bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SLEEP DISORDERS AND RISK OF MID- TO LATE-LIFE SUICIDE ATTEMPT
Authors: Byers Amy , Dolsen Emily , Li Yixia , Gibson Carolyn , O’Donovan Aoife , Neylan Thomas , Kuffel Randall 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sleep is a compelling target for suicide prevention in later life, as 50% of older adults experience sleep difficulties. The primary objective of the current study was to evaluate whether sleep disorders increase risk of late-life suicide attempt and death by suicide. We examined a nationally based cohort of over 5 million US veterans 50 years and older, who used Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health services. Veterans with a sleep diagnosis (i.e., sleep apnea, insomnia, hypersomnia, and others) at baseline (October 1, 2011, to September 30, 2013) or earlier (October 1, 2007, to September 30, 2011) were propensity matched 1:1 with patients without these diagnoses based on demographic characteristics and Charlson Comorbidity Index (Total N=1,990,362; 995,181 each group). Secondary analyses examined psychiatric disorders as potential moderators. Fully adjusted models (additionally adjusted for psychiatric disorders) demonstrated that patients with sleep disorders had a 23% increased risk of any suicide attempt (HR 1.23, 95% CI [1.20-1.27]), while risk mitigated for lethality of attempt (HR 0.98, 95% CI [0.92-1.03]). Depression, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder were all approximately twice as prevalent among the sleep disorder group. Among veterans with a psychiatric disorder, any sleep disorder diagnosis was associated with a 28% increased risk for suicide attempt, which attenuated among those without a psychiatric diagnosis. In conclusion, sleep disorder diagnoses conferred increased risk for suicide attempt, especially in older adults with psychiatric disorders. These findings suggest that treatment of sleep disorders may mitigate risk of suicide attempts in older vulnerable veterans.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Peterson Lindsay 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults who depend on others for care are especially vulnerable to harm in a disaster. However, the extent to which they are protected depends on the setting in which they live. State and federal regulations require nursing homes and assisted living communities to have preparedness plans that specifically address the needs of their residents. For older adults living at home, however, protections are far less prescriptive, and in some cases lacking altogether, despite the increasing numbers of disabled older adults receiving care in their homes. In this policy-based study, we examined disaster preparedness for community-dwelling older adults in high-disaster states with high populations of older adults. We found that while many of the states required home-based providers to respond to the post-disaster needs of their older adult clients, few took steps to ensure that before the storm they were prepared. In this study, the state of Florida was an exception, with policies calling for service providers to identify and contact at-risk clients before and after an event. The plan further identifies disaster preparedness as a key component of a livable community. Hurricane Ian struck Fort Myers, Florida, in September 2022. Older adults made up a majority of the 148 killed during and immediately after the storm. Many others lost their homes. In the context of this recent event, we will discuss not only the state and local policies, but the practices that affect the health and well-being of community-dwelling older adults faced with a major disaster.
PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION USE AND CHANGES DURING THE HOSPITAL STAY
Authors: Galik Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to build on prior research and describe the current use of psychotropic medications among the first 365 older hospitalized patients living with dementia participating in a study focused on optimizing physical activity [The Function Focused Care for Acute Care Using the Evidence Integration Triangle Study (FFC-AC-EIT)] and consider the impact of current recommendations for decreasing use of psychotropics. It was hypothesized that controlling for age, gender, race, comorbidities, cognition, and hospital site (exposure or not to the Function Focused Care Intervention), that there would be a decrease in use of psychotropic medications from admission to discharge. Age, gender, race, comorbidities, admitting diagnosis, and medications (antidepressants, antianxiety medications, anticonvulsants, dementia drugs, antipsychotics, sedative-hypnotics, and opioids) were obtained at baseline and medications were obtained as well at discharge. To compare change over time generalized estimating equations were used. The participants were mostly female (63%), White (69%), and 83.06 years (SD=7.90) old. There was no treatment effect. Antidepressant, antianxiety, anticonvulsant, dementia medication, sedative hypnotic and opioid use remained unchanged. Antipsychotic medication use increased significantly from 16% to 21% at discharge. Some changes were made across drug groups such as change from haloperidol to second generation antipsychotics to decrease risk of side effects. A more focused deprescribing intervention is needed to best address psychotropic medication use among individuals living with dementia when hospitalized.
