bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 CONCERNS ON OLDER ADULTS’ DEPRESSION: THE ROLES OF RACE/ETHNIC STATUS AND EDUCATION
Authors: Qu Shan , Burr Jeffrey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Framed within the Conservation of Resources Theory and the Cumulative (Dis)advantage Theory, this study examined the association between COVID-19 concerns (worries) and risk of depression among older adults. The study also investigated whether race/ethnic status and education moderated this relationship. We used a nationally representative sample of Americans over age 50 from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study. Depression was defined as having greater than or equal to three depressive symptoms, as derived from the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. COVID-19 concerns were measured with respect to respondents’ own health, the health of family members, respondents’ financial situation, the ability to get help from family, friends, or others during the pandemic, and concerns about the future; the study also included a summative index of these concerns. The associations between COVID-19 concerns and older adults’ depression were estimated with unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. Compared to respondents with lower scores on the COVID-19 concern measures (the index and the five domains), those with higher scores were more likely to be depressed. The moderation models showed the relationship between respondents’ concerns about what will happen in the future and depression was not as strong among non-Hispanic Black older adults compared to non-Hispanic White older adults. There was no statistically significant moderation effect for education. The results imply that healthcare providers should focus on vulnerable older adults to reduce disparities in access to resources during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
TRANSCRIPTOMIC ANALYSIS OF PROGERIA MODEL, KLOTHO KO MOUSE AND THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF MITOCHONIC ACID 5
Authors: Tongu Yoshiyasu , Kasahara Tomoko , Abe Takaaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Klotho is recognized as a protein that enhances longevity, and its deficiency leads to symptoms resembling progeria. The Klotho KO mouse displays several aging-related phenotypes similar to those observed in humans and typically dies by 8-10 weeks old. Klotho is expressed primarily in the kidney and the brain, which leads to severe progeria. We’ve recently developed a novel mitochondria-homing drug called Mitochonic Acid (MA)-5, which can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials. A decline in mitochondrial function is a well-documented characteristic of aging and is considered a major factor in the aging process. To explore the potential benefits of MA-5 on aging-related symptoms, we administered the drug orally to Klotho KO mice from 4 weeks old and studied them until 7 weeks old. We observed that levels of uremic creatinine and BUN were elevated in the Klotho KO mice, but MA-5 treatment brought about significant improvements. Pathological examinations and snRNA-seq data suggest that kidney fibrosis caused by Klotho KO might be behind the renal dysfunction, and this is mitigated by MA-5. Furthermore, the result of snRNA-seq in brains shows the abnormalities occurring in the brains of Klotho KO mice which leads to progeria and the therapeutic effect of MA-5 on them. Given the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging symptoms, our drug presents as a promising candidate to treat age-related renal failure, and a range of other aging manifestations.
EXPLORING INTERSECTIONALITY IN SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES DURING DISEASE OF OLDER ADULTS AND CAREGIVERS
Authors: Won Sarah , Regier Natalie , Kruahong Suratsawadee , Kim Changhwan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Spirituality is known to be an important contributor to older adults’ and caregivers’ psychological and physical well-being. Despite this significance, their spiritual aspects are often overlooked within the context of treating and managing disease. Moreover, limited evidence exists regarding what specific intersectional identities of older adults and caregivers have the potential to cause disparities in their spiritual well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which intersectionality has been considered within the literature concerning factors associated with the spiritual aspects (defined as spiritual needs, spiritual support, and spiritual well-being) of older adults and their caregivers. Consequently, a five-stage integrative review was conducted using the protocol proposed by Whittemore and Knafl. This process yielded a total of 543 articles identified in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science in March 2023. Following the application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 18 articles were selected for data extraction. Finally, four themes related to intersectional considerations were found: 1) The potential role of intersecting multiple identities in differences in spiritual experiences; 2) Older adults and caregivers, the pre-existing identities, that intensify the likelihood of intersectionality leading to disparities in spiritual experiences; 3) The importance of spiritual perspective in addressing challenges derived from the intersections of multiple identities; 4) Recommendations for professionals to consider potential intersectional factors in research and clinical contexts to improve inclusiveness. Findings highlight the necessity of adopting an intersectional lens within both research and clinical domains to prevent overlooking any resulting variations in spiritual experiences.
