bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VISION LOSS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING: WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?
Authors: Almidani Louay , Miller Rhonda , Varadaraj Varshini , Mihailovic Aleksandra , Ramulu Pradeep 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study assessed the associations between vision impairment (VI) and psychological and social function in older adults. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. VI was measured using categorical and continuous scales. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) questionnaire. Social isolation and severe social isolation were defined based on responses to questions on living arrangement, frequency of communication with others, and participation in activities. Results showed that depressive symptoms, social isolation, and severe social isolation were more prevalent in adults with any objective VI measure compared to those without impairment. In adjusted models, objective vision measures were not associated with higher odds of depression or anxiety symptoms, though both outcomes were strongly associated with self-reported VI (OR: 1.82 [95% CI: 1.27 – 2.60], OR: 1.81 [95% CI: 1.30 – 2.53], respectively). In contrast, worse distance and near acuity (per 0.1 logMAR), and worse contrast sensitivity (per 0.1 logCS units) were associated with higher risk of being severely socially isolated (RRR: 3.79 [95% CI: 1.13 – 12.78], 3.26 [95% CI: 1.16 - 9.17], 2.82 [95% CI: 1.11 – 7.18], respectively), however, no associations were found with self-reported VI. This study demonstrates that worse vision is associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social isolation among older US adults. Approaches are needed to enhance the psychological and social well-being of individuals with VI.
GAIT AUTOMATICITY AND COMMUNITY MOBILITY OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Rosso Andrea , Baillargeon Emma , Moored Kyle , Crane Breanna , Carlson Michelle , Huppert Theodore , Brach Jennifer , Rosano Caterina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Gait automaticity may decline with age-related impairments in the brain. As subcortical structures supporting gait automaticity decline, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) may provide compensatory function, allowing for maintenance of mobility but with loss of efficiency. Loss of efficiency may reduce ability to navigate complex community environments and restrict community mobility. We assessed the relation between PFC activation during walking in the laboratory with self-reported and objectively measured community mobility in participants aged 65+ (n=42, mean age=76, 60% female) from a randomized trial of a physical activity intervention to improve walking speed. PFC activation was measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy as change from quiet standing to usual pace walking. Community mobility was measured objectively by 7-day global positioning system recordings of spatial (standard deviation ellipse area (SDEa), maximum distance from home) and temporal (percent time out of home (pTOH)) characteristics. Additionally, step count was recorded from 7-day actigraphy and the Life-Space Assessment (LSA) assessed self-reported mobility. Among participants with complete data at baseline (n=27), higher PFC activation during walking was associated with smaller SDEa (beta=-0.93 (-1.72, -0.15)), less pTOH (beta=-0.45 (-0.78, -0.12)), and lower step count (beta=-346 (-575, -118)) which persisted after adjusting for age, gender, education, or gait speed. PFC activation was not associated with maximum distance or LSA. There were no significant associations at the post-intervention visits (n=39). Greater PFC activation, likely indicating reduced gait automaticity, is related to lower spatial extent, duration, and intensity of community mobility. This association may be mitigated by participation in physical activity interventions.
REDESIGNING HOSPITAL WORKFLOW TO INCLUDE FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Still Catherine , Yahr Andrea , Istvanek Kathryn , Strayer Andrea , Werner Nicole , Fields Beth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Family caregivers of hospitalized people living with dementia (PLWD) report feeling unprepared to fulfill caregiving tasks post hospitalization. Currently, clinicians lack guidance on how to include caregivers in hospital care. This descriptive study used a systems-engineering approach to identify optimal hospital workflows for caregiver inclusion. We conducted 28 hours of direct observations in a large academic hospital with field notes and audio-recorded three hours of interdisciplinary team debriefing meetings. Data analysis was guided by a work system model to map caregiver inclusion workflows using Lucidchart software and identify system barriers and facilitators to caregiver inclusion within each workflow. Results produced workflows of optimal practices for caregiver inclusion during admission, stay, and discharge. Workflow facilitators included healthcare clinicians’ willingness/ability to answer questions, caregiver advocacy skills, and presence of medical record fields focused on patient/family education. Barriers included inconsistent documentation, under-utilization of hospital common spaces, and using a passive approach to caregiver inclusion. Comparison of current practices to desired workflows for caregiver hospital inclusion can provide clinicians guidance on how to identify, assess, and educate caregivers. Future research should determine workflow acceptability and effectiveness for improving caregiver preparedness.
