bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engaging with Aging: A Qualitative Study of Age-Related Changes and Adaptations
Authors: Ge Shaoqing , Wu Kuan-Ching , Frey Hillary , Saudagaran Maryam , Welsh Derick , Primomo Janet , Belza Basia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Engaging with Aging is an emerging framework proposed by Carnevali which provides a new lens to understand an active, conscious daily living process of coping with age-related changes (ARCs) taken on by older adults. Study aims were to 1) describe the ARCs experienced by community-dwelling older adults; 2) identify the strategies and resources used by older adults to accommodate the daily living challenges caused by the associated ARCs; and 3) evaluate the framework of EWA based on findings from aims 1 and 2. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 participants aged 64 to 98 online due to COVID-19 restrictions. We used a virtual card sort to assist data gathering. Fifteen ARCs (e.g., changes in hearing, changes in stability, changes in sleep, etc.) were mentioned by participants and their corresponding adaptations were discussed. We found that older adults linked their adaptations to their ARCs based on their changing capacities and needs. Commonly used adaptations included conserving energy, utilizing tools or technology, and being more conscious before and while taking actions. The challenges caused by COVID-19 in implementing the adaptations were also discussed (e.g., increased difficulty in understanding others due to mask-wearing). Our study substantiates the EWA framework by showing the commonality among older adults in linking ARCs with adaptations. Implications for clinicians and researchers include using EWA to help older adults identify personalized solutions that fit their capacities. Our study is late-breaking as we recently finished data analysis and the information included was not yet available by the previous submission deadline.
Experiences of African American Dementia Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Oliver Sloan , Alexander Karah , Epps Fayron 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
African American caregivers are often confronted with the complexities of caregiving through the lens of race and associated health disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic has both exacerbated the systemic disparities and deeply rooted inequities experienced by African Americans and laid bare their effects on the community of caregivers. The purpose of this project was to explore the experiences of African American dementia caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nineteen African American caregivers of persons living with dementia were recruited by primary investigators and community partners with purposeful sampling techniques to participate in semi-structured focus groups that were held April 2021. Four overarching themes were constructed during thematic analysis: social isolation, decreased well-being, the good and bad of telehealth, and challenges in fulfilling the caregiver role. Caregivers expressed that they became socially isolated from family and friends, which led to them becoming depressed and mentally strained. Several caregivers felt they could not carry out their caregiver duties due to the constraints surrounding the pandemic. The varying levels of interaction with and the comfort level of physicians utilizing telehealth led to caregivers having mixed reviews on the popularized service. The results of this study will be used to culturally adapt caregiving education courses and programs promoting mastery and competency during a pandemic. In preparations for future public health crises, healthcare professionals will be able to use the results of this study to address the specific needs and improve the experiences of African American dementia caregivers.
Fake News Detection in Aging During the Era of Infodemic
Authors: Pehlivanoglu Didem , Lin Tian , Chi Kevin , Perez Eliany , Polk Rebecca , Cahill Barian , Lighthall Nichole , Ebner Natalie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Increasing misinformation spread, including news about COVID-19, poses a threat to older adults but there is little empirical research on this population within the fake news literature. Embedded in the Changes in Integration for Social Decisions in Aging (CISDA) model, this study examined the role of (i) analytical reasoning; (ii) affect; and (iii) news consumption frequency, and their interplay with (iv) news content, in determining fake news detection in aging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young (age range 18-35 years, M = 20.24, SD = 1.88) and older (age range 61-87 years, M = 70.51, SD = 5.88) adults were randomly assigned to view COVID or non-COVID news articles, followed by measures of analytical reasoning, affect, and news consumption frequency. Comparable across young and older adults, fake news detection accuracy was higher for news unrelated to COVID, and non-COVID fake news detection was predicted by individual differences in analytic reasoning. Examination of chronological age effects further revealed that detection of fake news among older adults aged over 70 years depended on interactions between individual CISDA components and news content. Collectively, these findings suggest that age-related susceptibility to fake news may only be apparent in later stages of older adulthood, but vulnerabilities are context dependent. Our findings advance understanding of psychological mechanisms in fake news evaluation and empirically support CISDA in its application to fake news detection in aging.