IMPLEMENTATION & SUSTAINABILITY OF AGETECH TO SUPPORT AGING IN PLACE: PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICYMAKERS
Authors: McNeil Heather , Genge Courtney , Freeman Shannon , Debergue Patricia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
AgeTech, a subset of the health technology industry, uses technology to support healthy aging, and support care partners and health professionals to improve quality of life for aging adults. By enhancing and adapting alternative care approaches through emerging technologies, it is possible to enable and extend the ability for older adults to safely age in place within their own homes, improve care experiences, and/or decrease long-term care costs/needs. With the rapid development and proliferation of AgeTech into the consumer market, it is paramount for policymakers in the health system to ensure that AgeTech solutions can be leveraged to support older adults to age well in place. This poster highlights five key messages for policymakers. First, AgeTech should solve a real problem. Technology must be a solution that complements care of older adults, not complicates it. Second, it is essential to embrace a life course perspective on aging, recognizing the heterogeneity of older adults who experience diverse and evolving needs. AgeTech should adapt as needs and capacities evolve. Third, health related AgeTech should empower, enhance, or support existing health care services, while recognizing the value of human interactions. In-person interactions can provide meaningful connection and important health data which should be enhanced not replaced. Fourth, the establishment and ongoing fostering of authentic partnerships to inform, co-create and co-design AgeTech solutions is key to developing successful products. Finally, policymakers and funders have an important role to play in enabling accelerated design, development and testing to meet current and future needs.
IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES AND MATERIALS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Ulmer Cameron , Silbersack Johanna , Stratton Lauren , Fazio Sam , Zimmerman Sheryl 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Recruiting long-term care organizations, administrators, and direct-care staff to participate in research has become increasingly challenging after the pandemic due to staffing shortages, limited resources, and numerous competing priorities. In light of these challenges, it is especially important to develop recruitment procedures and materials that are fine-tuned to the participant group based on best practices. This presentation will describe the use of implementation science principles and an expert focus group in the design of recruitment procedures and materials for a NIA-funded clinical trial “Evaluating a National Person-Centered Training Program to Strengthen the Dementia Care Workforce.” The project is especially well-suited to employ and critique best practices given that recruitment is at both the organizational-level (assisted living communities) and the person-level (staff within those communities). Recruitment materials were designed in accordance with the Considering Determinants of Diffusion, Dissemination, and Implementation of Innovations in Health Service Delivery and Organization conceptual model, which emphasizes highlighting the advantages of the training, how the training fits into existing systems, the process of training, the endorsement of organizational leaders, and the transfer of the knowledge conveyed by the training into practice. Best practices from the literature were discussed with a focus group of assisted living experts to evaluate the draft procedures and materials. This presentation will share the resulting procedures and materials and explain their evolution to their final form; the process and results are widely applicable to other clinical trials and other studies. Funded by a grant from the National Institute on Aging (R01 AG079124).
INDICATORS OF WELLBEING AND SELF- AND INFORMANT-REPORTED COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Britton Karysa , Hill Patrick , Bogdan Ryan , Oltmanns Thomas , Willroth Emily 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Wellbeing has been associated with objective cognitive decline and is a promising target for dementia prevention. Less is known about associations between wellbeing and subjective cognitive decline (SCD), an early indicator for progression to Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). Given the importance of early detection and intervention in ADRD, the current study assessed whether positive and negative indicators of wellbeing were associated with SCD via self- and informant-reports using zero-inflated Poisson regressions. A total of 1,014 participants (MAge=71.8, SD=3.1) were included in analyses. The sample was representative of both males (55%) and females (45%) and was racially diverse (65% White, 32% Black/African American, 2% other races). SCD was assessed with the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview (self- and informant-report versions), sense of purpose with the Life Engagement Test, life satisfaction with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and loneliness with the UCLA Loneliness scale. Higher positive indicators of wellbeing were associated with lower SCD via self- and informant-reports. Higher levels of depression were associated with greater SCD via self-report. Higher levels of life satisfaction attenuated the association between depressive symptoms and SCD via self-report. These associations were statistically significant (p &lt; .05) and held after applying False Discovery Rate correction. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium (ORPositive Wellbeing Indicators = 0.84-0.89, ORDepression = 1.34). These findings extend past wellbeing and objective cognitive decline research by demonstrating that positive and negative indicators of wellbeing are also associated with SCD assessed via self- and informant-reports.
INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY REHABILITATION ON FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY OF OLDER PEOPLE AFTER COVID-19
Authors: Ochiai Gabriela , Silva Erika Gouveia E , De Melo Daniella , Ramos Diêgo Araújo , Freitas Fabio Cavalcanti , Sousa Vivian Cintra , Schmitt Ana Carolina , Pompeu Jose 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Retrospective cohort conducted through an online survey sent to older people (≥60 years) of both sexes, with confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 registered in the Municipal Health Department of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Individuals with cognitive limitations and those who refused to participate were excluded. Functional capacity was assessed using Katz and Lawton Indices for pre-Covid, immediate post-Covid, and current time points, and characteristics of post-Covid physiotherapeutic rehabilitation were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using JASP-0.17.3 software, and group comparisons were made using repeated measures ANOVA, considering alpha=0.05. From March to August 2023, 86 individuals participated, with median age of 66.5 [62.3-71.0] and 57.0% (n=49) male. Among them, 39.5% (n=34) received recommendations for physiotherapeutic rehabilitation and 88.2% (n=30) of them were rehabilitated, while 11.8% (n=4) did not receive treatment. Older people with recommendation for physiotherapy post-Covid-19 demonstrated worse functional status (p&lt; 0.001). Older people who received treatment were functionally equivalent to those who did not attend physiotherapy rehabilitation (p=1.000 for Katz Index and p=0.812 for Lawton Index). The primary indication for post-Covid-19 physiotherapy was muscular fatigue (70.0%, n=21), and domiciliary care was the predominant modality received (46.7%, n=14). Older people who were recommended for physiotherapy showed worse functional status after Covid-19, but there was no difference in long-term functional capacity. This suggests the potential importance of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation for functional recovery after Covid-19.
INTERACTION OF RESILIENCE AND DISTRESS IN THE ELDERLY-CAREGIVER DYADS: AN ACTOR-PARTNER INTERDEPENDENCE MODEL
Authors: Wang Anni , xiong zhiyao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study was to explore the interaction between resilience and psychological distress in disabled elderly-caregiver dyads. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Methods
A total of 246 homebound disabled elderly individuals and their family caregivers from five provinces of China were investigated by convenience sampling using the Chinese version of the Resilience Scale and the Distress Thermometer and Problem List. Data analysis was conducted using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) method and based on structural equation modelling.

Results
The effect of resilience on psychological distress shows a mixed pattern. With regard to the actor effect, the resilience of disabled elderly individuals and caregivers was negatively related to their own psychological distress. Regarding the partner effect, the resilience of disabled elderly individuals was negatively associated with caregiver psychological distress, and the resilience of the caregiver was negatively associated with the psychological distress of the disabled elderly individual.

Conclusion
There is a dyadic interaction between disabled elderly individuals and their caregivers, suggesting that resilience can relieve not only one’s own psychological stress but also that of others to some extent. Health professionals can design dyadic interventions that focus on resilience and its dyadic interaction and effectively leverage the resilience advantages of the dyad based on the individuals’ level of psychological distress to improve the mental health of elderly people with disabilities and their caregivers.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF PM2.5 ON DEMENTIA RISK: A CASE-CONTROL SWEDISH TWIN REGISTRY STUDY
Authors: Parkinson Luisa , Karlsson Ida , Ericsson Malin , Tomlinson Sam , Lindgren Finn , Russ Tom , Finkel Deborah , consortium LifeGEIST 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There is growing evidence that air pollution, and particularly PM2.5, is associated with dementia risk around the time of diagnosis. However few studies are able to investigate longer term effects of air pollution due to a lack of historical air pollution data. In this study we use PM2.5 data for Sweden available at 5-yearly intervals to investigate the short and longer term effects of PM2.5 on dementia risk. A case-control data set from the Swedish Twin Registry with dementia ascertained from hospital admissions between 1990 and 2015 and municipality of residence available at time of admission was analysed using hierarchical spatial models with R-INLA. The analyses show a relative risk of dementia per 5µg/m3 PM2.5 of 1.43 (95% confidence interval: 1.13-1.80), 1.36 (1.14-1.64), 1.31 (1.11-1.54) and 1.04 (1.00-1.09) for 0-5, 6-10, 11-15 and 16-20 years prior to diagnosis respectively. The cumulative effect over 0-20 years prior to diagnosis of an annual 5µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 on the relative risk of dementia is 1.19 (1.06-1.34). The clear association between PM2.5 and dementia risk for up to 20 years prior to diagnosis suggests that there are long term effects of air pollution on dementia risk. For these analyses only one residential location was available, so the uncertainty about an individual’s residential location increases with time prior to diagnosis. To fully understand the effects of air pollution on dementia risk a life-course approach in a data set with lifetime residential history and access to historical air pollution data will be necessary.
