bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AS COMPENSATION FOR INFREQUENT IN-PERSON CONTACT WITH GRANDCHILDREN DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Fu Xiaoyu , Hwang Woosang , Silverstein Merril 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Maintaining interactive relationships with grandchildren represents an important and rewarding aspect of family life for grandparents. The goal of this study is to explore stylistic patterns of intergenerational contact with grandchildren including digital communication (texting, e-mail, video call, and social media interaction) and how they were associated with older grandparents’ psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the 2021-22 survey of the Longitudinal Study of Generations (LSOG), the analysis applied latent class analysis to identify communication styles with grandchildren among 264 grandmothers and 174 grandfathers. We identified four communication styles for both grandmothers and grandfathers. Life satisfaction was relatively low and no different among grandparents with a detached style (little contact of any type) and those with a digitally connected style (little in-person contact but some digital contact). However, fully connected grandparents (digital contact and in-person contact) had significantly better life satisfaction than detached grandparents. Results suggest that digital communication with grandchildren did not compensate for the lack of face-to-face contact with grandchildren but complemented this more traditional form of contact. We conclude that digital contact with grandchildren provides added value above and beyond in-person contact for the psychological well-being of older grandparents.
DONALD P. KENT AND ROBERT W. KLEEMEIER AWARD LECTURES
Authors: Nelson James 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Donald P. Kent Award lecture will feature an address by the 2022 Kent Award recipient Nancy R. Hooyman, PhD, FGSA, of the University of Washington. The Kent Award is given annually to a member of The Gerontological Society of America who best exemplifies the highest standards of professional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and interpretation of gerontology to the larger society. The Robert W. Kleemeier Award lecture will feature an address by the 2022 Kleemeier Award recipient Sheryl Zimmerman, PhD, FGSA, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Kleemeier Award is given annually to a member of The Gerontological Society of America in recognition for outstanding research in the field of gerontology.
CORPORATE PERSPECTIVES OF A NATIONAL NURSING HOME PRAGMATIC TRIAL AND FACTORS AFFECTING IMPLEMENTATION FIDELITY
Authors: Weems Jacy , McCreedy Ellen , Wittenberg Grace , Baier Rosa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Implementation fidelity is concerning for embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs), where effectiveness is evaluated in real-world settings instead of a structured clinical environment. Healthcare facilities paused ePCT research activities during the COVID-19 pandemic to address related staffing issues and infections. We examined a 54-nursing-home ePCT implementing Music & Memory, a nonpharmacological intervention using music to improve quality of life for residents living with dementia. Our qualitative study describes factors influencing implementation fidelity across four nursing home corporations. The interview guide assesses corporate perceptions of implementation barriers, facilitators, and participation incentives. Themes were organized within the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity’s potential modifying factors: 1) context, 2) participant responsiveness, 3) intervention complexity, 4) facilitation strategies, 5) quality of delivery, and 6) recruitment. Interviewees (n=4) lead corporate-wide dementia initiatives. 1) Context: COVID-19-related capacity issues and local “champion” turnover impacted success. 2) Participant responsiveness: Developing playlists strengthened staff-resident relationships, although time-consuming and requiring staff competency. Residents experienced decreased agitation while staff satisfaction increased. 3) Intervention complexity: Brown’s research team adapted processes to save staff time. 4) Facilitation strategies: The relationship with Brown promoted problem-solving. 5) Quality of delivery: The ePCT was an effective, non-pharmacological approach addressing dementia symptoms. 6) Recruitment: Corporate leadership makes decisions regarding individual nursing homes’ recruitment in research. Financial incentives did not drive participation, although some voiced appreciation for offsetting time and resources invested. Recommendations for future efforts included in-person champion training and site-specific quality improvement efforts. Researchers maintaining relationships with corporate and local leadership promotes sustainable engagement.