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Impact of a Self-guided e-Learning Memory Program for Older Adults
Authors: D'Amico Danielle , Yusupov Iris , Zhu Lynn , Lass Jordan , Plunkett Cindy , Levine Brian , Troyer Angela , Vandermorris Susan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Clinician-led memory interventions have been shown to increase knowledge, reduce anxiety, promote memory-strategy use, and increase brain-healthy lifestyle behaviours in older adults with normal age-related memory changes. A self-guided, e-learning version of the Baycrest Memory and Aging Program® was recently developed to increase accessibility to memory interventions. The objectives of the current study were to assess program feasibility (retention rate), acceptability (satisfaction), and participant-reported impact (memory concerns, behaviour change, goal attainment). As part of a larger study, participants were 139 healthy older adults (mean age: 73±7, 73% female). Ninety-two individuals completed the program (retention rate=66%). Anonymous feedback data indicated a high level of satisfaction with the program overall (98%), the pace and clarity of the learning modules (100%), and the organization and navigation of the interface (92%). Suggested improvements included offering more interaction with others and addressing minor platform glitches. There was a decrease in the level of concern about memory change, with 64% expressing concern at a level consistent with the Jessen et al. (2014) criteria for Subjective Cognitive Decline at baseline, and 23% expressing the same at post-test. The majority of participants reported increases in using memory-strategies (63-97%) and lifestyle-promoting behaviours (40-72%). All participants reported moderate to high satisfaction with personal goal attainment. Results support feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a self-guided e-learning adaptation of memory intervention. E-learning tools may be a promising avenue to deliver accessible brain health promotion in later life, especially in the context of the shift to virtual care during and beyond COVID-19.
Insight into the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Multi-lifestyle Dementia Risk Intervention
Authors: Dodds Laura , Siette Joyce 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Lifestyle interventions based on behaviour change principles may provide a useful mechanism in reducing dementia risk amongst older adults, however intervention acceptability remains relatively unexplored. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of BRAIN BOOTCAMP, an Australian initiative aiming to improve dementia literary and reduce dementia risk by delivering a brain health box addressing multiple lifestyle factors through education, physical prompts and an individualised brain health profile. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with participants (N=94) at completion of the program (3-months) using a theoretical sampling approach to select a range of participants with varying brain health scores, age, gender, education and locality. Interview topics included participants’ overall experience and suggestions for program improvement. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were mostly female (79%), with a mean age of 72.6 years (SD=5.4), from an English-speaking background (89.4%) and resided in metropolitan areas (76.6%). Participants positively perceived the program, resulting in high usability and acceptability. Valuable aspects included building dementia awareness in an innovative way, and having re-assessments which identified areas for personal improvement. Participants further discussed how the program prompted lifestyle change, including setting goals (e.g., physical activity) and facilitated a general awareness of their brain health. Suggested improvements included shorter surveys, regular check-ins, and specific tailoring of the program to be more inclusive for older adults with varying levels of health. Our study demonstrated that a simple, innovative program could be a promising medium for delivering comprehensive educational resources and induce lifestyle change for older adults.
Pleiotropy of Alzheimer’s Disease and Educational Attainment: Insights from the Summary Statistics
Authors: Loika Yury , Loiko Elena , Culminskaya Irina , Kulminski Alexander 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Epidemiological studies report beneficial associations of higher educational attainment (EDU) with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Prior genome-wide association studies (GWAS) also reported variants associated with AD and EDU separately. The analysis of pleiotropic predisposition to these phenotypes may shed light on EDU-related protection against AD. We examined pleiotropic predisposition to AD and EDU using Fisher’s method and omnibus test applied to summary statistics for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AD and EDU in large-scale univariate GWAS at suggestive-effect (5×10-8
The relationship between protein intake and gut microbiota in community-dwelling older men from the MrOS study.
