bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A - 2 Risk Factors for Reduced Mobility and Falls in Older Adults: the Role of Medication Use and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Nester Caroline O , Hinkle Caroline E , Davis Jennifer D , Goldstein Allyson , Murray Caroline , Daiello Lori A , Margolis Seth 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Sedative and anticholinergic (AC) medication use and cognitive impairment impose risk of gait imbalance and falls in older adults, but their combined effects on mobility have not been assessed.

Method
This cross-sectional study of 392 outpatients (age = 72 ± 7.7; 60.5%women; 93%White; education = 14 ± 3 years) characterized AC use (Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale [ACB]) and number of sedative medications. Balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale), walking decline compared to 5 years prior (0–3 scale), and recurrent falls (dichotomized by ≥2) were self-reported. Neuropsychological performance was averaged into a norm-adjusted composite (COG). T-tests and Pearson correlations assessed bivariate relationships across medication use, COG, and mobility. Multivariate models regressed falls, balance confidence, and gait changes (in separate models) on COG and medication use (ACs and sedatives examined separately), controlling for covariates.

Results
Most patients (70%–85%) used ≥1 sedative or AC medication. Few (12%) reported recurrent falls (range = 0–30), but balance confidence was reduced (M = 77.68 ± 21.31%) with mild walking declines reported (M = 1.34 ± 1.03). More sedative medication use and higher ACB scores were bivariately related to worse COG and mobility, and stronger COG was associated with better mobility (p’s ≤ 0.004). Worse COG (β = 0.196, p = 0.002) and more medication use, both sedatives (β = −0.246, p = 0.002) and ACB (β = −0.147, p = 0.047), independently predicted worse balance confidence. Higher ACB (β = 0.182, p = 0.022) and worse COG (β = −0.193, p = 0.007) uniquely predicted walking decline. Each sedative medication increased odds of falls by 27.4% (adjOR = 1.274, p = 0.034).

Conclusion
AC/sedative medication use and cognitive impairment pose complementary risks for compromised mobility. Clinicians should be alert to AC/sedative use and cognitive impairment in older patients at risk of falls.
A - 6 Effects of Inhibitory Control and Episodic Memory Deficits on Functioning in Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment and Individually Matched Healthy Controls
Authors: Fleischmann Holly H , Surprenant Britni G , Sweet Lawrence H 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Episodic memory and inhibitory control deficits are prevalent among those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These deficits have been associated with worse functioning; however, the predictive utility of specific cognitive deficits vary. We investigated whether deficits of episodic memory and inhibitory control are associated with worse physical activity and life satisfaction among people with probable MCI (pMCI).

Method
The study included 79 pMCI and 79 individually matched controls (HC) who participated in the Human Connectome Project - Aging study. Groups were determined based on MoCA scores (pMCI ≤23; HC ≥ 26). Participants completed the Go/No-go (GNG) and Face Name (FNT) tasks during functional MRI. Associations between GNG False Alarms (GNG FA) and FNT Recognition Accuracy (GNG RA) scores and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the PROMIS General Life Satisfaction (GLS) self-reports were examined.

Results
The pMCI group exhibited deficits compared to the HC on GNG FA (t (152.17) = −1.26, p = 0.05) and FNT RA (t (85.78) = 13.72, p 0.05). However, hierarchical regressions revealed that the interaction of these cognitive tasks predicted IPAQ (∆R2 = 0.02, F(1, 78) = 3.74, p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Despite confirmation of cognitive deficits, their effects on function are complex. Therefore, MCI deficits may be detected on screening before they clearly impact functioning, underscoring the utility of screening to facilitate more effective earlier interventions.
A - 9 The Role of Ethnicity in Relationships among Depression, Chronic Stress, and Biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Chung Albert , Logue Erin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
The purpose was to determine relationships among psychosocial risk factors, ethnicity, and blood biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease (ad) using data from the Health and Again Brain Study-Health Disparities. Hypotheses included significant three-way interactions between ethnicity, chronic stress, and depression in predicting ad biomarkers.

