bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASSOCIATIVE AND EXECUTIVE INFLUENCES ON MEMORY FOR EVENTS AS REVEALED BY AGING AND DISTRACTION
Authors: Kersten Alan , Earles Julie , Smithwick Megan , Angus Carlos Vaca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Diagnostic tests of memory functioning typically employ verbal material, potentially encouraging mnemonic strategies ranging from rehearsal to visual imagery. Poor performance could thus reflect either impairments in basic associative mechanisms or impairments in executive functions underlying strategy deployment. Kersten et al. (2018) developed a more ecologically valid test of episodic memory, the Person-Action Conjunction (PAC) Test, involving memory for who did what in events. They found that when many different actors performed the actions, memory for who performed each action was related to tests of associative functioning, whereas when only two actors performed all the actions, memory performance was related to executive functioning. The present research tested the ensuing prediction that manipulating the availability of executive resources through distraction should only impact performance when a small number of actors perform the actions. The PAC Test was administered to 207 young adults (M age = 20.39) and 163 healthy older adults (M age = 70.80), either with no distraction or while performing a tone counting distractor task. Young adults performed better than older adults at remembering who did what, consistent with an age-related associative deficit. When two actors performed all the actions, distraction impacted both age groups’ memory for which actor performed each action. When many different actors performed the actions, distraction had no specific impact on memory for who did what. Implications will be discussed for the development of diagnostic tests to differentiate impairments in basic memory mechanisms (e.g., early-stage Alzheimer’s disease) from impairments of executive functioning (e.g., vascular dementia).
EXPLORING LINKS BETWEEN COGNITIVE AGING AND FEATURES OF WORKING MEMORY VIA COMPUTATIONAL MODELING
Authors: Kim Sharon H , Li Yanling , Harrington Karra , Hakun Jonathan , Elbich Daniel , Sliwinski Martin , Oravecz Zita 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With an aging population, understanding cognitive aging is essential for developing interventions to support independence and well-being. Additionally, there is a need for sensitive measures that can differentiate subtle cognitive decline related to neurodegenerative disease from age-related changes. In particular, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) increases in prevalence with age and involves progressive cognitive decline. The Color Shapes task (CST) is a visual working memory task that has been shown to be sensitive to early indicators for ADRD. CST involves feature binding (e.g., mental representation of features into a unified whole) that is impaired in people with ADRD. In an experiment, we manipulated different CST properties to study whether drift diffusion modeling (DDM) can account for individual differences in latent decision-making processes generating manifest CST performance scores. DDM allows us to quantify theoretically meaningful cognitive parameters that underlie task performance captured in reaction times and accuracies. 68 U.S. community-residing adults (28-80 years) completed daily smartphone assessments across 8 days with experimentally manipulated versions of the CST. We implemented a single-step Bayesian estimation of experimental conditions contrasts, latent DDM parameters, and their associations. We show how individual differences in experimental contrasts were related to age in terms of cognitive (drift rate), non-cognitive (non-decision time), and meta-cognitive (boundary separation) parameters. The results highlight the benefits of using cognitive process models with optimized cognitive tasks to delineate features of cognitive aging for ADRD research.
FACTORS INFLUENCING COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG THE US OLDEST-OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Son Jung Yoen , Larson Janet 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Previous studies have identified factors that influence cognition in older adults (aged ≥ 65); however, the findings cannot be generalized to the oldest-old adults (aged ≥ 80), who face different physical and functional challenges. This study aimed to examine the association between potential influencing factors and cognitive function in community-dwelling oldest-older adults using the National Health Aging Trends Study (NHATS) dataset, a nationally representative sample from 2015. We conducted linear multilevel modeling (MLM) to examine the association between participation in physical activity (PA) and social activity, everyday technology use, mental health, and self-reported health with cognitive function (immediate and delayed word recall), adjusting for five sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education). A total of 2779 community-dwelling oldest-old adults from the NHATS were included. Most of study participants were 80-84 years old (47%), female (61%), Non-Hispanic White (70%), not married (63%), and did not obtain a college degree (75%). In the MLM, participating in physical and social activities, using technology, and poorer mental health were significantly associated with higher word-recall scores (better cognitive function). Self-reported health was not associated with word recall. Results from our study suggest that interventions aimed at promoting physical and social activities and improving mental health may help maintain cognitive function among the oldest-old population. Our findings also suggest the potential positive impact of technology use on cognition, although further study is needed to support the evidence.