EFFECT OF AMYLOID PET RESULTS DISCLOSURE ON HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIORS IN PERSONS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Wang Yan , Ren Dianxu , Roberts Scott , Lingler Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mounting evidence supports the clinical utility of amyloid PET. However, whether patients use knowledge of their amyloid status to alter health behaviors remains unclear. We describe health-related actions taken by Mild Cognitive Impairment patients following amyloid PET disclosure (n=34) vs. a comparison group (n=37). Patients were 92% non-Hispanic white, 59% male, 73±8.61 years old with 16.25±2.49 years of education. Over 12 months of follow-up, all participants reported at least one behavior change from baseline on a 14-item health behavior questionnaire. Amyloid positive patients reported the most behavior changes (mean=4.67±1.83) while amyloid negative patients reported the fewest (mean=3.72±1.58). Across groups, no significant differences were observed in: lifestyle, vitamin/supplement use, stress reduction activities, cognitive stimulation, or advance directive completion. Amyloid negative participants were significantly less likely than controls to consider long-term care insurance (63.6% vs. 89.2%; P=.025), and to endorse changes classified as “other” (36.4% vs. 64.9%; P=0.037). After adjusting for education level, gender, and MMSE, logistic regression showed that amyloid negative patients were 74% less likely than controls to report “other” changes (OR=0.26, 95% CI [0.08, 0.85], P=0.025), and 78% less likely to consider long-term care insurance (OR=0.22, 95% CI [0.06, 0.86], P=0.03). Qualitative analysis of supplemental interviews with scan group participants revealed “other” activities to include changes in employment, driving, and residential status, and engagement in other non-medical activities (pursuing bucket lists and mending strained relationships). Health-related behavior changes following amyloid PET disclosure may differ by scan result and encompass actions to enhance not only cognition but quality of life.
AN ONLINE VIGNETTE STUDY TO EXAMINE THE OUTCOMES OF A PRECLINICAL ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Picchiello Matthew , Wynn Matthew , Carpenter Brian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by abnormal levels of amyloid beta and tau proteins in the brain of a cognitively normal person. There are potential risks and benefits of communicating biological marker (biomarker) risk information for AD using the preclinical AD label. The current study used a vignette methodology to evaluate older adults’ reaction to their hypothetical risk for developing AD. Community dwelling cognitively intact older adults (n = 300, M age = 64.1) completed an online survey, randomized to disclose biomarker results and risk information (with or without the preclinical disease label) pertaining either to heart disease or AD. Participants reported on their perceptions of risk and behavioral intentions based on the Health Belief Model. A series of ANCOVAs and moderated mediation models support the idea that, across disease conditions, a preclinical label does not influence perception of the disease or behavioral intentions. Both groups indicated a similar and proactive intention to engage in more health-promoting behaviors and plan for the future. Results also highlight differences in individual perceptions of AD versus heart disease such that participants in the AD condition perceived their risk information as implying a more severe condition, perceived fewer benefits to knowing their risk, and reported lower self-efficacy about doing anything to address that risk. Despite these perceptions, older adults who received risk information for AD maintained interest in undertaking behavioral changes that may improve their quality of life. These findings have implications for the development of empirically supported disclosure processes for preclinical AD.
PERCEIVED NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND COGNITIVE AGING: FINDINGS FROM THE SEATTLE LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Hueluer Gizem , Willis Sherry , Schaie Warner , Gerstorf Denis 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Lifespan developmental perspectives widely acknowledge that cognitive development and aging is shaped by an individual’s social, historical, and geographic context. The residential neighborhood is the most immediate geographic context of an individual. In this study, we used within-person longitudinal data from the Seattle Longitudinal Study to examine how cognitive aging trajectories in five primary mental abilities are associated with perceived characteristics of one’s residential neighborhood. 3,482 participants (aged 19 thru 100 years, 54% women) contributed a total of 8,021 observations over up to 35 years. Longitudinal trajectories were examined across age and analyses additionally controlled for sex, education, and income. Our findings showed that cleanness of air and availability of trees and open spaces were indeed associated with higher levels of most primary mental abilities at age 60. In addition, cleanness of air was associated with less pronounced cognitive aging for two of the five primary mental abilities and availability of trees and open spaces was associated with less pronounced cognitive aging for four of the five primary mental abilities. In contrast, noise, closeness to transportation, and feelings of safety showed only few associations with trajectories of cognitive aging, whereas familiarity with neighbors was associated with lower levels of most primary mental abilities at age 60. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrate that characteristics of an individual’s neighborhood are related to trajectories of performance-based measures of cognitive aging over and above indicators of socio-economic status. We will discuss potential mechanisms underlying these associations and implications for future research.