bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SELF-REPORTED AND OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF HEARING HANDICAP AND COGNITIVE CHALLENGES IN AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS
Authors: Shende Shraddha , Mudar Raksha 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common condition in older adults, with most reporting challenges in recognizing speech-in-noise (SiN). Growing evidence also indicates cognitive alterations in this population. Concomitant examination of hearing and cognitive abilities using a combination of subjective and objective measures would be useful in characterizing the challenges faced by individuals with ARHL. We examined hearing abilities and cognitive functions in 15 individuals with bilateral mild-to-moderate untreated sensorineural ARHL (age: 70.4 ± 7.4 years, pure tone average: 31.0 ± 3.8 dB HL) and 15 age- and education-matched normal hearing controls (age: 65.7 ± 5.8 years, pure tone average: 15.4 ± 5.9 dB HL). We examined subjective ratings of hearing handicap (Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults) and cognitive ability (Self-rating of Cognition in Everyday Activities), and objective measures of SiN (Quick Speech-In-Noise) and cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] and MoCA-memory index score [MoCA-MIS]). Our analysis revealed that individuals with ARHL self-reported a greater number of cognitive issues in everyday activities and had a higher hearing handicap score (p=.044) relative to controls. Additionally, the ARHL group performed significantly worse on SiN (p=.005) and cognitive screening (MoCA, p=.031; MoCA-MIS, p=.039). Taken together, these findings suggest that in addition to experiencing challenges with hearing abilities, individuals with mild-to-moderate ARHL also experience cognitive changes. Furthermore, these challenges are self-perceived as well as noticeable on objective testing. Our work points towards the consideration of self-report and objective assessment of cognition in geriatric hearing care, which can further inform the development of novel interventions.
RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND DEMENTIA: COMPARING MEXICAN AND NON-MEXICAN HISPANICS
Authors: Ferdows Nasim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the cognitive functioning of Hispanic individuals aged 65 and above, focusing on the unique risk and protective factors associated with dementia in Mexican Hispanics and non-Mexican Hispanics. The study utilizes data from the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) subsample of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), comprising 388 Hispanic older individuals who participated in the HCAP in 2016 (traced back to 2000), allowing for a comprehensive examination of cognitive health within this population. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and to classify dementia. The findings reveal distinct patterns in cognitive functioning between Mexican Hispanic and non-Mexican Hispanic populations. Mexican Hispanic males exhibit lower MMSE scores across all age groups, while Mexican Hispanic females show slightly higher scores compared to non-Mexican Hispanic females. Education and wealth levels do not significantly affect cognitive scores in either group. Mexican Hispanics have lower odds of dementia compared to non-Mexican Hispanics, even when accounting for sociodemographic, midlife, and late-life characteristics. Both educational attainment and wealth emerge as protective factors against dementia for both groups. Additionally, midlife obesity, hearing loss, and later-life physical inactivity are identified as specific risk factors for dementia in Mexican Hispanics but have an insignificant impact on non-Mexican Hispanics. These findings have implications for targeted interventions and policies to promote cognitive well-being and address health disparities in older Hispanics. The aim is to improve the overall quality of life and achieve equitable healthcare outcomes.
RISK FACTORS FOR FALL-RELATED MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Okrah Prince , Tharrington Shafer , Shin Isaac , Wagoner Aaron , Woodsmall Katelyn , Jehu Deborah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are commonly undiagnosed, which delays treatment and recovery. About 80% of older adults’ mTBIs stem from falls, yet factors driving fall-related mTBIs are unclear. This study aimed to systematically review risk factors for fall-related mTBIs among older adults. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews with Meta-Analysis protocol and the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines (Prospero ID: CRD42023377847). Our scope included prospective studies analyzing risk factors for fall-related mTBI in adults ≥ 60 years. The primary outcome measure was the relative risk for fall-related mTBIs, and secondary outcomes were: fall rate, total falls, and the number of fallers and non-fallers in those with and without a mTBI. On November 4, 2022, we searched: CINAHL Plus, and Health Source: Nursing Academic Edition, Nursing & Allied Health Database, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. We conducted a grey literature search by examining reference lists of relevant studies. Two authors screened articles, and one author adjudicated any disagreements. Two authors would have assessed the reporting quality using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist, and the risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal tool. The database search yielded 410 articles; after deduplication, 395 titles and abstracts were screened, and 66 articles underwent full-text review. Overall, no studies were eligible. Fall-related mTBIs can have devastating consequences. There is an urgent need to identify risk factors for fall-related mTBIs in older adults to improve screening procedures and therapeutic intervention.
