bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WELL-BEING IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE
Authors: wu jingchuan , Lin Xin Yao , Lin Tian , Almeida David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As individuals age, social connection becomes increasingly important, and social media has the potential to facilitate social connections. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age and well-being, focusing on the mediating role of social media use. While previous research has found social connection to be an important predictor of well-being, the specific implications of social media use for social connection on various aspects of well-being remain unclear. To explore this relationship, the study used publicly available data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study wave 3 and refresher 1, with a sample of 6871 participants (M = 56.80 yrs, SD = 14.58 yrs). Results showed that social media use played a significant mediating role in well-being, specifically in loneliness (b = 0.001, p=0.003), positive affect (b = -0.002, p&lt; 0.001), and eudaimonic well-being (b = -0.020, p&lt; 0.001). However, the indirect pathway from age to well-being through social media use was negative. That is, as individuals aged, they tended to use social media less frequently, which in turn was associated with worse well-being outcomes. These findings add to the expanding body of research on the complicated relationship between social media use and well-being, emphasizing the significance of focused interventions to encourage social media use for social connection in middle-aged adult populations. The study has implications for health professionals working with middle-aged adults, underlining the importance of considering social media use as a potential method of enhancing well-being.
DIFFERENCES IN COGNITIVE DECLINE DUE TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS, AND TRAUMA
Authors: Tupler Larry , Yashkin Arseniy , Hoque Masudul , Yashin Anatoliy , Akushevich Igor , Stallard Eric 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of progressive dementia associated with significant personal, social, and economic burdens, making targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of this condition on cognitive decline highly desirable. However, AD is but one of a range Neurodegenerative Disorders (ND) classified as dementias of aging. Furthermore, neither AD/ ND nor cognitive decline itself are monolithic: each individual disorder degrades specific aspects of cognition at differing rates. Isolating the most vulnerable facet of good cognitive health associated with each condition can lead the way to more personalized health interventions and an overall reduction of the burdens posed by AD /ND. In this paper we assess how the presence of AD and/or other ND degrade immediate (IR) and delayed (DR) recall over an extended period of time vs. the effect of non-degenerative brain trauma and AD/ND-free aging. Using Medicare-linked data from the Health and Retirement Study we found that, when compared to AD/ND-free aging, the onset of AD accelerates the decrease of IR by an overage of 0.30-0.37 points bi-annually, with similar effects on DR. Vascular dementia was associated with a 0.24-point loss of IR, but only for individuals with initially low recall capacity (≤5); those with high initial recall capacity (6+) did not experience loss of IR but lost 1.01 points of DR bi-annually. For comparison, traumatic brain injury was associated with 0.12-0.23 points decline in IR and 0.15 in DR bi-annually.
EVALUATING POPULATION ATTRIBUTABLE FRACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RISK FACTORS
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Yashkin Arseniy , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Yashin Anatoliy , Kravchenko Julia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Although many risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) have been identified, there is no consensus about their joint role in risk of these disorders. The extent to which joint variation in the effects of behavior, socioeconomic status, comorbidities and genetic variants may affect risk of AD/ADRD is underexplored. In this study, we used Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data linked to Medicare diagnoses and genetic data to evaluate and compare the effects of three groups of AD/ADRD risk factors: i) Medicare diagnoses for AD risk-related diseases, ii) survey-based self-reported health, behavior, physical function, education, and socioeconomic status, and iii) individual SNPs and polygenic risk scores incorporating genetic risk factors for AD/ADRD. We applied univariable and multivariable Cox models for estimating AD and ADRD risks, identified most powerful predictors, evaluated their population attributable fractions, and constructed predictive multivariable models for AD/ADRD risks. The results showed that Medicare-based diagnoses are superior in terms of predictive power of AD/ADRD risk than their self-reported counterparts. Cerebrovascular and heart diseases, depression, and brain injury had the largest effect on AD/ADRD risk. Depression and arterial hypertension were the largest contributors to AD risk in population. These two factors and APOE4 proxy SNP rs769449, together explained approximately half of the population attributable fraction of AD risk. The effect of PRS on AD/ADRD was significant for genes involved in inflammatory pathway. Our study demonstrated that AD/ADRD risk is multifactorial in nature and its variation is tied to multiple demographic, socioeconomic and health-related risk factors.