Authors: Farsijani Samaneh , Cauley Jane , Peddada Shyamal , Langsetmo Lisa , Shikany James , Ensrud Kristine , Orwoll Eric , Newman Anne 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Despite growing evidence supporting the role of protein consumption in promoting muscle health, the possible mediation by gut microbiota remains unclear. Here, we determined the association between the quantity of dietary protein and gut microbiome composition in community-dwelling older adults. We performed a cross-sectional analysis on 775 older men from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study with available dietary information and stool samples at visit 4 (2014-16). Protein intake extracted from a brief Food Frequency Questionnaire and adjusted to total energy intake using the residual method. Gut microbial taxa were determined by 16S (v4) sequencing (Greengenes references). 11,534 Operational Taxonomic Units were identified and assigned to 21 phyla with dominance of Firmicutes (45%) and Bacteroidetes (43%). We performed distribution-based analysis (α-diversity), distance-based Permutation Multivariate Analysis of Variance (β-diversity), and taxa abundance (by ANCOM-BC R-package) to determine associations between protein intake and gut microbiome. Mean energy-adjusted protein intake was 62.0±10.8 g/d [0.8±0.3 g/kgBW/d]. Participants with higher protein intake had higher Shannon and Chao1 α-diversity indices (P&lt;0.05). For β-diversity analysis, participants with higher protein intake had a different center in weighted and unweighted UniFrac PCoA vs. those with lower intake (P&lt;0.05) adjusted for age, race, clinical center, energy intake, weight, height, and medications. Tenericutes phylum and several genus-level OTUs, including Klebsiella, Tyzzerella, Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Blautia, and Veillonella were differentially abundant between quartiles of protein intake (FDR corrected P&lt;0.05). Our data support an association between dietary protein and gut microbiota diversity, a relationship that could potentially influence physical function and sarcopenia development.
Trehalose Enhances Long-term Recovery in 18-month-old Mice by Increasing Autophagy after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ritzel Rodney , Li Yun , Carter Jordan , Khan Niaz , He Junyun , Allen Samantha , Faden Alan , Wu Junfang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have higher mortality and poorer long-term outlook compared to younger individuals. This may contribute to the assumption that aggressive management of geriatric TBI is futile. The present study examined the long-term recovery potential and underlying mechanisms associated with advanced age in male C57BL/6 mice using a controlled cortical impact model of TBI. Older (18 mos) mice had higher mortality compared to younger (10 wks) mice at 12 weeks post-injury. While aging alone had a profound impact on behavioral ability, the recovery slope in some, but not all, neurobehavioral tests was relatively similar between young and old injured mice. NanoString analysis identified several age- and injury-specific genes that were differentially expressed, including those involved with the complement, phagocytosis, and autophagy pathways. Flow cytometry demonstrated dysregulation of autophagic function in microglia with normal aging which was exacerbated after TBI. Given the critical role for autophagy in promoting the cellular degradation of cytoplasmic materials, we reasoned that treatment with the autophagic inducer, trehalose, may be a viable therapeutic strategy. Trehalose was administered in the drinking water (3%) starting at d1 post-injury up to 8 weeks. Older TBI mice treated with trehalose exhibited either delayed deficits or enhanced recovery in cognitive and motor tasks. Trehalose modified expression of autophagy markers and reprogrammed the microglial response to TBI. Our data indicate that microglia undergo chronic changes in autophagic regulation that are associated with poor outcome. Boosting autophagy may be a promising therapeutic strategy for older TBI patients.
Understanding Older Adults Motivations and Preferences for a Medication Adherence App
Authors: Kupiec Olivia , Harris Maurita , Rogers Wendy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As the percentage of older adults with hypertension continues to increase, medication adherence remains low. However, medication adherence can potentially be improved through the use of medication reminder apps. Medication reminder apps contain numerous features that enable older adults to remember to take their medication, such as providing alerts to take their medication, reminding them when to refill their prescription, and more. Despite being aware of these apps, many older adults lack the motivation needed to use them continuously. We recruited 9 participants (60 years or older) who currently take medication for a chronic condition. Using a mixed-methods approach, we gathered quantitative survey data using the TechSAge Demographic Background, Motivation, and Behavior Change Technique Questionnaires). Qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured interview that asked questions about general motivations and preferences in addition to engaging participants in co-designing a medication adherence app. Results from the interview were analyzed through a thematic analysis that identified comprehension and preferences of older adults in medication reminder app usage. We tested five different intrinsic motivation factors, and results indicate older adults are most motivated intrinsically due to perceived choice, perceived competence, value/usefulness, effort/importance, and pressure/tension. We also tested five factors of extrinsic motivation, and results indicate older adults are most motivated extrinsically due to introjected regulation, reward-driven, external regulation, compliance, and identification. These data provide insights to guide the design of medication reminder apps to support older adults in the self-management of their chronic conditions.