SHAPING COVID-19 INTERVENTIONS THAT ADDRESS SOCIAL BARRIERS AMONG OLDER LATINOS IN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
Authors: Panellas Isis , Beaulaurier Richard 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
COVID-19 has exposed severe gaps in our understanding of preventing infectious diseases, particularly in congregate living facilities. While the medical and public health communities developed clear insights into preventing or limiting the spread of infection, our understanding of barriers to adopting these measures has lagged, particularly in minority communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older Latino adults, particularly those living in assisted living facilities. Among this vulnerable population, older Latinos face unique social barriers such as language and communication difficulties, lack of culturally competent care, and socioeconomic disadvantages that contribute to their increased susceptibility to COVID-19 transmission and which can lead to more severe outcomes. While initial intervention strategies focused on medical interventions to mitigate the virus’s effects, there has been a gradual recognition that barriers to prevention have increasingly shifted from medical to social domains. This paper aims to document the existing knowledge and identify knowledge gaps concerning effectively managing these social barriers. Culturally sensitive approaches must consider salient features of Latino family dynamics such as allocentrism, familismo, respeto, and expected gender roles. In addition, there are often barriers related to external factors, such as a lack of Spanish language resources, community engagement, stereotypes, and racism. Prevention approaches need to identify and address these barriers to safeguard the well-being of older Latinos in assisted living facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review will explore our current understanding of these social barriers, provide insights into potential strategies to mitigate their impact and identify continuing gaps in our knowledge.
STABILITY AND INTER-RELATIONSHIPS OF INFLAMMATORY MARKERS ACROSS TWO WEEKS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Tennyson Robert , Wright Molly , Knight Erik , Graham-Engeland Jennifer , Engeland Christopher 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The temporal stability of basal and stimulated inflammatory cytokines is unclear in older adults, despite often being used to characterize inflammatory status. Further, it is not apparent how the stability of these markers and their multi-dimensional relationships connect to healthy aging. This analysis examines these issues in 227 participants from the Einstein Aging Study [ages: 70-90 (Mean=76.7), 67% women] with blood draws ~2 weeks apart. Temporal stability was assessed by intra-class coefficients (ICCs) obtained from linear mixed models (controlling for days between measurements, age, gender) for a panel of basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α). Sensitivity analyses compared ICCs across genders and individuals reporting high vs. low subjective health. A composite measure of basal cytokines exhibited strong reliability (ICC: 0.854), whereas individual basal cytokines exhibited moderate (&gt;0.5) to very high reliability (&gt;0.9). Conversely, a composite measure of stimulated cytokines demonstrated moderate reliability (ICC: 0.552), with individual stimulated cytokines having only low (&lt; 0.5) to moderate reliability. No appreciable differences were observed by gender, but individuals reporting low (ICC: 0.457) vs. high (ICC: 0.631) subjective health exhibited considerably lower reliability for the stimulated composite measure. In sum, basal cytokines had moderate to high stability, whereas stimulated cytokines exhibited relatively low stability. Given that individuals reporting lower subjective health demonstrated greater variability in stimulated cytokines, higher fluctuations in inflammatory responsivity may reflect suboptimal health in older adults. The inter-relationships of these cytokines, explored via principal component analysis, will also be discussed.
STOPPING OLDER PERSON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN WOMEN 55+ THROUGH PROMISING PRACTICES: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Melissa Macri , Abbas Jihan , Hirst Sandra , Santarossa Melanie , Mirza Raza , Hsieh Jessica , MacPherson Margaret , Schoepflin Benedicte 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Intimate partner and family violence (IPFV) disproportionately affect women of all ages, but are often understudied in older populations. Older women also face numerous barriers to reporting these types of abuse. A scoping review was undertaken to: (1) synthesize current knowledge about the utility and suitability of screening and intervention tools for older women (55+) experiencing IPFV; and (2) identify existing policy, practice, and research gaps with regard to current screening and intervention tools.

Methods
A comprehensive search of the databases Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO, AgeLine, ASSIA, and Sociological Abstracts was conducted. In addition, grey literature sources were searched using Google Scholar, ISI Social Sciences Citation Index, ISI Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Social Science & Humanities, Dissertations & Theses: Full Text, Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), and National Institute of Health (NIH). After screening and selection, 42 documents were included for data extraction.

Results
There were five major themes that emerged: (1) older women were not the specific targets of the studies/tools; (2) screening and intervention tools should address health outcomes; (3) tools identified were used or developed for some diverse populations; (4) two or more tools were used in combination; and (5) intervention tools should focus on social support and empowerment.