VISUALIZING AGING EQUITY: CROSS-SECTORAL PARTNERSHIPS TO CREATE MAPPING TOOLS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Authors: Scher Clara , Greenfield Emily , Harrell Rodney 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This symposium will feature ways in which gerontologists are advancing the development of online, interactive mapping tools on aging. Utilizing GIS mapping technology and leveraging cross-sectoral partnerships, the speakers will present case illustrations of efforts to develop aging-focused mapping tools that aggregate data sources at the municipal, state, and national levels to advance a spatial awareness of supports for older adults across diverse communities. First, as an example from the nonprofit sector, the New York Academy of Medicine will present on IMAGE:NYC, The Interactive Map of Aging. This presentation will describe the utility of this tool for policymakers, planners, researchers, and social service providers. Representing work from within the academic sector, the Rutgers School of Social Work will describe an academic-public sector partnership to adapt the IMAGE:NYC map for two counties in New Jersey. Next, presenters from the University of North Texas will describe their partnership with the City of San Antonio to develop an intelligent demand responsive transportation system for older adults and individuals with disabilities. This project involves the use of GIS mapping tools and qualitative research methods to identify place-based transportation gaps and strategies for improvement. Focusing on the national level, the National Council on Aging will describe its work developing mapping tools, including a map that displays area-level rates in eligibility gaps for three federal benefit programs. With an orientation to aging equity, these tools hold promise for fostering inclusive and healthy communities where older adults of diverse intersectional socio-spatial positions can age well. This is an Environmental Gerontology Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
DEVELOPING AN INTERACTIVE COUNTY MAPPING TOOL TO ADVANCE AGE-FRIENDLY PROGRESS IN NEW JERSEY
Authors: Greenfield Emily , Scher Clara , Alexander Karen , Fetzko Joanne , Marxen Lucas , Pestine-Stevens Althea , Topchishvili Davit , Pagan Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This presentation will describe how a multidisciplinary team at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, leveraged a small, internal grant opportunity to partner with leaders of two County government systems to develop a “proof of concept” age-friendly County mapping tool. Based on the Image:NYC mapping tool, the team designed the tool to display the spatial locations of high concentrations of older adults with shared characteristics (e.g., by health status, income) alongside the spatial locations of assets in local communities (e.g., libraries, senior activity centers) at the census tract level within each of the two counties. The presenters will explain how gerontological expertise—in combination with insights, data, and resources from other disciplines and project contributors—were essential to design, produce, and disseminate the map. The presenters will describe how the mapping tool is one component of a growing body of work across the public, private, and academic sectors in New Jersey to advance and support the age-friendly communities movement. The presenters also will reflect on how the age-friendly mapping tool has served to kickstart age-friendly planning and systems change at the county level, with implications for advancing both state- and municipal-level efforts.
TRANSETHNIC META-ANALYSIS OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN GENETICS AND EARLY-LIFE SOCIOECONOMIC CONTEXT ON COGNITION
Authors: Faul Jessica , Kho Minjung , Zhao Wei , Rumfelt Kalee , Yu Miao , Mitchell Colter , Smith Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Later-life cognitive function is influenced by genetics as well as early- and later-life socioeconomic context. However, few studies have examined the interaction between genetics and early childhood factors. Using gene-based tests (interaction sequence kernel association test [iSKAT]/iSKAT optimal unified test), we examined whether common and rare variants in 39 gene regions previously associated with cognitive performance, dementia, and related traits had an interaction with childhood socioeconomic context (parental education and financial strain) on memory performance or decline in European ancestry (EA, N = 10,468) and African ancestry (AA, N = 2,252) participants from the Health and Retirement Study. Of the 39 genes, 22 in EA and 19 in AA had nominally significant interactions with at least one childhood socioeconomic measure on memory performance and/or decline; however, only one, SLC24A4 x father’s education, remained significant after multiple testing correction (false discovery rate [FDR] &lt; .05). In trans-ethnic meta-analysis, 2 genes interacted with childhood socioeconomic context: MS4A4A x mother’s education on memory performance, and SLC24A4 x father’s education on memory decline. Both interactions remained significant after adjusting for respondent’s own education, apolipoprotein-ε4 allele status, lifestyle factors, body mass index, and comorbidities. For both interactions in EA and AA, the genetic effect was stronger in participants with low parental education. Examination of common and rare variants in genes discovered through genome-wide association studies shows that childhood context may interact with gene regions to jointly impact later-life memory function and decline. Genetic effects may be more salient for those with lower childhood socioeconomic status.