OLDER ADULTS WHO SCREEN POSITIVE FOR COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: PREDICTORS OF FOLLOW-UP
Authors: Cohen Matthew , Lanzi Alyssa , Saylor Anna , Boulton Aaron , Rittereiser Jennifer , Ritona Michelle , Ellison James 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Interventions for cognitive decline are most likely to be effective when they are initiated as early as possible. Here, we present data from a community-based program for older adults that provides brain wellness education and cognitive screening. Individuals who screen positive are given the option to have results sent to their primary care provider (PCP). We have compared the characteristics of those who do with those who do not elect to send positive results to identify meaningful differences that might suggest program enhancements. 812 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 73, SD = 10.7) were screened with the Mini-Cog and AD8 either in person (n = 534; 66%) or by Zoom (n = 278, 34 %). 367 (45.2%) participants screened positive. Of these, 279 (76%) elected to send their results while 82 (23%) declined. A logistic regression revealed that the decision to send results was not systematically related to age, sex, race, ethnicity, Mini-Cog score or AD8 score. It was, however, associated with the participant’s number of medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure): OR = 1.293, p=.005. This indicates that people with greater awareness of their medical status, or those more actively engaged with a PCP are more comfortable communicating with their provider. Future research should investigate these and additional factors that might contribute to older adults’ decision to act on positive screening results. For example, participants may be more willing to share results if the screener emphasizes that (like blood pressure) some causes of cognitive impairment are modifiable.
PREVALENCE AND PAYMENTS PER CAPITA OF ADRD IN PUERTO RICO AND THE US: ESTIMATES FROM MEDICARE DATA
Authors: Carrion-Baralt Jose 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Puerto Rico is one of the oldest US jurisdictions (22.7% aged 65 and over – 65+), where over 40% of the 65+ population lives under federal poverty levels. However, very little epidemiological and health economics research on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) has been conducted on this population. This work compares prevalence of ADRD and several of its risk factors, as well as Medicare Payments-Per-Capita (PpC) between the Puerto Rico (PR) and US National populations aged 65+, and between males and females 65+ in PR. We compared prevalence and PpC data for PR and US for ADRD and Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia and Depression from the publicly available CMS Multiple Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse 2018 file. All fee-for-service beneficiaries were included. Prevalence of ADRD in PR was 33% higher than in the US, while Medicare PpC were 146% higher in the US. Prevalence of Diabetes in PR was 77% higher than in the US, while Medicare PpC were 80% higher in the US. Prevalences of hypertension and hyperlipidemia were not significantly different, but PpC were almost double in the US. Prevalence of depression was 30% lower in PR. Prevalences of ADRD and all other conditions were higher among PR women than among PR men. Significant health disparities exist between PR and the US (and between PR males and females), both in terms of prevalence and PpC of ADRD and several associated risk factors. These findings are important evidence for the formulation of public policies that can help eliminate these disparities.
SLEEP DISTURBANCES SHOW FEASIBILITY TO MONITOR DISABILITY PROGRESSION IN EARLY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Chang Jun Ha , Wu Ruiqian , Zhang Ying , Rizzo Matthew , Merickel Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Our objective is to assess the utility of real-world sleep to discriminate activities of daily living (ADL) decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ADL decline warns of dementia and disability. Improved understanding of how sleep indexes ADL decline provides a platform for early monitoring and intervention to slow AD disability and progression. Fifty-seven impaired (mean age =76.7 years; mild cognitive impairment [MCI]: N=50, AD: N=7) and 30 unimpaired (mean age = 73.6 years) subjects participated. Demographics and the Dependence Scale (DS) were collected. The DS evaluated ADL decline from partner (e.g., spouse) report. The subject’s sleep was monitored for 3-months (N = 6,336 total days) using wrist-worn actigraphy and validated with sleep diaries. Sleep dysfunction was estimated using means and standard deviations (SD) of total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), and awakening count. Logistic regression––adjusting for age, gender, and education––ranked the utility of sleep dysfunctions to discriminate ADL decline. Forty-six subjects (impaired: N=38, unimpaired: N=8) showed ADL decline (DS &gt; 0). WASO variability (SD; b = 1.66, p &lt; 0.001) and mean awakening count (b = -0.98, p = 0.003) best discriminated ADL decline. Sleep duration did not discriminate ADL decline. In line with prior literature, results underscore the role of sleep disturbances over duration in ADL decline and AD progression. Nightly awakenings show key clinical importance for real-world monitoring of AD-related disability risk. Further research may investigate the specificity and longitudinal reliability of sleep dysfunction to discriminate individual AD progression profiles.