Method
Participants were 2200 adults (62.5% female; age M = 65.4 [SD = 8.7]; education M = 13.1 [SD = 4.5]) from a community cohort study. 49.8% identified as non-Mexican American white; 50.2% identified as Mexican American. Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores: 0 (76%), 0.5 (20%), 1 (3%), 2 (1%). Hierarchical regression analyses were performed; age, gender, education, and CDR were covariates. The Geriatric Depression Scale and Chronic Burden Scale measured depression and chronic stress. Outcome variables were tau and the beta amyloid (Aβ) 42/40 ratio in plasma.

Results
Chronic stress predicted tau (β = 0.07 [CI = 0.02–0.12], p = 0.004). The three-way interaction between chronic stress, depression, and ethnicity predicting tau was significant (β = 0.09 [CI = 0.01–0.18], p = 0.047). Chronic stress and ethnicity interacted to predict Aβ 42/40 (β = 0.11 [CI = 0.02–0.20], p = 0.019). Mexican American individuals had higher Aβ 42/40 at higher levels of chronic stress; White individuals had higher Aβ 42/40 at lower levels of chronic stress.

Conclusions
Overall, findings indicated that chronic stress was more predictive of ad plasma biomarkers for Mexican American individuals versus non-Mexican American white individuals in this sample. Further investigation into the role of ethnicity in relationships among risk factors and biomarkers of ad is warranted.
A - 10 Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Do Not Alter HD-tDCS Effects on Episodic Memory in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults
Authors: Driskill Tara M , Helphrey Jessica , Nguyen Trung , Khera Alka , Pandya Seema , Smernoff Eric , Logan Rebecca , Chiang Hsueh-Sheng , Hart John , Lobue Christian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) is a potential new intervention for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Dementia (ad) involving small doses of electrical stimulation. Prior studies suggest potential interactions with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) that could alter HD-tDCS’s effectiveness on cognitive outcomes. This study evaluated if SSRIs altered HD-tDCS response to episodic memory functioning in individuals with MCI and ad.

Method
Eighteen individuals (M age = 70.5; 27.8% female; 8 stable on SSRIs), 9 with MCI and 9 with ad, underwent ten 20-minute HD-tDCS sessions of 1 milliampere over the medial frontal cortex. Neuropsychological testing assessed learning and delayed recall for visual (Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised) and verbal (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test or Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised) episodic memory at baseline and immediately post-treatment. Linear regressions evaluated SSRI use as a predictor of post-treatment episodic memory performance controlling for baseline scores.

Results
Ten participants demonstrated improvement on at least one measure by 0.5 standard deviation (SD; 5 T-score points), with 5 showing 1 SD improvement. Eleven showed a decline by 0.5 SD on at least one measure, with 7 showing 1 SD decline. SSRI use did not significantly predict better or worse verbal learning (β = −4.285, p = 0.194), verbal delayed recall (β-0.408, p = 0.883), visual learning (β = −2.788, p = 0.405), and visual delayed recall (β = −6.673, p = 0.150) performance post-HD-tDCS.

Conclusion
Preliminary findings suggest SSRIs may not impact HD-tDCS outcomes in cognitively impaired older adults, specifically for episodic memory. These results may not translate to other neuropsychological domains; however, larger samples are needed for further investigation.
A - 13 Cognitive Correlates of Technology-Based Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Performance in Older Adults Presenting for Cognitive Evaluations
Authors: Mis Rachel E , Gonzalez David A , Kiselica Andrew M , Scullin Michael K , Hilsabeck Robin C , Benge Jared F 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Rapid advances in technology have altered how daily activities are performed. Accumulating evidence suggests technology-based instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) are increasingly common in older adults’ lives, and assessing these skills may improve diagnostic identification of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). While iADLs are complex tasks reliant on multiple cognitive processes, prior work suggests memory and executive functioning are the cognitive processes most strongly predictive of iADL performance in ADRD. However, whether similar associations exist with technology-based iADLs has not been established. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the cognitive correlates of technology-based compared to traditional iADL items.