BMI POLYEPIGENETIC SCORES PREDICT FUTURE CHRONIC CONDITIONS AND CHOLESTEROL
Authors: Smith Trey , Karadimas Thomas , Meier Helen , Mitchell Colter , Faul Jessica 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Body mass index (BMI) is an established risk factor for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart condition, stroke, emotional/psychiatric problems, arthritis, and sleep disorders. Poly-Epigenetic Scores (PEGS) have emerged as a promising tool for predicting the risk of chronic diseases. We evaluated the predictive power of BMI PEGS for incident chronic conditions, mortality, and cholesterol levels using data from the Health and Retirement Study, a population representative study of US adults over age 50 years. Three PEGS (Wahl, McCartney, Hamilton) were created from existing epigenome-wide association studies of BMI for participants from the 2016 HRS Venous-Blood study (N=4018). We used element-wise, least-squares regressions to assess the association between each BMI PEG and phenotypes of interest, controlling for demographics, socio-economic status, health-behaviors, and cell type proportions. BMI PEGS were significant predictors of incident chronic conditions in 2020 and these associations were robust to adjustment for covariates. BMI PEGS were also found to be significant predictors of cross-sectional cholesterol levels, a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Our study highlights that PEGS can have wide predictive power for future health conditions. These findings can inform personalized interventions for disease prevention and early intervention in the US aging population.
NEUROSCIENCE AND AGING
Authors: Valdez Gregorio 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this symposium, experts will highlight discoveries that are beginning to bridge the gap between basic neuroscience research and development of therapies to mitigate the ravages of normal aging and age-associated neurological diseases on the nervous system. The symposium will cover cellular, molecular and behavioral approaches to researching aging of the nervous system. It will provide insights about how aging impacts the fate of neurons and their synapses and how age-related changes in cellular maintenance, molecular signaling, and glial function ultimately diminish cognitive and motor function. Dr. Miranda Orr will provide insights about the contribution of senescent cells to age- and disease-associated degeneration of the nervous system. Dr. Julie Andersen will present on how cells in the nervous system use their own organelles to repair damages to avoid dysfunction during aging and in Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Gregorio Valdez will review recent discoveries revealing the initial cellular and molecular changes that impair voluntary movements during aging. Dr. Scott Pletcher will present evidence that cellular and molecular processes important for feeding, mating and avoiding danger in flies also play key roles in healthy aging of the nervous system. The information provided by the speakers will foster discussion among all attendees about the challenges and opportunities to accelerate translation of discoveries to protect the nervous system from aging and associated diseases.
DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY – AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON CONCEPTS AND INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Wolf-Ostermann Karin , Verbeek Hilde , Boltz Marie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Dementia is one of the major age-related societal challenges and causes enormous demands for persons living with dementia (PlwD). Although dementia is one of the major reasons for relocation into a nursing home, most PlwD want to live as long as possible in a familiar domesticity. Therefore, innovative care concepts for community-dwelling PlwD are being developed worldwide as alternative to traditional long-term care settings. Efforts are made to learn more about dementia-friendly environments in order to improve quality of care and quality of life of PlwD. This international symposium will therefore provide four presentations as well as a concluding discussion addressing new concepts for innovative care environments and measuring dementia-friendliness of the built environment as well as nonpharmacological interventions to support high quality person-centred care. The first presentation explores the functions of 24-hour green care farms as alternative to nursing homes and how these can be transferred to other care settings. The second presentation discusses the impact of moving from traditional care environments to innovative care settings for residents and staff. The third presentation presents results of a cluster randomized controlled trial in German shared housing arrangements where a complex nonpharmacological intervention led to significantly less hospital admissions for PlwD. And the final presentation describes an innovative approach to evaluate the wayfinding infrastructure in urban areas for PlwD and to promote dementia-friendliness in urban living structures. The discussant will synthesize the research findings and lead a discussion of research implications and future directions for policy and practice.
PREVALENCE OF CEREBRAL VENOUS DRAINAGE STENOSES ON RETROSPECTIVELY ANALYZED CTA FOR STROKE TRIAGE
Authors: Hui Ferdinand 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cerebral venous congestion (CVC) has been identified as a hypothetic cause of cognitive impairment. Prior work has estimated that 15-30% of the population may have jugular venous narrowing, a potential cause of CVC, based on reviews of CT angiography (CTA) performed at a large academic medical center. However, few comprehensive studies exist. Therefore, for the current work, we reviewed fifty CTAs that were obtained for ischemic stroke triage and thrombectomy planning at a comprehensive stroke center in Hawaii (Queens Hospital, Honolulu HI). These brain CTAs were analyzed for arterial and venous variants and other abnormalities that might place the patient at increased risk for arterial injury and/or venous congestion, both of which may result in cognitive decline. The CTAs were analyzed retrospectively for every known level of venous and arterial stenosis, and CVC-associated pre-morbid symptoms were analyzed. Preliminary data support the hypothesis that venous anatomical anomalies may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment. CVC may be an under-diagnosed contributor to cognitive impairment, particularly in older patients.