Conclusions
Older women, especially those with intersectional identities, are rarely represented in studies of IPFV, and are even less frequently the primary focus. Screening and intervention tools should address health outcomes, social support, and empowerment. Effective screening and intervention may stem from utilizing multiple tools in combination.
SUCCESSFUL METHODS FOR ELICITING VIEWS OF DIRECT CARE WORKERS REGARDING NEEDS AND PREFERENCES OF HOME CARE CLIENTS
Authors: Hyde Joan , Frost Alanna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Over the past decades, as the recruitment and retention of Direct Care Workers (DCWs) has become a critical issue, numerous studies have sought to elicit workers’ views, particularly on job satisfaction, stressors, and intent to stay. This project, which includes a review of those studies, uncovered a wide variety of methods and approaches, which we are evaluating for use in future studies that would capture direct care worker’s insights regarding the needs and preferences of the people for whom they provide support. In particular, this project, in conjunction with a larger one designed to assess dually-eligible care recipients’ experiences with formal home care, explores methodologies best suited to capturing the congruence of DCWs’ views with those of recipients’ needs and preferences. It would test the hypothesis that DCWs’ assessments may supplement recipients’ insights, and may strengthen advocacy to improve home care access, policies and practices. The presentation will offer a systematic review of methods and instruments, including use of validated tools and those with face validity that addresses culturally relevant factors, as well as the use of focused and hypothesis-generating open-ended interviews that are sensitive to the power relationships and voices of those participants in the endeavor. The presenters will offer potentially innovative practices, such as observation, documentation analysis, and the use of Delphi techniques which draw on the knowledge and expertise of DCWs. The presentation will also draw on studies that utilized technology and social media to reach and engage this study population.
THE ASSOCIATION OF NON-SEVERE COVID-19 INFECTION AND PROGRESSION TO FRAILTY AMONG ROBUST OLDER VETERANS
Authors: Resendes Natasha Melo , Tang Fei , Tosi Dominique , Hammel Iriana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Frailty is a multisystem syndrome characterized by vulnerability to stressors, such as the infection with COVID-19. We set out to examine if mild COVID-19 infection impacted frailty onset among older robust veterans, and whether other factors were associated with developing frailty.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study of U.S. Veterans 55 years and older who had a SARS-CoV-2 infection between 3-15-2020, and 11-30-2020, were active VHA users/and had a VA Frailty Index (VA-FI) of 0.0 at time of diagnosis. We used nationwide VHA data from the VA COVID-19 Shared Data Resource database. We excluded Veterans hospitalized after contracting COVID-19, and who died within the 25-month follow-up. Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the association between COVID-19 infection and developing frailty or (pre-frailty + frailty), after adjusting for age, BMI, race, ethnicity, gender, smoking, and rurality.

Results
86061 Veterans aged 55 and older met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 68.4 yrs (SD=7.8) with 91.0% (78347) males. 7561 (8.8%) tested positive for COVID-19, and 78500 (91.2%) tested negative. The COVID-19 positive group had a higher percentage of black and city-dwelling Veterans than the COVID-19 negative group. After adjustments listed above, testing positive for COVID-19 was associated with an increased hazard of becoming frail (adjusted HR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.24-2.13), and pre-frail + frail (adjusted HR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.53-2.06).

Conclusion
We showed that mild COVID-19 was associated with higher incidence of frailty and pre-frailty. Follow-up post COVID-19 infection should include a comprehensive geriatric assessment for early frailty identification and intervention.
THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LUNG DISEASE, CAREGIVING, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING IN OLDER US ADULTS
Authors: Bilalaga Mariah Malak , Almidani Louay 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the association between lung disease, caregiving for adults with lung disease, and the psychological and social well-being of older adults using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study 2021, a nationally representative sample of US adults aged ≥ 65 years. Lung disease was determined based on self-reported data regarding diagnoses of emphysema, asthma, or chronic bronchitis. The Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) questionnaire was utilized to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms. Social isolation was defined based on responses about living arrangements, frequency of communication with others, and participation in activities. Prevalence ratios adjusted for covariates were calculated using Poisson regression. Among adults with lung disease, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was notably higher (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.96) compared to those without. However, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and social isolation did not significantly differ when compared to their counterparts without lung disease (p&lt; 0.05). Caregivers responsible for adults with lung disease had a greater prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.16-2.25), but there was no notable difference in the prevalence of anxiety symptoms or social isolation (p&lt; 0.05). We highlight that both lung disease and caregiving for adults with lung disease are significantly associated with increased prevalence of depressive symptoms, but not anxiety symptoms or social isolation, among older adults in the United States. Strategies are required to enhance the psychological well-being of individuals with lung disease as well as their caregivers.