PATIENT PORTAL MESSAGING IN THE CONTEXT OF DEMENTIA: A FIRST LOOK
Authors: Wec Aleksandra , Nothelle Stephanie , Gleason Kelly , Wolff Jennifer , Amjad Halima 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Primary care providers (PCPs) play an integral role in diagnosis and early management of dementia. Secure messaging through the patient portal is increasingly being used by patients to communicate with PCPs. Little is known about the nature of concerns raised by patients with dementia and their care partners when messaging PCPs following dementia diagnosis. We conducted a content analysis of 100 message threads initiated by patients and care partners with PCPs at an academic integrated health system during the twelve months following diagnosis of dementia. Message threads ranged in length from two to eleven messages and included 337 unique messages from 79 distinct accounts, sent between 01/03/2020 and 01/20/2022. Of 100 message threads, 89 were sent by care partners and 11 were sent by patients. Threads often focused on medications. Of 36 threads mentioning medications, 12 discussed dementia-specific medications. Other common dementia-specific topics included behavioral and/or cognitive symptoms of dementia (22/100) and sleep disturbance (8/100). Safety concerns related to falls, wandering, or driving were also common (15/100). Care partners raised issues related to their own needs or wellbeing (e.g., caregiving stress, need for caregiver education) (15/100 threads) and messaged to coordinate care between the PCP and other providers (26/100). Findings demonstrate care partners commonly message on behalf of persons with dementia and use the portal to address dementia-related care needs. Identifying issues raised via messaging offers insight into resources and strategies for PCPs to effectively and efficiently address common concerns after dementia diagnosis, including strategies that leverage the patient portal.
EPIGENETIC AGE AND MUSCLE CHARACTERISTICS IN BALTIMORE LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGING PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Moore Ann Zenobia , Kuo Pei-Lun , Yang Qi , Landman Bennett , Simonsick Eleanor , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Changes in muscle, including loss of muscle mass and fat infiltration, contribute to loss of muscle strength and subsequent declines in physical function in later life. Measures of body composition are consistently associated with DNA methylation (DNAm) in cross sectional studies. Whether differences in DNAm are informative with respect to longitudinal muscle characteristics has not been fully explored. Here we evaluate the relationship between epigenetic age metrics and computed tomography (CT) derived measures, including areas of muscle, subcutaneous fat, and intermuscular fat, as well as the mean and standard deviation of muscle intensity at mid-femur, in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Participants were at least 50 years old at the evaluation of DNAm (n = 471, 51% female), 61.8% of participants had three or more CT scans and mean follow up time was 6.0 years. Relationships between epigenetic age metrics including Horvath and Hannum DNAm age, PhenoAge, GrimAge and DunedinPACE at the index visit, and the trajectory of muscle composition were evaluated using multivariable mixed effects models adjusted for key demographic characteristics, health behaviors and body size. Epigenetic age metrics at the index visit were negatively correlated with the trajectory of muscle area over follow-up. Higher GrimAge at the index visit was associated with faster loss in muscle area and faster increase in fat areas (p &lt; .05). Our analyses suggest that further exploration of DNAm with trajectories of muscle parameters may elucidate novel pathways of muscle dysfunction.
ANNUAL WELLNESS VISITS (AWV) FOR RESIDENTS IN LOW-INCOME SENIOR HOUSING
Authors: Resnick Barbara , Klinedinst Jennifer , Brandt Nicole , Holmes Sarah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Despite the known benefits, less than one-fifth of all eligible Medicare patients receive an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). Consequently, we brought the AWV to the older residents in low-income senior housing. Across all four communities the residents are invited to receive an AWV during their birthday month via an individual invitation. Invitations are sent to the facility manager who places them in the residents’ mailboxes. As per Medicare requirements, the Annual Wellness Visit includes such things as medical and family history, review of providers and/or suppliers, height, weight, blood pressure monitoring, medication review, evaluations of health behaviors, cognition, immunizations, mood, safety, and health screenings. At the end of the review the resident is provided with a set of health goals for the year and a small token birthday gift from the team. Approximately half of those who were invited each month came to the clinic for their Annual Wellness Visit. None of the residents to date who have had a Welcome to Medicare Visit were aware of the opportunity. Goals have focused on better adherence to health behaviors, particularly medication adherence, diet and physical activity, and updating immunizations. Most reported adherence to appropriate age-related screenings, and monitoring of cardiovascular disease and screening for and assessment of diabetes and hypercholesteremia. Lastly, we have been able to encourage the completion of the Maryland Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment among many of the participants who were previously unaware of this form and/or not willing to address it.
