both generations. In this work, we consider the association between tension among adult siblings and older mothers’ psychological well-being. We focus specifically on tension in the adult sibling relationship because research has shown that negative relationship quality is especially consequential for well-being. We consider this association in the context of caregiving because this is a time when offspring are often required to coordinate with each other to provide assistance. We utilized data from 304 older mothers (average age = 78) and 736 of their adult children (average age = 49) from the Within-Family Difference Study (WFDS) II. First, we examined the direct association between adult sibling tension and mothers’ reports of depressive symptoms. Second, we examined whether the association between sibling tension and mothers’ depressive symptoms was moderated by mothers’ need for care. Preliminary results indicated no direct effect of sibling tension on mothers’ depressive symptoms. However, moderation analysis revealed that sibling tension was associated with an increase in mothers’ depressive symptoms among mothers who reported needing assistance. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the interconnected nature of adult family relationships especially in the context of later-life family caregiving. In particular, the findings reveal that older mothers in need of care are especially vulnerable to tension in the relationships among their adult children.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Manage Type 2 Diabetes in Older Hispanics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vieira Edgar , Sherbutt Kayleigh , Scanlan Madison , Frederick Heather 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a serious public health problem that affects millions of Americans. Hispanics are disproportionately affected and have high incidence of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modifications in diet and increased physical activity are recommended in addition to medication. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the scientific literature concerning the effects of exercise, nutrition, and combined diet and exercise interventions on type 2 diabetes management in older Hispanics. We searched three databases for studies that included dietary interventions, exercise interventions, or a combination to manage type 2 diabetes in older Hispanics. A total of 653 studies were screened and reviewed, with seven being included in the review. Our findings indicate that physical activity interventions significantly reduce glycosylated hemoglobin, and diet interventions also led to decreased levels of HbA1c. There is a significant effect in HbA1c levels on individuals receiving a combination of diet and exercise interventions compared to control groups. Implementing diet or exercise interventions in older Hispanics with Type 2 diabetes leads to significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels; the effects of combined diet and exercise interventions were not superior to the effects of single interventions in HbA1c levels. Exercise and diet seem to be effective non-pharmacological interventions to manage type 2 diabetes in older Hispanics, but additional research is needed.
Peak Expiratory Flow Predicts Incident Dementia in a U.S. Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Donahue Patrick , Xue Qian-Li , Carlson Michelle 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Dementia is an increasingly important public health problem with known vascular contributors. Respiratory function, measured by peak expiratory flow (PEF), may be a novel modifiable risk factor in reducing the risk of dementia along the vascular pathway. We investigated the association between PEF and incident dementia in older adults from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Using NHATS criteria, participants were categorized as having or not having probable incident dementia during NHATS Rounds 2-4, spanning three years. Of 3,622 participants with available PEF and covariate data, 543 (15.0%) had incident cases of dementia. Quartile of baseline PEF was analyzed as a predictor of incident dementia using logistic regression models, while controlling for several health and sociodemographic covariates. The fourth quartile of PEF had statistically significantly decreased odds of incident dementia when compared to the first PEF quartile (OR = 0.27; 95% CI [0.19, 0.40]). Significantly reduced odds of incident dementia were found when comparing the third and second PEF quartiles to the first PEF quartile, as well (OR = 0.35; 95% CI [0.26, 0.47] and OR = 0.62; 95% CI [0.48, 0.80], respectively). These relationships were dose-dependent so that increasing PEF quartile levels were more protective against incident dementia. PEF may be considered as an easily administered, low-cost measure of respiratory function and a possible screening tool for dementia risk. Improving PEF may reduce dementia risk through vascular mechanisms (e.g., increased blood circulation and brain oxygenation). Future research should explore these potential causal pathways between PEF and dementia.
Piloting the “Anti-Oppressive Practice & Research with Diverse Older Adults” Training Program during COVID-19
Authors: Camacho David , Pacheco Kelly , Feldman Sabrina , Kaul Usha , Kim Patricia , Reid M Carrington 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
There is a critical need to develop our gerontological-sensitive workforce. Social workers (SW) frequently provide services to older adults yet there are few opportunities for them to train as gerontological clinicians and/or researchers. To provide an opportunity for SW students to gain gerontological knowledge, clinical practice, and research skills, we developed, and pilot tested the “Anti-Oppressive Practice and Research with Diverse Older Adults” virtual training program at a major medical facility in Manhattan, NY. We explored the feasibility, implementation, and impact of this novel program. The 21-hour weekly MSW field placement program followed an anti-oppressive framework and included: 1) supervision and training sessions; and 2) direct clinical and research practice (e.g., theory, funding, assessment, data collection etc.) and aging topical seminars (e.g., depression, loneliness, pain etc.). Racially diverse supervisors and graduate SW students engaged in reflective writing exercises, iterative discussions (recorded & transcribed) and a thematic analysis of data. All interns successfully completed the program and reported enhanced skills related to SW core competencies and research (e.g., standardized assessments), research and practice gap awareness (e.g., minority aging) and plans to pursue advanced research training and/or gerontological clinical work. Intern challenges included: 1) disconnect between MSW curricula and research placements; and 2) managing minority and contextual stressors (e.g., imposter syndrome, covid-19, civil unrest). Supervisory challenges included: 1) humanizing sensitive discussions via virtual communication and 2) resource constraints. Future research should systematically assess program effects (e.g., SW core competencies) and how to facilitate interprofessional collaborations to develop diverse gerontological SWs and researchers.