THE VIRGINIA MEMORY PROJECT: AN INNOVATIVE SERVICE AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL BRAIN HEALTH REGISTRY
Authors: Rhodes Ann , Coney Rachel , Miller Melicent 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Virginia Memory Project (VMP) is a statewide memory loss and caregiving needs registry in Virginia, United States. The VMP was launched in June of 2022 and supports statewide surveillance efforts via expanding the BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) memory loss and caregiving modules via a digitized, mobile-capable online survey. In addition to collecting BRFSS data, the VMP partners with regional community brain health organizations to support respondents in getting connected to brain health and caregiving services. The VMP model is innovative because it combines a service and epidemiological registry to support improved resource allocation and decision-making in Statewide dementia care planning. It also provides a pathway for caregiving and memory loss services. In the pilot period of the VMP, there were 138 respondents, with a median age of 61, mean=58, range=18-100, and most respondents identified as White 65% (n=99), with smaller proportions of Black/AA, 16.7% (n=22), and Asian 5.3% (n=7). 96.2% of respondents were non-Hispanic. Most respondents were married (n=66, 50.4%) with no children in the home (77.9%), and 26.7% (n=35) provided contact information for potential brain health or caregiving services. For respondents who completed the memory loss module, 33% (n=26) reported memory loss or confusion worsening over the last year, but only 60% (n=15) had discussed symptoms with a healthcare professional. 33.3% (n=24) reported having caregiving responsibilities. The VMP increases brain health surveillance capacity in Virginia and represents an innovative pathway between a state department of health, a university data registry, and a community service provider.
TRAJECTORIES OF MOTORIC COGNITIVE RISK SYNDROME AND INCIDENT DEMENTIA IN SCOTLAND
Authors: Mullin Donncha , Gadd Danni , Luciano Michelle , Russ Tom , Muniz-Terrera Graciela 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) - objective slow gait and subjective cognitive complaints - is quick and easy to measure, making it a potentially useful clinical tool for identifying those at high risk of developing dementia. This is the first exploration of MCR syndrome’s predictive ability for incident dementia in a Scottish cohort (Lothian Birth Cohort 1936) and the first examination of the various trajectories of MCR. Method: We classified a total of 680 community-dwelling participants (mean [SD] age 76.3 [0.8] years) free from dementia into non-MCR or MCR groups. We used cox proportional hazard methods to evaluate the risk of developing all-cause dementia in the years following MCR diagnosis, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity index, apolipoprotein E status, physical activity level, and years of education. We analysed the trajectories for everyone with MCR by tracking their outcomes over 9 years. Result: The prevalence of MCR at baseline was 5.6% (n=38/680). After 9 years of follow-up, 11.6% (n=79/680) of the total cohort developed dementia. The presence of MCR increased the risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio 2.37 [95%CI 1.06-5.32; p=0.0359]). The trajectories of those with MCR at baseline were: i) reverted to healthy (n=6/38), ii) ongoing MCR (n=13/38), iii) progressed to dementia (n=9/38), or iv) died (n=10/38).

Conclusion
MCR could identify a target group for early interventions of modifiable risk factors to prevent incident dementia. Individuals with MCR follow similar trajectories to the related predementia syndrome, Mild Cognitive Impairment.
USABILITY OF A TABLET-BASED HOME MEMORY TEST IN OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Sanders Lisbeth , Vishnepolskiy Igor , Williams Rebecca , Sanders Jeff , Serpico Anthony , Gravenstein Stefan , Bayer Thomas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Increasing Alzheimer’s and related disorders prevalence, highlights the need for accurate and reliable cognitive screening and diagnostic tools. We studied usability of LifeBio Brain, a prototype cognitive testing mobile application. We established baseline cognitive performance in volunteers from Brown University’s Geriatric Clinic using the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS). We asked volunteers to use the LifeBio Brain app at home on an iPad twice daily for 10 times, for about 15 minutes each time, followed by completion of a 10-question System Usability Scale on satisfaction that assesses the app and its ease of use. The LifeBio Brain app contains a mix of adapted cognitive tests such as clock draw and Trails A, and game-like experiences, presented in a randomized order. We analyzed a white non-hispanic sample (n=51) with a balanced distribution of age [79.6 (7.2) years, range 66-95] and sex (58.82% women). The median SLUMS score of 25, indicates cognitive impairment in most participants. Similarly, the median usability score on the 50-point System Usability Scale was 41. We found that 80% of participants had a usability score of 35 or greater, with a 95% CI of 31-38, and 67% had a usability score of 40 or greater. SLUMS score ≤14 correctly predicted study completion in 90% of participants. Most volunteers from an outpatient geriatrics clinic found LifeBio Brain usable. Volunteers leaving the study early tended to have lower SLUMS Scores. The LifeBio Brain app may have utility for measuring memory and thinking abilities in a white outpatient geriatrics population.
ALLOSTATIC LOAD AND STATUS IN MID LIFE AND BEYOND
Authors: Bailey-Arafah Micah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study explores how status and processes of cumulative dis/advantage shape allostatic load across the life course.

