bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between physical activity intensity and volume on prospective falls in older adults
Authors: Whitten Justin , Tarabochia Dawn , MacDonald David , Barrett Rod , Carty Chris , Graham David 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The benefits of Physical Activity (PA) for older adults have been well documented relative to several physiological and neuromuscular factors, but the direct relationship of PA to fall incidence is unclear. In particular, the influence of the intensity and volume of habitual activities of daily living is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of general PA intensity and overall volume on prospective falls in older adults. The PA of 134 participants was recorded using accelerometers (ActiGraph-GT3X+) over 7 consecutive days. Intensity was classified as light, moderate and vigorous by step frequency. The activity of all participants was graded as sedentary to low intensity, no participant exhibited activity in the vigorous category. During the following 12-months, participants maintained a daily falls diary and completed monthly phone calls to monitor fall incidence. Responses were used to categorize participants as fallers or non-fallers. Eighteen participants experienced one or more falls during the 12-month period. There was no statistical difference between fallers and non-fallers in either total step count or the percentage of time spent in sedentary or light PA. While previous reports suggest that many falls occur during light PA, our results do not suggest that greater volumes of low intensity activities alone results in greater fall incidence. However, we suggest this result may be influenced by physical stimuli participants received within the larger overall study design including a session of repeated exposure to forward loss of balance.
Successful Exogenous Expression of ATP8, a Mitochondrial Encoded Protein, From the Nucleus In Vivo.
Authors: Begelman David , Dixit Bhavna , Lewis Caitlin , Watson Mark , Brand Martin , Boominathan Amutha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Replicative errors, inefficient repair, and proximity to reactive oxygen species production sites make the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) susceptible to damage with time. mtDNA mutations accumulate with age and accompany a progressive decline in organelle function. We lack molecular biology tools to manipulate mtDNA, thus we explore the possibility in vivo of utilizing allotopic expression, or the re-engineering mitochondrial genes and expressing them from the nucleus, as an approach to rescue defects arising from mtDNA mutations. This study uses a mouse model with a mutation in the mitochondrial ATP8 gene that encodes a protein subunit of the ATP synthase. We generated a transgenic mouse with an epitope-tagged recoded and mitochondrial-targeted ATP8 gene expressed from the nucleus. Our results show that the allotopically expressed ATP8 protein in the transgenic mice is robustly expressed across all tested tissues, successfully transported into the mitochondria, and incorporated into ATP synthase. We are currently evaluating if allotopic expression of ATP8 will functionally rescue the behavioral and bioenergetic defects in ATP8 mutant mice. Translating allotopic expression technology into a mammal and demonstrating systemic functional rescue will lend credence to utilizing allotopic expression as a gene therapy in humans to repair physiological consequences of mtDNA defects that may accumulate with age.
Predictors of Racial Differences in Depression and Affect among Older adult, Long-term Cancer Survivors
Authors: Deimling Gary , Burnham Dyanna , Beck Gabrielle 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Research has long documented the psycho-social sequelae experienced by those who have been treated for and survived cancer. Depression, affect and other indicators of mood state have been an important focus of that research However, there is little research on racial differences in depression and affect outcomes or the specific cancer and age-related factors that predict them. The research to be presented is based on a 10 year, six wave NCI funded study of 471 older adult (age 60+), long-term cancer survivors randomly selected from the tumor registry of a comprehensive cancer treatment center. Key outcome measures were depression (CES-D) scale) and both positive and negative affect (PANAS). Covariance analyses and nested OLS Regression were used to identify Black-white differences these outcomes and the relative importance of both cancer and non-cancer predictors. Blacks reported lower levels of depression and negative affect when compared to whites. In a separate regression analysis of the black sub-sample, continuing cancer-related symptoms were by far the strongest predictors (beta =.16) of negative affect. In the white sub-sample, while cancer-related symptoms continued to be a significant predictor (beta=.16), non-cancer symptoms were substantially more important (beta=. 22). These results will hopefully help practitioners to have a better understanding of the nuanced racialized experiences and mental health among cancer survivors, and how these may impact after-care for older adult cancer survivors.