SELF-PERCEIVED COGNITIVE CHANGES IN OLDER BLACK ADULTS DURING COVID-19
Authors: Martens Nancy , Hanna Sophie , Adams Hannah , DiCerbo Loraine , Giordani Bruno , Kavcic Voyko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had myriad effects on health and well-being. Contracting the COVID-19 virus and concerns of social and physical consequences during pandemic-related restrictions have been proven to negatively impact health. To better understand possible effects of COVID-19 on Black community-dwelling older adults’ perceived cognitive changes, we conducted a pilot study with 48 community-dwelling African Americans with measures obtained over 24 months from 10/2020 to 10/2022. Participants were recruited from the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology Healthier Black Elders Center, and Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and the general Detroit Area (Mage=73.07, Range=65-87 years). The Cognitive Change Index (CCI) was used as a self-report measure of perceived change over the last five years. The COVID Impact Survey (CIS) was used to assess the burden of COVID-19 on daily living. To evaluate emotional-being, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS responses referred to the last month) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS, within the last week) were administered. Stepwise regression models showed CIS outcome measures did not predict CCI. GDS outcome measures predicted CCI to some degree (R2adj = .15, p = .008), whereas PSS was the strongest predictor (R2adj = .50, p &lt; .001). Results suggest that for older community-dwelling African Americans, past COVID-19 pandemic experiences did not affect their self-evaluated cognitive changes. Higher levels of self-perceived stress within the last month best predicted their subjective cognitive decline. Future research should involve interventions focused on stress reduction, and clinicians should consider stress level when diagnosing cognitive status in older adults.
SEMANTIC RETRIEVAL PATTERNS IN COGNITIVELY HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Phatak Vaishali , Vlock Elizabeth , Im Yunju , Merickel Jennifer , Aflagah Erica , Murman Daniel , Chang Jun Ha , Rizzo Matthew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Word finding difficulties can be a normative change in aging. The purpose of this descriptive study is to establish metrics of word retrieval patterns in older adults using a semantic fluency task. Forty-five healthy aging, primary English speakers (mean age 75.0; 69% female, mean MoCA = 26.5) participated. Participants were asked “I want you to tell me all the animals you can think of in one minute.” The responses were scored using two novel normalized coefficients. (1) Archetypal Coefficient (AC): frequency proportional to the 60-second frequency. (2) Seeding Coefficient (SC): frequency proportional to both the 60-second frequency and the first-word frequency. Cluster coefficients (CC) also measured adjacency of responses. Participants generated mean of 19.9 words with a low correlation to MoCA (r=0.32). A total of 204 unique animal names including developmental stages (e.g., puppy), sex differences (e.g., rooster), and nicknames (e.g., bunny) were produced. In descending order, the most frequent responses were cat (AC=1.00), dog (AC=0.99), elephant (AC=0.89), horse (AC=0.83), and lion (AC=0.78). SC showed high ranking for archetypal animals (e.g., dog (SC=1.00), cat (SC=0.72)) and animals beginning with the letter “a” (e.g., anteater (SC=0.18), aardvark (SC=0.17)). CC showed greater adjacency for semantic subcategories such as pets (cat-dog) or farm animals (cow-horse), closely related species (mouse-rat) and superordinate labels (bird-fish). Our novel indices and CC revealed semantic retrieval in healthy aging occurs in an organized fashion that includes linguistic (i.e., alphabetical, word frequency) and semantic characteristics of animals, which adds to the current literature on semantic networks.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF COGNITIVE CONTROL BELIEFS TO 10 YEAR CHANGES IN COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Schiloski Kylie , Lachman Margie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Past work has shown that older adults who believe they have control over their cognitive performance (i.e., higher cognitive control beliefs) have better cognitive performance than those with lower cognitive control beliefs. However, it is unclear whether cognitive control beliefs are related to individual differences in cognitive change among middle-aged and older adults. The current study examined longitudinal associations between cognitive control beliefs and 10-year cognitive changes using data from waves 2 and 3 of the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS; N=2,509, Ages 33 to 83 at wave 2). We predicted that higher baseline cognitive control beliefs would be related to greater maintenance of episodic memory and executive functioning over 10 years. Age was tested as a moderator of these relationships and each analysis controlled for baseline performance, age, sex, education, and self-rated physical health. Multiple linear regression models revealed that higher baseline control beliefs were related to less decline in episodic memory (p&lt;.001) and executive functioning (p&lt;.05); however, age did not moderate these relationships. Taken together, these results suggest that across age, cognitive control beliefs are associated with greater maintenance of episodic memory and executive functioning over 10 years in middle-aged and older adults. As such, cognitive control beliefs may represent a promising modifiable mechanism to help minimize cognitive declines starting in midlife.