THE FOURTH AGE IN PROSPECT: A STUDY FROM FIVE NATIONS
Authors: Ekerdt David , Marhankova Jaroslava Hasmanova , Fung Helene , Liou Shyhnan , Lessenich Stephan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Higgs and Gilleard (2015) have uniquely theorized the fourth age as a “social imaginary” of deep old age that blends notions of frailty, abjection, and the moral relations of care. This report evaluates the power, reach, and coherence of the fourth age imaginary among older adults in relative good health. In a qualitative design and within samples at five sites (in Czechia, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States), 138 adults aged 70+ and still living independently discussed what it would mean to be “not independent” in later life. Replies referenced other people in general, specific people, or one’s own potential experience. Pooled across sites, the views of our participants confirm the theorized features of the social imaginary. Participants spoke readily of gateway infirmities heralding frailty and of frailty’s abjection; expressed dread and abhorrence of dependence, some saying that death would be preferable; and were anxious about nursing homes and about burdening others with an obligation to care for them. In all, the bleak but formidable reputation of the fourth age impinges on those living in the third, raising apprehensions about the future. At the same time, perhaps this prospect of unwanted old age can function as adaptive, motivating efforts to maintain bodily and cognitive integrity, to plan for the future, to cultivate support networks, or to savor the present. Fourth-age studies that document the lived experience of frailty and dependence have the potential to undermine the social imaginary and furnish new narratives for facing the future.
THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INTRINSIC CAPACITY AND FRAILTY AND DISABILITY IN OLDER OUTPATIENTS
Authors: Chang Mei-Ching , Lo Yu-Tai , Lee Wei , Fan Sheng-Yu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The ICOPE scale is developed by the WHO to assess intrinsic capacity, including cognition, mobility, nutrition, hearing, vision, and depression. However, the relationships between intrinsic capacity and frailty and disability were unknown. The purposes of this study were to explore the cut-off points of the ICOPE scale for frailty and disability in older outpatients, and the significant intrinsic capacities for frailty and disability. This study employed a cross-sectional research design. The participants were patients aged 65 and above attending the geriatric department of a medical center (n=397). The ICOPE scale, Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale were used. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off points of the ICOPE scale for frailty and disability, and logistic regression for the significant intrinsic capacities related to frailty and disability. For frailty, the AUC value of abnormal intrinsic capacity was 0.79 (p &lt; 0.001), with an optimal cut-off point of 2/3. For disability the AUC value of abnormal intrinsic capacity was 0.82 (p &lt; 0.001), with an optimal cut-off point of 2/3. Logistic regression showed cognition, mobility, and nutrition related to frailty significantly; whereas cognition, mobility, nutrition, and hearing related to disability significantly. Older adults with three or more abnormal intrinsic capacities have a higher risk of frailty and disability. The problems of cognition, mobility, and nutrition were the risk factors of frailty and disability. Healthcare staff can pay attention to older outpatients with the problems of intrinsic capacities.
THE RISK OF MEDICATIONS IMPAIRING ROAD TEST PERFORMANCE AMONG COGNITIVELY INTACT OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Carr David , Beyene Kebede , Babulal Ganesh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Importance
Older adults are increasingly prescribed medications that have adverse side-effects. Prior studies have found higher risks associated with motor vehicle crashes. Objective: This 10-year study determined whether specific medication classes were associated with performance decline assessed by a standardized road test in a community-sample of healthy, cognitively-normal older adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a prospective cohort study of 198 cognitively-normal older adults ≥ 65 years old with a valid driver’s license who were followed annually, with rolling enrollment. Exposure: Potentially driver impairing medications. Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome measure was performance (pass or marginal/fail) based on the Washington University Road Test. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association between PDI medication use and road test performance.

Results
Among the 198 older adults (mean [SD] baseline age, 72.6 [4.6] years; 87 females [43.9%]; and 19 Black participants [9.5%]), 70 participants [35%] received a marginal/fail rating on the road test over an average follow up of 5.70 years. Any antidepressant (HR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.67- 4.71), SSRI/SNRI (HR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.56- 4.77), sedatives/hypnotics (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.40- 5.19), or NSAIDs/Acetaminophen (HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.34- 5.83) use had at least a 2.5 greater risk of receiving a marginal/fail rating on a road test compared to controls. Conclusion and relevance: In this prospective cohort study, specific medication classes increased the longitudinal risk of failing a road test. Patients should be counseled about perceived driving difficulty and risk when prescribed these medications by clinicians.