Method
One hundred seventy-eight individuals (mean age: 75.35 ± 7.30) presenting for evaluation of cognitive status completed tests of memory, executive functioning, language, and processing speed. Care partners completed the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) and 11 technology-based iADL items. Associations between cognition and traditional and technology-based FAQ items were examined through Pearson’s correlations and multiple regression analyses.

Results
Cognition was significantly correlated with both traditional and technology-based iADLs (|r’s| &gt; 0.30, p’s.44). In multiple regression models, executive functioning and processing speed but not memory were the strongest predictors of traditional iADL performance (p’s &lt; 0.02), but for independence with technology-based iADLs, executive functioning alone (p &lt; 0.001) emerged.

Conclusions
Relations between cognition and daily functioning are similar for both traditional and technology-based FAQ items, with executive functioning particularly relevant for both types of tasks. Implications for clinical practice and technology-based interventions are discussed.
A - 18 Complexities in Evaluating the “Oldest-Old”: a Case Study of a 101-Year-Old
Authors: Christopher Jennifer M , Christopher Theresa R 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
The population of the “oldest-old” (i.e., aged 80 and older) is projected to triple by 2050 (He, Goodkind, & Kowal, 2016). Major Neurocognitive Disorder (NCD), delirium, and depression are prevalent among older adults (Downing, Caprio, & Lyness, 2013). Having one of these conditions increases the likelihood of having another. These diagnoses have commonalities and can co-occur. This poses difficulty with differential diagnosis. This case elucidates the role of neuropsychologists in differential diagnosis.

Method
The present case involves a 101-year-old, right-handed, African American, female referred for a neuropsychological evaluation by a geriatric psychiatrist to aid in differential diagnosis. Onset of cognitive issues began after the Veteran sustained a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) documented on neuroimaging. There was a stepwise decline in functioning over the next few years. During that time, the Veteran experienced episodes of delirium and onset of psychiatric symptoms. Upon evaluation, the Veteran was medically stable in a subacute care setting. Clinical interviews were completed with the Veteran and an informant. Neuropsychological testing was completed beside. Demographically appropriate norms were utilized.

Results
Neuropsychological evaluation results revealed Major Vascular NCD, Delirium-Persistent, and Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood.

Conclusions
The clinical history delineating the onset after the CVA and stepwise course was essential in clarifying this diagnosis. Major NCD likely increased the Veteran’s risk of delirium. Delirium episodes and depression complicated the course and progression. Neuropsychologists’ ability to comprehensively integrate clinical history, neuroimaging, and standardized assessment results makes them well equipped to diagnose and offer treatment recommendations for the growing oldest-old population.
A - 20 Association between Smoking-Related DNA Methylation Marker and Brain MRI Volumes in Older Adults
Authors: Kaplan Burcu , O’Shea Deirdre 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for dementia. Studies have shown that a history of smoking is linked to higher rates of cortical volume loss in older adults. However, biological mechanisms of smoking, particularly through epigenetic changes, remain poorly understood. This study investigates the association between DNA methylation markers of smoking and patterns of brain atrophy.

Methods
In this cross-sectional analysis, 78 participants aged 47 years and older (68% female) from the ongoing Health Brain Initiative Study were included. DNA methylation markers of smoking were quantified using a validated algorithm applied to blood samples analyzed via the 850 k EPIC array (i.e., EpiSmoking). Brain MRI variables assessed included total cortical, hippocampal, entorhinal cortex, white matter hyperintensity volumes, and machine learning-derived atrophy scores for various cortical regions. Partial correlation analysis controlled for age, sex, education, and cognitive status (normal or mild cognitive impairment).