WHAT’S ON THE CALENDAR THIS WEEK? EVERYDAY COLLABORATIVE STRATEGY USE AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER COUPLES
Authors: Reese-Melancon Celinda , Turner Rachael , Wyatt Riley , Harrington Erin , Savla Tina , Rendell Peter , Margrett Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mnemonic strategies support individual memory performance in a variety of domains, including school, work, and home. Less is known about how people collaborate to remember information in their daily lives. We asked married and/or cohabitating middle-aged and older adults (118 individuals, M age = 62 years, Range = 40-88 years, 50% female) about their individual strategy use and whether they engaged in any collaborative behaviors to support their everyday memory success. We employed a mixed methods approach to data analysis. We found that, as a group, husbands did not statistically differ from wives in their reports of individual internal, external, or technology-based strategy use. Most participants did report collaborating with their partner to remember the things they need to do in a given week. Themes regarding collaborative strategy use included weekly or daily calendar planning, making joint To-Do lists or making such a list for one’s partner, conferring about upcoming events and appointments, and providing reminders to partners. These findings lay the groundwork for future work examining how partners may support each other cognitively as they age and whether these supports change over time.
INDECISIVENESS ABOUT LONG-TERM CARE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Schierer Allie , Miller-Winder Amber , Relerford Raven , Olvera Charles , Ramirez-Zohfeld Vanessa , Murawski Alaine , Lindquist Lee A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As cognition and function worsen, older adults often make decisions about living in long term care (LTC) or accepting support in the home. We are longitudinally studying LTC decision-making among a cohort of older adults (65+), who have viewed PlanYourLifespan.org (PYL), a proven-effective LTC planning tool. Subjects were surveyed at baseline (BL), administered PYL, then followed with surveys every 6 months. Participants were asked about LTC decisions in the event of worsening cognition and to describe those decisions. Responses were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach with open-ended responses coded using constant comparative analysis. Of the 293 subjects, mean age was 73 years, 72.7% (213) female, 40.4% (118) under-represented minority. Between baseline-18 months, 66.5% of subjects changed their LTC plans (28.7% one change, 24.23% two changes, 9.2% three changes) At 1 and 6 mos., the proportion of respondents who changed their decision from their prior timepoint was 44%. By 12 mos., this proportion has declined to 39%, and by 18 mos., the proportion further decreased to 34%. Higher indecision (Yes-No-Yes-No) was seen with changes in family caregivers, timing around COVID-19, and personal health. Decision permanence increased at 12-and 18-month time points. LTC decision-making fluctuates; however, over time, the decision-making progresses from circling to more permanence. Understanding LTC decision making is longitudinally important to understand and should be revisited every 6-12 months in clinical practice.
READ TO SUCCEED: HOW BOOK CLUBS CAN IMPROVE INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS AND FOSTER AGE FRIENDLINESS IN COMMUNITIES
Authors: Frey Katelyn , Sublett Jennifer , Kravljaca Nikolina , Stanley Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Intergenerational programming is recommended to improve age friendliness in communities, but there is little empirical research to support its effectiveness (Canedo-García et al., 2017). This project examined whether a multimodal intergenerational book club challenged age stereotypes and reduced ageism among participants (N=41). Twenty-one older adults (61-82) and 20 younger adults (18-22) read A Man Called Ove and met three times to introduce themselves (Time 1) and discuss the book (Time 2 and 3). Before the first meeting and after subsequent meetings, participants completed a survey to assess ageist beliefs and stereotypes. We expected ageist beliefs and stereotypes to decrease across time during the book club program. There was a statistically significant interaction between age group and time on benevolent ageism F(2, 52)= 5.23, p= .009 , partial η2= .167, such that benevolent ageism was more endorsed in younger adults (M=6.64, SE= 2.48, p= .011) compared to older adults at Time 1. This difference was not observed at Time 2 or Time 3 due to younger adults’ decreased overall endorsement. For positive generational stereotypes about older adults, there was a statistically significant main effect of time, F(2, 52)=7.095, p=.002, partial η2= .214, such that both younger and older adults increased their endorsement of these stereotypes from Time 1 to Time 3; similar findings occurred for positive stereotypes about younger adults F(2, 46)=4.53, p=.016, partial η2= .165. Results indicate intergenerational book clubs are an effective means to improve intergenerational relations and reduce ageist attitudes in younger adults.
SPOUSAL CAREGIVING AND PARALLEL COGNITIVE TRAJECTORIES AMONG OLDER ADULT CAREGIVERS AND RECIPIENTS IN CHINA
Authors: Yu Guo , Zhang Zhenmei , Jiang Quanbao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Prior studies have paid much attention to the physical and mental health outcomes of spouse caregivers. However, few have looked at the cognitive trajectory of caregivers and how it was associated with the characteristics of caregivers and care recipients. Based on four waves (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) of the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) (N=3137 dyad couples aged 45 and above), cognitive function was measured by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A parallel process growth model was conducted to explore the association between spouse caregiving and the joint trajectories of caregivers and their recipients’ cognitive decline during the eight years. Preliminary results show that 1) couples’ trajectories are significantly related to each other, although men had a higher initial level of cognitive function than women, their cognitive function declined at a faster rate than women did; 2) The relationship between caregiving and cognitive trajectory varies by gender. Specifically, providing care is positively correlated with slower cognitive decline in men, but not in women. Whereas receiving the care was associated with a faster cognitive decline for both gender. These findings emphasize the need of paying attention to both family caregivers and recipients and the need for more targeted intervention strategies based on the nature of care.