Methods
Data from these analyses are from a national sample of adults from the Biomarker Substudy of the Study of Midlife in the US (MIDUS), a longitudinal study of health and well-being in the United States (N=1186) aged 35-86 years old. Education level, multiple indicators of financial stability, and demographic data were used to construct a measure of status. Those in the Biomarker substudy completed a physiological assessment that included blood, urine, and saliva assays to assess functioning of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cardiovascular, inflammatory immune activity, glucose metabolic system, and lipid metabolic system. These data were used to create an allostatic load index. An alternate allostatic load index was developed using reported medication to affect three of seven biological systems: cardiovascular and the glucose and lipid metabolic systems. Nested regression models were estimated to explain differences in allostatic load.

Results
Reported financial instability across the life course was associated with higher levels of allostatic load, and higher levels of education were associated with lower levels of allostatic load, both with and without reported medication usage.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that structural forces impact allostatic load, both with and without reported medication usage, and expand previous work on allostatic load and social status.
FRAILTY TRAJECTORY AMONG VETERANS WITH HEART FAILURE AGED 50+: 20-YEAR LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Razjouyan Javad , Naik Aanand 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A few studies used large longitudinal cohort of heart failure (HF) patients to report the shape of frailty trajectory (FT) and its importance in predicting death. We assessed the additive predictive power of FT to the cross-sectional frailty index (FI). A retrospective cohort of veterans aged 50+ by 10/2022 were constructed. We included patients admitted with HF for the first time as the principal diagnosis; had two primary care physician visits in for each year in past three years; admitted after 2001 and had reported ejection fraction at the time of admission. FI constructed based on the previously validated FI for veterans. The three FIs for each year before admission were used to fit a linear line model. The slope and the intercept were used to characterize the FT. We used logistic regression to compare the predictivity of FI versus FT by reporting area under the curve (AUC) for 30-day mortality and all-cause mortality. 111,426 included with median follow-up of 3.0 (IQR,1.4,5.3) years. 82% died within the first 5 years (age,72±10;BMI,31±8; EF≤40%,48%). On average 1.8 per year deficits accumulated annually and 78% of patients had FI≥0.2 at the time of admission versus 60% in a year prior to admission. FT improve the AUC of 30-day and all-cause mortality by 6% compared to FI. FT is a better predictor of mortality than cross-sectional FI for HF population. FT provided additional information beyond the cross-sectional FI by enhancing mortality prediction, identifying individuals who are at high risk of mortality with low FI.
BASIC SCREENING SURVEY IN DETROIT SENIOR CENTERS
Authors: Koternamski April , Byrappagari Divesh , Jones Judith 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The objective of the Senior Oral Health Equity Project (SOHEP) Basic Screening Survey (BSS) was to determine the oral health status of seniors 55yrs and older in Detroit senior centers. The ASTDD BSS tool was used to collect the data. The screenings were conducted in two local senior centers to determine the prevalence of dental disease as well as dental care needs. The data were collected using Qualtrics© and analyzed using SPSS©. Majority of the seniors (n=67) screened were African American (88.9%), female (79.1%) and between the ages of 65 and 85 yrs. (89.6%). Results showed that there is a high prevalence of tooth loss (6 or more teeth – 59.6%), untreated decay (38.8%), need for periodontal care (52.2%) and need for dental care (43.3%). The results suggest that the senior center participants have limited access to dental care. There is a need to develop preventive dental programs for seniors where they congregate and live.
PERSONALITY, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND LONELINESS: CROSS-SECTIONAL DATA FROM THE CANADIAN LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON AGING
Authors: Bethell Jennifer , Andrew Melissa , Morgan Debra , O’Connell Megan , Phillips Natalie A , Wittich Walter , McGilton Katherine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Good social connection is associated with better health. However, the relationships between distinct aspects of objective and subjective social connection, and how personality traits may impact these relationships, are not well-understood. For example, in predicting loneliness, personality could moderate the impact of objective social connection by influencing the way social relationships are evaluated. We used cross-sectional Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging data (n=27,765), collected between 2015 and 2018, to explore the potential confounding or modifying effects of personality traits on the associations between social isolation and loneliness score among 46-90 year-olds. We estimated associations using ordered logistic regression models, whereby the outcome was the loneliness score and exposures were social isolation and each of five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and openness). We produced three sets of models (social isolation only; personality trait only; and social isolation, personality trait and their interaction) and conducted all analyses stratified by sex and adjusting for potential confounders. We found that, for both males and females, social isolation and each of the five personality traits were associated with loneliness scores (p&lt; 0.001), however, with only one exception (openness among females), there was no statistical evidence that personality modified the association between social isolation and loneliness. Our findings have potential implications for research assessing the health effects of social connection and personality as well as intervention studies that target social isolation as means of addressing loneliness.