Results
Higher EpiSmoking scores significantly correlated with increased atrophy in the total cerebral cortex (r = 0.27, p &lt; 0.05), frontal (r = 0.25, p &lt; 0.05), parietal (r = 0.20, p &lt; 0.05), and temporal lobes (r = 0.28, p &lt; 0.01). No significant associations were found with other brain regions.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that smoking-related DNA methylation changes are linked to specific patterns of brain atrophy. These results support the theory that environmental factors, such as smoking, may negatively impact the epigenome and potentially increase the risk of dementia. However, further research with larger cohorts is necessary to validate these associations and explore the underlying mechanisms.
A - 21 The Association between Tau Pathology and Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Thomas Lexie , Schwinne Megan , Ikanga Jean N 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Previous studies in Western countries have shown that tau accumulation is more closely connected with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (ad). This association has not yet been investigated in the Sub-Saharan African countries/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We investigated the association between phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) level and cognitive performance of older adults from the DRC.

Method
Blood and neuropsychological tests were collected on 80 Congolese older adults with suspected ad. Participants were classified according to the biomarkers of their ATN profiles with positive “A” values based on β-amyloid &lt;0.061 and “T” values based on p-Tau 181 &lt; 4.50, as well as APOEε4 using Simoa assays. An analysis of covariance examined the differences in memory performance for each pathological group, controlling for age, education, gender, and APOEε4 status.

Results
A-T- (n = 36) consisted of age (M = 71.3, SD = 7.44), gender (48.6% female), education level (M = 9.80, SD = 5.44), and APOEε4 (38.2%). A + T- (n = 29) consisted of age (M = 73.1, SD = 7.75), gender (62.1% female), education level (M = 7.21, SD = 5.92), and APOEε4 (41.4%). A + T+ (n = 15) consisted of age (M = 78.1, SD = 4.62), gender (60.0% female), education level (M = 6.60, SD = 3.46), and APOEε4 (93.3%). Overall, there were significant effects of memory performances on A-T- participants: verbal memory immediate (p = 0.0089), delayed (p = 0.00096), and recognition (p = 0.0104); and visual memory delayed (p = 0.00058) and recognition (p = 0.00039).

Conclusion
Reduced memory performance and p-Tau levels were associated in Congolese adults with and without ad. This study suggests abnormal tau accumulation underlies cognitive deficits in ad and could be used as an early marker of ad pathology for various populations in Sub-Saharan African countries.
A - 26 Self-Efficacy and Meta-Prospective Memory in Older Adults
Authors: Liming Kathleen D , Schmidt Brianna M , Huber Becca N , Fulton Erika K 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy (2012) highlights the role of self-appraisal in performance. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may inaccurately appraise their performance on memory-based tasks. The current study predicted that the MCI group would have lower self-efficacy predicting lower meta-prospective memory (meta-PM) accuracy compared to healthy controls. Researchers also predicted a negative relationship between self-efficacy and reported memory complaints regardless of group status.

Method
Participants were recruited through community flyers and a rural outpatient neuropsychology clinic. Participants (ages 60 to 90) were divided into MCI (n = 31) and healthy (n = 50) groups based on MMSE scores or prior neuropsychological diagnoses. Measures included generalized and task-specific appraisals of PM, objective PM performance, and a self-reported measure of generalized self-efficacy.

Results
MCI and healthy groups were equivalent in self-efficacy ratings t(79) = 1.43, p = 0.16, d = 0.33. There was no significant correlation between self-efficacy and meta-PM accuracy (r = −0.05, p = 0.64). The difference in correlations between self-efficacy and overall memory complaints between healthy and MCI groups was approaching significance (Fisher’s Z = -1.88, p = 0.06), mostly driven by the MCI group’s significant negative correlation (r = −0.50, p = 0.004*). There was also a significant difference between groups’ correlations in efficacy ratings and PM-only complaints (Fisher’s Z = -2.06, p = 0.04*), given the MCI group’s strong negative correlation (r = −0.57, p &lt; 0.001**).