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM DIGITAL EQUALITY RESEARCH WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Authors: Batista-Malat Eleanor , Lomeli Sindy , Capolino Alexandria , Leedahl Skye , Wilber Kathleen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Despite strong interest among policymakers and service providers and a pipeline of Federal funding for programs that address digital inequalities in older adults, there is limited research on the challenges and outcomes of programs designed to reduce the digital divide. To better understand these issues, we compared and contrasted challenges and lessons learned administering digital inclusion projects in California and Rhode Island. In California, challenges included the complexity of state and local interface, managing public-private partnerships, and deciding on and communicating roles and responsibilities through the required formal channels. In Rhode Island, timing and communication were challenging because universities and community partners operate on different calendar systems and cater to different demands. For both programs, ensuring that training and technical support were available, accessible, and appropriate for diverse populations of older adults was a challenge. However, the training and support approaches were different as California leveraged private and non-profit partnerships while Rhode Island used university student mentors. Further, the rollout and data collection needed to evaluate the programs created barriers and slowed the process, including partners’ language capabilities not matching the participants’ and the time-consuming nature of data collection via telephone. Nevertheless, in both states, research opportunities afforded by collaborating with state and local agencies and private sector providers were invaluable. Partnerships allowed older adults to participate in research via a trusted organization with linguistic and cultural sensitivity, and researchers accessed underserved populations less likely to participate in research.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BALANCED DIET AND FRAILTY IN JAPANESE OLDER ADULTS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIAL PARTICIPATION
Authors: Li Yaya , Akagi Yuya , Fujiwara Natsumi , Yoshida Hiroko , Kido Michiko , Kabayama Mai 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The association between diet and frailty in older adults may be related to social factors. This study aimed to investigate whether there is an interaction effect between balanced diet and social participation on frailty in older Japanese. Balanced diet was defined as the consumption of more than one meal per day that contained carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Data were collected from 4,832 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-89 years through self-reported questionnaires (response rate 49.0%). Frailty was measured using the Kihon Checklist developed by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. We stratified participants by age (65-74 and 75-89 years) and conducted logistic regression models adjusted for economic status, gender, marital status, living alone, disease, and physical activity. The interaction between dietary diversity and social participation in frailty was also assessed. Results showed that in both age groups, consuming balanced diet was associated with a lower risk of frailty (OR=0.56, 95%CI=0.40–0.79). Lack of social participation was found to be a risk factor for frailty (OR=1.51, 95%CI=1.03–2.21). Furthermore, the interaction between balanced diet and social participation revealed that a combination of lack of social participation and balanced diet was also associated with a lower frailty risk in the 75-89 age group (OR=0.63, 95%CI=0.40–0.99). These findings suggest that balanced diet consumed at least once a day may be beneficial for preventing frailty for older adults, however, social participation should also be taken into consideration for those aged 75-89. This study has some limitations as a cross-sectional study. Longitudinal research is needed.
BUILDING FOUNDATIONAL COMPETENCIES IN OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH: VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON TRAINING
Authors: Emery-Tiburcio Erin , Mack Laurin , Wang Siqi , Buehler Susan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Designed to develop foundational knowledge competencies for generalist clinicians, this program was created by a team of geropsychologists, geriatric social workers, geriatric psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists, who reviewed competencies of multiple mental health disciplines, and identified 14 key areas of knowledge for clinicians. Content was created by Rush faculty, externally peer-reviewed, and developed into two versions. The 14-hour online version includes knowledge checks and national expert videos to provide multiple perspectives and voices of experience. Of the first 176 learners in the online version, 96.8% rated the overall program as excellent, with strong agreement (97.4 – 98.3%) that the training was applicable to practice, expectations were met, and learners had intention to apply the knowledge. All learners are required to achieve a minimum of 75% on knowledge post-test to complete each module. The three-day in-person program provided 25 diverse clinicians representing every HHS region with didactic content, interactive exercises, discussion, and a simulated patient experience to practice skills with live expert feedback. Participants demonstrated 14% improvement in knowledge (p&lt;.01). Didactic lectures were rated 100% extremely or very helpful; 82% rated group learning exercises extremely helpful; 100% rated the simulation lab as extremely or very helpful. Balance between activities and match with learning style were rated good to very good. All participants rated the likelihood of recommending the program to a colleague as extremely or very likely. Evaluation of skill implementation is ongoing. Implications for expanding generalist competencies in older adult mental health will be discussed.