INVESTIGATING THE IMPACTS OF METFORMIN ON AGING AND LIFESPAN IN DIVERSITY OUTBRED MICE
Authors: Yuan Rong , Zhu Yun , Frungieri Monica , Masternak Michal , Bartke Andrzej 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Metformin, a type 2 diabetes treatment, has profound effects on regulating development, metabolism, and aging acting via the mTOR/autophagy pathway. Nevertheless, its potential to extend lifespan and counteract aging remains an open question. Previous research highlighted the intricate interplay between genetic background, gender, and treatment commencement age in shaping outcomes. To examine the long-term effect of metformin on aging and lifespan, this project utilizes the diversity outbred (DO) mice, initially derived from the interbreeding of eight inbred strains, effectively emulating the intricate genetic complexity found in humans. Initiated at 2 months old, DO mice were subjected to metformin-infused food [0.1%, w/w] (n=15 and 14, females and males respectively) or a metformin-free counterpart (n=10 for both sexes). Starting from 12 months of age, a statistically significant increase in male body weight was observed within the metformin-treated group, while no significant effect was found in females. Indirect calorimetry assays revealed a significantly elevated respiratory ratio in both sexes of metformin-treated mice. Surprisingly, at the age of 12 months, metformin treatment significantly impaired glucose tolerance in females, whereas in males, pyruvate and insulin tolerance exhibited significant reductions. After the first submission deadline, by 16 months of age, two females died in each of the treatment and control groups. Notably, the metformin-treated male cohort lost four individuals, but no mortality in the control male cohort (P=0.07, log-rank test). These preliminary findings underscore a potential deleterious impact of metformin on metabolic traits and lifespan when initiated from a young age, particularly in male mice.
LIFE COURSE TIMING OF ADVERSITY AND DIURNAL CORTISOL IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Sikora Nadine , Mezuk Briana , Abelson James , Rafferty Jane , Abelson Jamie , Allen Julie Ober 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Exposure to adversity is believed to alter stress sensitive biological processes. One manifestation of this, flatter diurnal cortisol slopes, has been linked to cardiometabolic problems. Questions remain about whether the timing of adversity within the life course influences its effect on cortisol slopes in later life. Two longitudinal cohort studies (Cardiac Rehabilitation and The Experience [CREATE], Tracking Risk Identification for Adult Diabetes [TRIAD]) with identical measures were merged for analysis (merged N = 175, Mage 60.8) using multilevel modeling. Measures included retrospective self-report of childhood trauma (CTQ), major life stressors in adulthood (number and recency of stressful events, affected domains, everyday discrimination), and peak-to-bedtime cortisol slopes (≤12 collected over 15 months). Report of any moderate and severe childhood adversity was not associated with adult cortisol slopes (p&gt;.05). When we probed specific types, emotional abuse was associated with cortisol slopes (b=.006, SE=.003, p=.015). For adult adversity, total number of stressful events (b=.001, SE=.0002, p=.009) and recent stressful events (b=.003, SE=.001, p=.041) were associated with cortisol slopes. When simultaneously modeling all measures of adversity over the life course, number of stressful events in adulthood (b=. 001, SE=.0002, p=.018) and childhood emotional abuse (b=.007, SE=.004, p=.064) were the strongest predictors of flatter diurnal cortisol slopes in adulthood. Given that those reporting childhood adversity were also more likely to have experienced adulthood adversity (r=.08-.39), early life adversity may be an important risk factor for flattened cortisol slopes and associated cardiometabolic outcomes in later life via multiple pathways. Implications for intervention will be discussed.
MEASURING DISTRESS IN DEMENTIA: A PILOT STUDY ON PERCEIVED MEMORY, DYADIC RELATIONSHIPS, AND SELF-EFFICACY
Authors: MacNeil Amanda , Judge Katherine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Prior literature has suggested that some individuals with dementia are capable of self-reporting details of their lived experience. With this, researchers have been increasingly interested in understanding what it is like to live with dementia from the individual’s perspective. To capture a more holistic image of the illness experience of individuals with dementia, it is important to consider how they perceive and cope with various aspects of their illness. While some work has suggested that the perceptions that individuals with dementia have about their illness are important to things such as well-being outcomes, no prior work has addressed the distress that results from these perceptions. This pilot study (N = 26) examined perceptions of difficulties and feelings of distress related to three different areas of the illness: one’s memory, the relationship with their caregiver, and self-efficacy. Results suggest that perceived memory distress (α = 0.71), dyadic relationship strain distress (α = 0.80), and self-efficacy distress (α = 0.82) are reliable measures when used in a sample of individuals with mild to moderate dementia (MMSE M = 20.5, SD = 5.20). Interestingly, some of these measures may even be related such as perceived memory distress and self-efficacy distress (r (24) = .50, p = .01). Including distress felt because of perceiving difficulties in various areas of one’s illness adds a layer of understanding to the illness experience. This can aid in addressing well-being outcomes and serve as intervention targets in future work.