Conclusions
Self-efficacy was not significantly related to meta-PM accuracy; self-efficacy was significantly related to overall and prospective-only memory complaints, attributable to significant negative correlations within the MCI group. As such, the MCI group’s self-efficacy is significantly related to perceptions of PM functioning in their daily lives.
A - 28 Let’s Get the Conversation Going! Group Intervention with Brain Injury Survivors to Promote Communication with Family and Friends about their Recovery
Authors: Fedio Alison , Nastea Katerina , Swartz Allison , Okeke Chioma , Rafel Hannah , Atiyeh Grace , Sexton James 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study explored changes in the self-conscious emotions of shame, guilt, and pride in adults with brain injuries after experiencing an intervention encouraging them to communicate with their loved ones about their recovery experiences.

Method
Adults with acquired brain injuries (mean age 49.5; 70% female; 3 yrs post) attended a presentation regarding the importance of communication during their recovery and were asked to discuss their experiences. Seven participants completed the State Shame & Guilt Scale pre- and post-intervention, and 8 participants completed ratings regarding comfort discussing their injuries and post-injury experiences with loved ones. Shame and guilt scores were aggregated (negativity variable) and subtracted from pride to produce a positivity variable. Paired samples t-tests and Pearson correlations (p &lt; 0.05) results are reported.

Results
Negativity decreased (t[6] = 1.760) while positivity increased (t[6] = 2.411) from pre- to post-intervention. There was no pre/post change in participants’ rated comfort in speaking with loved ones. However, the lowest levels of comfort rated pre-intervention were associated with greatest declines in negativity (r = −0.777) and gains in positivity (r = 0.807) post-intervention. When asked about feedback they would like to share with loved ones, 2 participants mentioned cognitive challenges and 6 referred to existential struggles about which their loved ones were likely unaware.

Conclusion
Results suggest that the communication intervention particularly diminished levels of negative self-conscious emotions in adults with brain injury. Individuals experiencing discomfort speaking with their loved ones about their injury/recovery may benefit from psychoeducation about the importance of communication and should be encouraged to share their experiences with their family and friends.
A - 31 The Interaction of Cognitive Reserve and Multi-Modal Cognitive Training on the Cognitive Functioning of Older Adults at Risk for Dementia
Authors: Hogan Kassidy , Dandurand Jade , Renzi-Hammond Lisa , Correia Stephen , Beer Jenay , Sweet Lawrence 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Multi-modal cognitive training improves cognition among those at risk for dementia. Although the mechanism is likely via improved cognitive flexibility, conceptually central cognitive reserve, it remains unclear whether cognitive reserve moderates cognitive training effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether baseline cognitive reserve moderates cognitive improvement following cognitive training.

Methods
Forty-one older adults (M = 72.7+/−4.9 years, 65.1% female, 17% non-white) with self-reported memory loss and baseline TICS score of 24–37 participated in a 6-month cognitive training intervention consisting of weekly computer-administered piano lesson and 30 minutes of daily homework. Cognition was assessed pre and post-intervention using CNS-Vital Signs. Specific domains tested were cognitive flexibility, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning. Cognitive reserve was operationalized as years of education.

Results
Significant post-training improvements occurred in all three cognitive domains (cognitive flexibility t = −6.34, p &lt; 0.001; psychomotor speed t = −2.62, p = 0.01; executive functioning t = −6.49, p &lt; 0.001). Years of education significantly moderated improvements in executive functioning (b = −0.06, SE(b) = 0.03, t(37) = −2.07, p = 0.045), but neither cognitive flexibility nor psychomotor speed. Specifically, participants with lower education improved most in executive functioning (b = 1.60, t = 2.78, p = 0.008).

Conclusions
Findings suggest that participants with lower cognitive reserve may benefit more from far-transfer effects of cognitive training on executive functioning. This was not observed in domains closely related (cognitive flexibility) and relatively unrelated (psychomotor speed) to cognitive reserve.