BECOMING INCLUSIVE: A NECESSARY PURSUIT FOR SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN HOSPITAL CARE
Authors: Muntefering Chloe 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Given advances in medicine and technology, shorter hospital stays, and a shrinking health care workforce, an increasing number of older adults are relying on family caregivers for support during and after hospital care. Yet, our healthcare system is often unresponsive to the needs of family caregivers. Recent consensus recommendations including the National Strategy on Family Support encourages health systems to include family caregivers in care processes of older adults. This presentation will report interview and community advisory board findings from a qualitative descriptive study of N=24 stakeholders consisting of hospitalized older adults (n=4), family caregivers (n=6), healthcare providers (n=9), and health policymakers (n=5). The goals of the study were to identify and describe existing barriers and facilitators to the inclusion of family caregivers in older adult’s hospital care. Of the participants, 87% were female and from the Midwest region, and all were Caucasian. The average age was 56 years. The resulting themes from this exploration demonstrated that inclusion of family caregivers in hospital care is influenced by personal factors of both the caregiver and the provider (caregiver availability, health literacy, education, values/priorities), interpersonal skills between these two parties (communication style and methods), hospital environment/resources (accessibility, comfortability, staffing, documentation), and social climate/policy (Covid-19 Restrictions, HIPAA, Power of Attorney). Findings from this study can be used to develop or adapt healthcare system policies and practices, fulfilling Outcome 2.1 of the National Strategy on Family Support’s recommendation for recognizing family caregivers as essential members of the care team.
STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON QUALITY DEMENTIA CARE IN LOW-RESOURCE LONG-TERM CARE SETTINGS
Authors: Rataj Alison , Holmes Sarah , Kusmaul Nancy , Davie Laura , Kim Yoon , Lepore Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Having dementia care staff who are knowledgeable about the needs and preferences of residents living with dementia (RLWD) in long-term care (LTC) settings holds promise for supporting quality of care. However, staff who work in low-resource LTC settings tend to have fewer opportunities to get to know the residents, who in turn experience increased risk of adverse outcomes. Low-resource LTC settings can experience barriers in providing quality dementia care due to their limited ability to capture pertinent information about residents’ needs and preferences and ensuring that information is known by dementia care staff. We sought to describe stakeholder perspectives regarding the collection and sharing of information about RLWD in four low-resource LTC settings (two nursing home; two assisted living) that serve RLWD. All four settings were in medically underserved areas with two rural settings in New Hampshire and two urban settings in Maryland. Preliminary site visits conducted revealed strategies used by LTC providers to recruit and retain dementia care staff. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of stakeholders (administrative leaders, direct care staff, RLWD and family members). Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed in NVivo12. Themes were identified in four core topic areas: 1) identifying information about RLWD to support quality care; 2) finding and accessing information by the care team; 3) sharing information with RLWD; and 4) describing quality measures most relevant for RLWD. Findings shed light on practical strategies used by low-resource LTC settings and motivate future research on measuring dementia care quality.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE MCDR FOR HISPANIC OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Mendoza Lisandra , Garcia Patricia , Padron Dilianna , Duarte Andres , Marsiske Michael , Fiala Jacob , Duara Ranjan , Rodriguez Miriam 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
Effective functional measures can be used among Hispanics to diagnose and evaluate functional dementia progression, especially in the prodromal stages when treatment can be most effective. The current study examined the reliability and validity of the modified version of the modified Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (mCDR) compared to the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS)-MCI-ADL. These are quantitative severity measures of functional impairment in dementing conditions. The mCDR uses an itemized informant-based structured interview with multiple-choice responses and does not include cognitive testing (Duara et al., 2010).

Methods
Functional measures were administered to 101 White non-Hispanic Cognitively Normal (CN, n=20) and MCI (n=81) and 159 Hispanic CN (n=32) and MCI (n=127) participants in the patient’s primary language (English or Spanish). Inter-rater reliability and convergent validity for these instruments were examined. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine if the administration’s language (English vs. Spanish) moderated the raters’ scores relationships.

Results
The results revealed moderate-to-good mCDR inter-rater reliability [β =.73, F (40,40) = 6.24, p &lt; .001], even when controlling for language (β = .72, p &lt; .001; main effect and interaction were not significant). ADCS-MCI-ADL showed moderate-to-good inter-rater reliability [β = .71, F (40,36.6) = 6.34, p &lt; .001] also, when controlling for language (β = .72, p &lt; .001; main effect and interaction were not significant). The mCDR and the ADCS-MCI-ADL were correlated at -.75, suggesting a high convergent validity (56%).

Conclusions
The m-CDR is a valid and reliable quantitative functional measure among Hispanic individuals.