CREATING A DOCUMENTARY CAPTURING THE NARRATIVES OF MEN ATTENDING IRISH MEN’S SHEDS
Authors: Heinz Melinda , Gleissner Laura 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
How do we engage more individuals to consider and care about issues impacting older adults? Diversifying the mediums of how older adult stories are told offers one solution. Filmmaking is one medium where the narratives of older adults can be captured. Seeing and hearing directly from older adults speak about the issues that affect them provides a distinct way to understand experiences of aging. I interviewed men in County Limerick about how Men’s Sheds promoted purpose and meaning in the lives of older men. After transcribing each interview, I partnered with a filmmaker to help create a documentary to tell the story of how Men’s Sheds create an inclusive atmosphere for older adult men to continue feeling useful in older adulthood. This presentation will explain how researchers who conduct interviews with older adults are uniquely positioned to collaborate with filmmakers to help tell the stories of older adults.
PROMISING POLICY AND PRACTICE SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Authors: Reinhard Susan , Caldera Selena , Houser Ari , Choula Rita 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There have been significant federal and state policy developments since the 2019 update of Valuing the Invaluable. Many inroads have been made in recognizing and supporting family caregivers, but additional steps can be taken at the federal and state levels, and even in the private sector. The National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, released in September 2022, lays out a unified approach in five organizing goals to achieving this improvement in support for family caregivers. The policy and practice recommendations highlighted in the Valuing the Invaluable: 2023 Update reflect the National Strategy goals. In this presentation, recent policy changes will be summarized that support caregivers and their care recipients in the health care and LTSS systems, which provide financial relief for caregiving, and help working caregivers stay in the workforce. Then the increasing visibility of the family caregiving experience in media and the arts will be explored. This visibility is essential for bringing broader attention to all aspects of caregiving, normalizing the care experience, and eliminating stigma around disability and dementia. Lastly, policy recommendations for building on the National Strategy and bolstering support for family caregivers and care recipients will be detailed for discussion.
SOCIAL INEQUITIES AND THE IMPAIRMENT PARADOX IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Engelman Michal , Jackson Heide 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Research on health across the life course consistently documents widening racial and socioeconomic disparities from childhood through adulthood, followed by stabilization or convergence in later life. This pattern appears to contradict expectations set by cumulative (dis)advantage (CAD) theory. Informed by the punctuated equilibrium perspective, we examine the relationship between midlife health and subsequent health change and mortality and consider the impact of earlier socioeconomic exposures on observed disparities. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we characterize the functional impairment histories of a nationally representative sample of 8464 older adults between 1994 and 2016. We employ nonparametric and discrete outcome multinomial logistic regression to examine the competing risks of mortality, health change, and attrition. As expected, exposures to disadvantages are associated with poorer functional health in midlife and mortality. However, we find that a higher number of functional limitations in midlife is negatively associated with the accumulation of subsequent limitations for White men and women and for Black women, and the impact of educational attainment, occupation, wealth, and marriage on later-life health differs across race and gender groups. We conclude that the observed stability or convergence in later-life functional health disparities is not a departure from the dynamics posited by CAD, but rather a result of the differential impact of racial and socioeconomic inequities on mortality and health at older ages. Higher exposure to disadvantages and a lower protective impact of advantageous exposures lead to higher mortality among Black Americans, a pattern which masks persistent health inequities later in life.
ASSOCIATION OF MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATION HCBS QUALITY AND HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION
Authors: Jutkowitz Eric , Mulcahy John , Huckfeldt Peter , Frenier Christopher , Shippee Tetyana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Providing high quality home and community-based services (HCBS) to older adults is a priority, but surprisingly little is known about the association between HCBS quality and client health care utilization. We linked data from the 2018 wave of the National Core Indicators-Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD) Adult Consumer Survey for participants in the State of Minnesota enrolled in the Elderly Waiver (n=1,449) to their Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (i.e., claims data). We attributed respondents in our sample to 1 of 8 managed care organizations (MCOs) responsible for managing the health and HCBS of beneficiaries. For each MCO, we calculated overall plan level HCBS quality using a validated approach based on items in NCI-AD with subdomains of care experience, security and inclusion. Plan quality was the independent variable in a series of multivariate regressions that controlled for county and beneficiary characteristics. Outcomes (yes/no for any utilization in year) included: 1) hospitalizations, 2) emergency department, 3) home health, 4) durable medical equipment, 5) personal care assistance, 6) transportation, 7) case management, 8) home services, and 9) adult day. Quality was positively associated with case management utilization, but no other measure. As the market share of the highest quality plan in a county increased, all beneficiaries (regardless of MCO) in the county used more durable medical equipment, case management services, and adult day care. In conclusion, MCO quality may be driven by client encounters with plans via case managers. A next step is to determine the causal relationship between quality and outcomes.