A LATENT VARIABLE APPROACH TO ASSESS DEMENTIA IN MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES: MEASUREMENT INVARIANCE AND VALIDATION
Authors: Saenz Joseph , Beam Christopher , Mejía-Arango Silvia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Latent dementia indices (LDI) use cognitive and functional data to approximate dementia. Few evaluate the LDI’s utility in cross-national work. This study tests metric measurement invariance of an LDI in the United States and Mexico and evaluates its validity in Mexico. Data included the United States Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP, n=3,267), MexCog (n=2,042), and a Mexican clinical validation sample with diagnosed cognitive status (51 cognitively normal, 49 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 50 dementia) who received the MexCog battery. The LDI was measured using highly comparable items (13 cognitive and 10 functional). We tested metric measurement invariance of the LDI in MexCog/HCAP samples and evaluated validity by regressing cognitive status on LDI factor scores in the Mexican validation sample using multinomial regression and evaluating how model-implied cognitive status aligned with diagnosis. Full metric invariance of the LDI in the MexCog and HCAP was supported, suggesting that the LDI may be used in cross-national work to validly compare dementia risk factors in the studies. In the Mexican validation sample, LDI factor scores significantly predicted MCI (β=-2.62, p&lt; 0.001) and dementia (β=-5.93, p&lt; 0.001) versus cognitively normal in multinomial regressions. LDI model-implied cognitive status showed moderately high dementia (84.0%) and MCI (88.9%) sensitivity and moderately high dementia (92.0%) and MCI (88.2%) specificity. The LDI may be used to cross-nationally compare risk/protective factors for dementia in MexCog/HCAP studies. Alignment between the LDI and diagnosed cognitive status in the Mexican validation sample supports its validity as a proxy for dementia in Mexico.
DEMENTIA FRIENDS AWARENESS BUSINESS TRAINING PROGRAM: MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT IN SMALL ARKANSAS BUSINESSES
Authors: Spradley Laura , Thomasson Whitney , McAtee Robin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative, a HRSA-funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program grant, and a Dementia Friends USA sub-licensee, provides a program to businesses called Dementia Friends at Work. This program utilizes the tenants of the “Become a Dementia Friend” program created by Dementia Friendly America©, a multi-sector movement that aims to foster “dementia friendly communities”. A one-hour training was conducted for 222 business employees, focusing on recognizing the signs of dementia, challenging the stigma about dementia, how to best communicate with individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and practical tips to make themselves and their environment more Dementia-Friendly. During the program, management and staff were asked to self-assess the physical business environment for “dementia friendliness” and review possible changes toward improvement. Pre-program and post-program evaluations were completed. The results showed that 100% of participants agreed the training program made an impact on their business or job and 75% claimed to use the knowledge gained from the program. Qualitative data gathered 90-days post training supported these results with themes emerging such as staff using new ways to navigate conversations with those expected to have dementia, being more aware of the signs of dementia, and utilization of skills learned to more effectively interact with these customers. Findings suggest that many employees were unaware of the common signs of dementia or how to recognize behaviors of those with dementia. They had also not considered learning about or using proven techniques to assist with interactions and conversations; therefore, this training was well-received and effective.
DEVELOPING AND TESTING A TWO-PART INTERVENTION: ENHANCING DEMENTIA INSTRUCTION AND TOOL IN HOME HOSPICE CARE
Authors: Geisser Sophia , Aamponsah Abigail , Vasquez Felix , Luth Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Family care partners of persons living with dementia provide extensive care and experience significant stress and strain, particularly near the person living with dementia’s end of life. Hospice nurses and social workers (clinicians) are positioned to support family care partners, but seldom receive training to do so. This article describes the approach to developing and pilot testing a two-part intervention, Enhancing Dementia Instruction and Tool in Home Hospice Care (EDITH-HC). This intervention provides 1) educational videos for hospice nurses and social workers about dementia-specific end-of-life care and 2) a worksheet for clinicians to use as part of their clinical practice to use with family care partners to identify and address their stressors and concerns. EDITH-HC development involved: (1) a systematic review of literature and analysis of interview data from 58 family care partners (n=40) of home hospice patients living with dementia and clinicians (physicians, nurses, and social workers, n=18); (2) analysis of primary data collected from two rounds of structured, key stakeholder input from 19 family care partners, hospice clinicians, and research/content experts; and (3) single-arm pilot of the intervention to test initial feasibility and acceptability. The intervention development will lead to a randomized pilot study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the training and worksheet in clinical practice compared to usual care.