Who Volunteers? Results from a Regular Cognitive Monitoring Study
Authors: Veal Britney , Sadeq Nasreen , Atkinson Taylor , Andel Ross 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Previous research indicates volunteering promotes well-being of individuals and communities. Volunteering in later-life may buffer some of the negative health effects experienced during retirement, facilitating opportunities for older adults to engage in meaningful activities and stay active. The current study examined characteristics of older adults who volunteered outside of participation in a regular cognitive monitoring study. All 124 members (M= 76.87, SD= 7.47; 80 volunteers, 44 non-volunteers) of a regular cognitive monitoring study, requiring completion of a 15-minute cognitive online test once a month, with complete data on personal characteristics, volunteer activities, as well as study adherence and dropout rates were included. ANCOVA and logistic regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics were used to assess differences between volunteers and non-volunteers. Results indicated that volunteers were less educated (p&lt;.05), and slightly more likely to be younger and women compared to non-volunteers. There were no differences in cognitive performance (ps&gt;.05). Volunteers had lower scores for neuroticism (p=.02) and were marginally higher agreeable and extraverted (ps&lt;.09). Volunteers needed more reminders to complete the monthly test (ps&lt;.01) but had lower dropout rates (p=.001). The most frequent type of volunteer activity reported was religious. Volunteers were motivated mainly by altruism, although most reported multiple reasons such as building social relationships and feeling important. Findings provide information about characteristics that can help identify older adults who are likely to volunteer. Results regarding study adherence may have implications for promoting recruitment and retention among older adult volunteers.
Factors that Influence the Emotional Impact of Memory Problems in Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Bratlee-Whitaker Emily , Hill Nikki , Mogle Jacqueline , Wion Rachel , Madrigal Caroline , Bhargava Sakshi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults’ experiences with memory problems may be an important indicator of current and future well-being; however, these experiences and their impacts are poorly characterized, particularly in those with co-occurring affective symptoms. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine how the experience of memory problems influences emotional well-being in older adults without dementia, and whether this differs based on cognitive status and current depressive symptoms or anxiety symptoms. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously, analyzed separately, and then integrated to determine how participants’ experiences differed. Community-dwelling older adults (n=49, Mage = 74.5, 63% female) without severe cognitive impairment completed study questionnaires and two individual, semi-structured interviews. Five themes were identified that described the influence of memory problems on emotional well-being: Evoking Emotions, Fearing Future, Undermining Self, Normalizing Problems, and Adjusting Thinking. The extent to which memory problems impacted emotional well-being depended on multiple factors including current affective symptoms (primarily anxiety), characteristics of the experience (such as judgments of its importance), as well as personal experience with dementia. Notably, there were no thematic differences in the emotional impact of memory problems between older adults with normal cognition and those with evidence of mild cognitive impairment. Our findings suggest that thorough assessment of reports of memory problems, regardless of cognitive testing outcomes, should consider co-occurring subsyndromal affective disorders as well as older adults’ evaluations of how memory problems influence their daily lives and well-being.
Manifestations of Aging in Virtual Reality Implementation of Rod and Frame Test
Authors: Adamski Michal , Latka Miroslaw , Latka Anna , West Bruce 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Senior adults’ reliance on the visual frame of reference for spatial orientation is a manifestation of an age-related shift in cognitive style from field independence to field dependence. We implemented a virtual reality rod and frame test (VR-RFT) to assess visual field dependence (VFD) in n=39 young adults (20-30 years old) and n=43 seniors (60 years old and above). The subjects were asked to determine subjective visual vertical (SVV) for 19 angles of frame tilt (running from -45 degrees to 45 degrees in steps of 5 degrees). The strong VFD of seniors was manifested not only by the increased error in the determination of SVV (SVVE) but also in its distribution. For small and large frame tilt angles, seniors’ SVVE skewness and kurtosis were greater than those of young adults. The SVVE median dependence on frame tilt may be accounted for with a phenomenological model whose two parameters describe the strengths of primary (P) and secondary (S) visual attractors which subjects use to infer SVV: the edges of the frame and its imaginary diagonals. For young adults, these parameters were: PY=14.91 and SY=12.51. For seniors, we observed an over 50% increase in the strength of the primary attractor PS=26.31 while the strength of the secondary one was only weakly affected by aging: SS=13.74. We demonstrate that the asymmetry between the strength of attractors significantly contributes to SVVE made by seniors at large frame tilts. We hypothesize that a variant VR-RFT may be used in rehabilitation to reduce excessive VFD.