Using Diagnostic Ultrasound to Support the Diagnose Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vieira Edgar , Charles Lily , Cortes Monica , Lees Tabitha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is currently the gold standard for diagnosing loss of muscle mass in older adults (a component of sarcopenia diagnosis). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) have also been used successfully. Due to elevated costs, limited access, exposure to radiation, and increased difficulty of operation, other methods have been explored as alternatives. We reviewed the literature on the use of diagnostic ultrasound to assist in the diagnose sarcopenia in older adults by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL using a variation of terms related to “ultrasound”, “sarcopenia”, and “older adults”. We included studies that included older adults over the age of 60. Eighteen studies were included after screening for eligibility and conducting full-text reviews. The most common transducer head frequency utilized in the studies were 5-12 and 8 MHz (three studies each), followed by 5, 6, and 7.5 MHz (two studies each). The most common musculature examined was anterior thigh musculature, followed by muscles of the lower leg, upper extremity, abdominals, and head/neck. Measurements most taken were muscle thickness/cross sectional area (18 studies), followed by muscle echogenicity (9 studies), and pennation angle (3 studies). Ultrasound is a reliable and valid tool to examine muscle thickness to assist in diagnosing sarcopenia. However, echogenicity measures of a muscle were not reliable. Further research is needed with increased sample size and variance amongst subjects to generalize and create normative data. In addition, standardized protocols for the use of ultrasound to assist in the diagnosing sarcopenia need to be established.
Growth Mindset and Older Adults’ Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kyeong Yena , Sheffler Pamela , Kürüm Esra , Ferguson Leah , Davis Elizabeth , Strickland-Hughes Carla , Wu Rachel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Growth mindset, the belief that abilities and attributes are improvable, may help buffer against older adults’ feelings of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it may foster effective self-regulation and resilience. This study examined the effects of growth mindset on older adults’ well-being and adjustment, compared to younger and middle-aged adults. Participants self-reported on their growth mindset, depression, well-being, and daily habits amid the pandemic. For older adults (N = 178, 82% female, M age = 70.42, SD age = 6.50, range 60-90), regression analyses (controlling for gender, education, income, and age) revealed that growth mindset was associated with decreased depression (β = -.29, p = .001) and increased well-being (β = .38, p &lt; .001). In addition, a logistic regression showed that older adults with a higher growth mindset were more likely to adjust their daily tasks during the pandemic (e.g., using technology to remotely socialize; OR = 1.77, p = .012). The same set of analyses in samples of younger (N = 235, 72% female, M age = 29.84, SD age = 5.89, range 18-39) and middle-aged adults (N = 188, 74% female, M age = 50.02, SD age = 6.10, range 40-59) revealed that growth mindset was associated with decreased depression and increased well-being. However, in these groups, growth mindset did not predict the likelihood of adjusting daily tasks. Findings suggest that while growth mindset is linked to enhanced well-being during the pandemic, its effect on adjusting to new circumstances might be salient in older adulthood.
Age Differences in Anticipated Use of Virtual Healthcare Services After the Pandemic
Authors: Murphy Matthew , Hills William , Hills Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Healthcare has undergone a significant transformation during the pandemic, with virtual services being rapidly developed and implemented to keep pace with societal needs. This study documented this change in healthcare by examining access and use of video-based, virtual service use before and during the pandemic. Participants for the study (n = 685) included three groups, including retirement-aged persons, middle-aged adults, and traditional college-aged students. Measures for the study included access to and utilization of physical and mental health services, satisfaction with services accessed, and anticipated access and use of virtual services following the pandemic. Results showed that most participants (94.2%) believed that virtual healthcare would persist after the pandemic; three-quarters of adults (75.2%) but only half of college-aged (52.8%) and retirement-aged (57.6%) participants anticipated using virtual healthcare in the future. Prior use and satisfaction with virtual healthcare services mediated anticipated future use for retirement-aged participants (p &lt; .001), but only satisfaction with virtual healthcare was a marginal predictor for college-aged participants (p = .051), and neither were predictors for adult-aged participants. These results support that people believe virtual healthcare will persist after the end of the pandemic, but that there are age-related differences in who anticipates using these services in the future, and which factors will make the most difference in attracting clients. These differences can impact how healthcare providers market and develop further tele-health services to increase the likelihood of use by retirement-aged participants, and suggests that client satisfaction is a key mediator for different age groups.