Psychological Effect of Anti-Asian Attitudes by COVID-19 on Asian Americans in Coastal Alabama
Authors: Min Hosik , Hanks Roma , Lewis Denise 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to understand how the anti-Asian attitude due to the COVID-19 affected Asian American communities in Alabama. We asked whether Asian Americans were worried about going out due to the anti-Asian attitude due to COVID-19. This study conducted online surveys to Cambodians or Laotians, who were 18 years and older, were living in Coastal Alabama, in May 2020. To avoid in-person contact, respondents answered questions online. A total of 353 respondents participated in the survey. In the Cambodian community, more younger adults participated in the survey, while more middle-aged adults participated from the Laotian community. Laotians had longer educational attainment and watched multiple media to obtain COVID-19 related information. Cambodians (72%) were afraid of COVID-19 infection more than Laotians (53%). More Cambodians (73%) were afraid to go out because of the anti-Asian attitude than Laotians (52%). The logistic regression analysis presented that people worried more about the COVID-19 infection were less likely to go out due to anti-Asian attitudes. Educational attainment did not have a protective effect. Watching multiple media sources decreased the worry about the anti-Asian attitude for Laotians. The age cohort showed both a protective and exacerbate the effect. Cambodians, who were in their thirties, were worried about going out. However, Laotian fifties and over did not worry about going out. This difference might be related to the length of the stay in the U.S. Hanks et al. found that Cambodians, compared to Laotians, had more new immigrants who recently came to the community to marry.
Sandwich Generation Caregiving Among Baby Boomer and Generation X Caregivers in the United States
Authors: Miyawaki Christina , Bouldin Erin , Jeffers Eva , McGuire Lisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Sandwich generation caregivers are generally those who care for both a child and an older adult. Baby Boomer and Generation X belong to this age cohort. Using data from the 2015-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Caregiver Module, we compared the prevalence and characteristics of sandwich caregivers across these two generations. Data represent adults from 44 jurisdictions. We categorized caregivers into generations using their age at the time of the survey (N=34,777). Sandwich caregivers were classified as those who lived with a child (≤18 years) and provided care/assistance to a parent/grandparent with a long-term illness/disability during the past 30 days. Prevalence ratios (PR) from log-binomial regression models that included generation, sandwich caregiver status, sex, and race/ethnicity were used to compare weighted estimates. Six percent of Baby Boomers and 31% of Generation X were sandwich caregivers (p&lt;0.001). In adjusted models, sandwich caregivers had a lower prevalence of any chronic health condition (PR=0.77, p=0.01) and fair/poor health (PR=0.87, p=0.003) than other caregivers, but similar frequent mental and physical distress prevalence. Baby Boomer caregivers were more likely to report a chronic health condition, fair/poor health, and frequent physical distress than their Generation X counterparts, but less likely to report frequent mental distress. Sandwich caregivers in these generations appear to be in better health than other caregivers. Nonetheless, it is critical to support the needs of sandwich caregivers as they age, given their important role in meeting the needs of both children and older adults and the additional challenges created by the pandemic.
The Link Between Environment, Age, and Health in a Large Cohort of Companion Dogs from the Dog Aging Project
Authors: McCoy Brianah , Brassington Layla , Dolby Greer , Jin Kelly , Collins Devin , Dunbar Matthew , Snyder-Mackler Noah 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Exposure to social environmental adversity strongly predicts health and survival in many species such as non-human primates, wild mammals, and humans. However, little is known about how the health and mortality effects of these social determinants vary across the lifespan. Using the companion dog, which serves as a powerful comparative model for human health and aging due to our shared biology and environment, we examined which components of the social environment impact health, and how the effects vary with age, in dogs. We first drew on detailed survey data from owners of 27,547 dogs from the Dog Aging Project and identified six factors that together explained 35% of the variation in dog’s social environment. These factors all predicted measures of health, disease, and mobility, when controlling for dog age and weight. Factors capturing measures of financial and household adversity were linked to poorer companion dog health, while factors associated with the social companions, like dogs and adults, were linked to better health. Interestingly, some of these effects differed across a dog’s lifespan: for instance, the effect of neighborhood disadvantage on disease instances was strongest in older dogs. Together, our findings point to similar links between adversity and health in companion dogs, and set up future work on the molecular and biological changes associated with environmental variation in order to identify ways to mitigate or even reverse the negative environmental effects.
The Relationship Between Dementia Severity & Caregiver Preferences for Decision Making Role Regarding Mammography
Authors: Frank Molly , Park Seho , Lane Kathleen , Torke Alexia , Schonberg Mara , Sachs Greg , Schwartz Peter , Fowler Nicole 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and breast cancer increases with age. Despite being one of the most effective ways to diagnose breast cancer early, mammography in ADRD patients comes with an increased risk of treatment complications and false-positive results. Family caregivers are often involved in the decision-making process, and this study evaluates the relationship between dementia severity and caregiver preferences when making decisions about mammography with the patient alone, and with the patient and doctor. We included 181 caregivers from the Decisions about Cancer screening in Alzheimer’s Disease trial, which uses the Dementia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS) to assess dementia severity and a modified Control Preferences Scale (CPS) to assess each caregiver’s preferred decision-making approach. Multinomial logistic regression models evaluated the relationship between DSRS and CPS categories (active, passive, and collaborative), while controlling for the caregivers’ age, sex, race, education, and relationship to patient. Model 1 examined the caregivers’ preferred role with the patient, and it found a significant association between increased dementia severity and preference for a collaborative approach (p&lt;0.001) or passive approach (p&lt;0.05) compared to an active approach. Model 2 did not find a significant association between dementia severity and the caregivers’ preferred role when making decisions with the patient and doctor; however, those with increased age and education were more likely to prefer an active role. The association between dementia severity, caregiver characteristics, and decision-making preferences supports the need for approaches to support ADRD caregivers with medical decision making.