Subclinical Cardiac Dysfunction and Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maalouf Mario , Farah Raymond , Bahous Sola , Matli Kamal , Hazzouri Adina Zeki Al , Costanian Christy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease, and more recently, subclinical cardiac dysfunction have both been implicated as important risk factors for cognitive decline. Several measures have been used to detect subclinical cardiac dysfunction, with global longitudinal strain (GLS) emerging as an important and more sensitive indicator than traditional measures. Yet, the association of GLS with cognitive function remains relatively unexplored. Objective: The aim of this review is to systematically summarize the literature exploring the association between GLS and cognitive function. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines using the following databases: PubMed, OVID Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were observational studies published in English, measuring GLS and assessing cognitive function through neuropsychiatric tests or brain imaging. Quality assessment was done using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results: The initial search revealed 394 studies, of which three met inclusion criteria and were included for final review. The three studies included were cross-sectional and of high quality. They all reported that lower GLS scores were associated? with worse cognitive function and more brain abnormalities in both bivariate and multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Subclinical cardiac dysfunction, identified by GLS, was associated with worse cognitive function and presence of cerebral abnormality on brain imaging. The underlying mechanism could be attributed to dysfunctional autoregulatory and microvascular processes occurring in the brain vasculature. Further longitudinal studies are needed to better delineate the relationship between GLS and cognitive function.
Interactive effects of age and inflammation on change in ecologically-assessed cognitive functioning
Authors: Engeland Christopher , Knight Erik , Sliwinski Martin , Graham-Engeland Jennifer 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Inflammation has been implicated as a precursor to steeper declines in age-associated cognitive decline. Here we investigated biomarkers of peripheral inflammation [basal cytokines, stimulated cytokines (ex vivo), C-reactive protein (CRP)] as moderators of age-related changes in cognitive functioning. As part of the Effects of Stress on Cognitive Aging, Physiology, and Emotion (ESCAPE) study, participants (N = 233; 65% female; 63% Black, 25% Hispanic; 25-65 years of age) completed up to four instances of ambulatory cognitive testing per day across two weeks, over three waves of annual assessments. After each 2-week ecological momentary assessment (EMA) burst, blood was collected and assayed for inflammatory biomarkers. Performance on spatial working memory (mean Euclidean distance errors), processing speed (mean symbol search reaction time), and working memory (n-back test accuracy) tasks were averaged across all instances within an EMA burst. CRP and age interactively predicted change in spatial working memory (B = 0.003, [0.000, 0.005], t(133.60) = 2.350, p = 0.020) such that higher CRP at older ages (~60 years) was associated with a loss of the expected practice effects across waves; at younger ages, CRP did not relate to change in spatial working memory. In a similar fashion, basal (B = -0.002, [-0.004, -0.000], t(103.26) = -2.399, p = 0.018) and stimulated cytokine levels (B = -0.002, [-0.004, -0.000], t(126.65) = -2.183, p = 0.031) interacted with age to predict change in processing speed across waves. These results indicate that inflammation may be critically associated with changes in cognitive functioning in older mid-life adults.
Why Does Cognitive Reserve Align With Modern Western Ideals of Success? Theoretical & Methodological Proposals
Authors: Hanes Douglas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cognitive reserve (CR) is a framework that investigates discrepancies between brain pathology and cognitive decline. In explaining why individuals with similar levels of brain pathology display different levels of functional impairment, CR research focuses on factors that resemble modern, Western ideals of success: greater education, professional achievement, a self-directed life, and physically and intellectually stimulating leisure time. This theoretical paper documents this alignment between CR and modern, Western ideals of success to hypothesize different mechanisms by which CR may operate. The focus in the CR literature has been on investigating and operationalizing the direct cognitive changes that come from intellectual cultivation, and the native abilities that are hypothesized to produce differences in both education and cognitive outcomes. This paper argues that an attention to CR’s relationship to current definitions of success presents alternative hypotheses about the mechanisms by which CR operates. Specifically, the paper outlines two potential mechanisms and frames alternative means of studying them: First, does the accrual of CR simply follow from being successful in conventional ways because of the material benefits of wealth and stability that success brings? Second, does a lack of success carry cognitive risks solely because of material deprivation, or are there additional psychosocial penalties that come from living a non-normative life—especially when that is not of one’s choosing? This paper proposes both cross-cultural and intersectional methods to begin to better understand the relationship between normative success and cognitive health.
Interdisciplinary Gerontology in Higher Education: A Case Study From Soup to Nuts
Authors: McGovern Justine 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Through the lens of a multi-year joint project initiated by faculty in Social Work and Digital Arts at Lehman College, the City University of New York's senior college in the Bronx, NY, this paper provides a guide on how to initiate, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary collaborations in gerontology. The paper also suggests ways to ensure that these collaborations can support tenure and promotion processes, funding initiatives, and pedagogical enhancements. The paper focuses on how to make use of campus resources, including departmental Chairs, research offices, and campus-wide committees to identify appropriate collaborators and funding sources; how to nurture productive interdisciplinary relationships, such as clarifying disciplinary expectations and participants' professional needs; and how to maximize return on the effort for tenure and promotion, such as producing publishable content, identifying appropriate opportunities for interdisciplinary publishing and presenting, advocating for interdisciplinary collaborations, and developing interdisciplinary syllabi, an example of evidence-based high-impact pedagogy.
Sex differences in Speech and High-frequency Hearing Loss Association With Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults
Authors: Jingru Wang , Ying Yu , Qi Guo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL), high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), and cognitive impairment (CI). Then to determine whether there are any differences in gender among older community dwellers in China. Methods: This study involved 1,012 adults aged ≥60 years (428 male; average age, 72.61±5.51 years). The participants had their hearing and cognition measured using pure tone audiometry and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. We used the audiometric definition of hearing loss (HL) adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Speech-frequencies were measured as 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz; high-frequencies were measured as 4 kHz and 8 kHz. Pure tone average (PTA) was measured as hearing sensitivity. Results: Our studies demonstrated a 37.6% prevalence of HL in males and a 36.0% prevalence of HL in females. Adjusted for confounding variables, the results from a multivariate analysis showed that SFHL was associated with CI in females (OR=2.400, 95% Confidence Interval=1.313–4.385) and males (OR=2.189, 95% Confidence Interval=0.599–2.944). However, HFHL was associated with CI only in females (OR=2.943, 95% Confidence Interval=1.505–5.754). HL was associated with poorer cognitive scores (P&lt;0.05). “Registration” (P&lt;0.05) in MMSE was associated with speech and high-frequency hearing sensitivity. Conclusion: The associations between HL and CI varied according to gender in older community-dwellers, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved in the etiology of HL. Moreover, hearing sensitivity was negatively associated with cognition scores; therefore, early screening for HL and CI among older community-dwelling adults is advised.
Coming Soon to a Class Near You: Cinematic Insights on Later Life
Authors: Brown Candace , Perkinson Margaret 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cinema can enhance gerontological education by reinforcing a variety of learning styles, connecting course content to current culture, and providing an alternative, tangible view of what students are learning. The presenters discuss their use of film to teach gerontological concepts in the classroom. In an Introduction to Aging course, the films, “Young at Heart” and “Sunset Story” were used to break through ageist stereotypes, examine examples of resilience at the end of life, and convey the impact of residential context on the experience of aging, i.e., within a retirement home for “retired rebels.” In a course on Health and Aging, movies, such as “Red,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” and “Somethings Gotta Give” are used to compare the social and psychological aspects of aging of the characters to learned concepts in the classroom. Students expressed how watching and writing about the films increased their understanding by bringing abstract gerontological concepts to life.
Home Care Resiliency during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Older Adult-Home Care Aide Dyads’ Perspectives
Authors: Muramatsu Naoko , Yin Lijuan , Caceres Maria , Skowronski Jordan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Homecare has increased its value as an alternative to nursing homes and adapted to evolving COVID-19 challenges. However, little is known about how COVID-19 has impacted community-dwelling older adults who need assistance with daily activities, including dressing, cooking, and shopping. Guided by the stress process framework, this mixed-method study examined how older homecare recipients experienced the acute and chronic stress during the first eight months of the pandemic, focusing on the role of home care aides (HCAs) in the context of Medicaid-funded in-home services. Thirty-five dyads of care recipients and HCAs participated in a COVID telephone survey as part of a larger study. Care recipients were typically older minority (40% African American, 31% Latinx) women (77%). Their COVID-related anxiety level, assessed by a 6-item Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (1 “not at all” to 4 “very much”), was 2.2 (SD=0.9). While COVID-19 drastically reduced contacts with family members and healthcare providers, HCAs continued to provide care in person. One care recipient said, “Fortunately, I still have my HCA come and that keeps me sane.” HCAs showed resilience while facing their own family- and work-related stress: “I have followed the rules and just adapted. (COVID) did not affect the activities for my client.” Some dyads, however, experienced care disruptions because of COVID infection or fear in one or both parties. COVID-19 has demonstrated homecare resilience at the person-, dyad-, and organization-levels, calling for equitable, sustainable home-based care for a growing number of older adults who desire to stay in the home.