GSA STUDENT CHAPTERS: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR US AND INTERNATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Bouchard Lauren , Gugliucci Marilyn , Harvath Terri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Board of Directors approved the formation of a committee to explore the creation of GSA Student Chapters in their December 2020 board meeting. After 13 meetings, a committee wrote a GSA Student Chapter guide outlining policies and procedures for implementation and operation. Next, a GSA Student Chapter pilot project was implemented during the 2022-23 academic year at nine higher education institutions (HEIs) -- eight in the US and one in Portugal. This session will provide the background of (1) how the GSA Student Chapter project began including its design and implementation process, (2) how a pilot GSA Chapter maneuvered bringing together their Sigma Phi Omega Chapter, DreamCatchers, and GSA Student Chapter under a “Gerontology Club” umbrella, (3) how another chapter developed the chapter across multiple campuses, (4) the implementation of a GSA Student Chapter that is housed in a medical school, (5) how a GSA Student Chapter formed in a non-U.S. country, (6) how to connect a student chapter in the U.S. with a chapter that is in another country. A discussant will conclude this session, and there will be time for a question and answer session.
GSA STUDENT CHAPTERS: THE BEGINNING AND HOW TO START A CHAPTER AT YOUR INSTITUTION
Authors: Gugliucci Marilyn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Student Chapter pilot project was approved by the GSA Board of Directors in December 2020. A GSA representative committee was identified where all GSA member groups were represented, including the selection of three ESPO members who applied to participate. Within a year, a GSA Student Chapter Handbook was written by the committee and reviewed by a GSA Student Advisory Panel (ESPO members who applied and agreed to serve). With the support of the GSA leadership and staff, nine higher education institutions (HEIs) volunteered to pilot a GSA Student Chapter (eight in the U.S. and one in Portugal) during the 2022-23 academic year. The first part of this session will provide information on how to create, implement, and operate a GSA Student Chapter at your HEI. The second part of this session will focus on health professions programs and integrating GSA Student Chapters with other national chapters. With a strong support system and mentoring system within ESPO, health professions programs may benefit from having student chapters integrate from various national organizations. These may provide advancement in learning skills, attitudes and knowledge, along with an extensive network of fellow students and practitioners to support their pre-clinical and clinical health professions education. This enhancement for Student Chapters, GSA with other organization chapters provides national and possibly international organizational connections/networking that will serve students throughout their careers.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ELDER MISTREATMENT AMONG PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Gassoumis Zach , Yonashiro-Cho Jeanine , Avent Elizabeth , Mosqueda Laura 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Persons living with dementia (PLWD) are at increased risk of experiencing elder mistreatment (EM), including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Because PLWD rely on Care Partners (CP) for varying degrees of support with ADLs/IADLs, factors contributing to EM occurrence may be present in the characteristics of the PLWD, CP, and the environment in which they interact. The present study sought to identify associated risk and protective factors of EM in PLWD-CP care groups. As part of a longitudinal study, survey administration interviews were conducted with 163 care groups consisting of a PLWD and their CP(s) (n=184) to gather data on participant characteristics, current and past relationship quality, current caregiving interactions, and EM occurrence. This analysis used baseline data with responses weighted to control for participation of multiple CPs. Bivariate logistic regression was used to model the likelihood of the PLWD experiencing EM. Nearly a quarter of PLWDs (23.9%; n=39) experienced EM, with emotional abuse (19.0%), neglect (7.4%), and financial exploitation (4.3%) occurring most frequently. Preliminary analyses reveal significant bivariate associations between EM and PLWD alcohol/substance abuse (OR=3.244;CI=1.020-10.320) and educational attainment (OR=1.495;CI=1.077-2.075), and CP symptoms of depression (OR=1.170;CI=1.046-1.308) or anxiety (OR=1.194;CI=1.085-1.315), high caregiving burden (OR=1.099;CI=1.042-1.159), expectations of themselves (OR=1.747;CI=1.064-2.867) and the PLWD (OR=1.730;CI=1.113-2.688), and alcohol/substance abuse (OR=2.163;CI=1.080-4.333). These associations provide a foundation for further evaluation of these characteristics as potential longitudinal risk factors for EM, and provide potential targets for the development of prevention and intervention strategies that are tailored to care groups’ characteristics and needs.
PREDICTORS OF WHETHER SELF-NEGLECT IS VALIDATED BY ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES CASE MANAGERS
Authors: Tuft Samantha , Ejaz Farida , Reynolds Courtney 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The most reported allegation of abuse to Adult Protective Service (APS) agencies nationwide is self-neglect (SN). Researchers collaborated with Oklahoma APS to understand characteristics of community-dwelling clients reported to APS for alleged SN, and examine predictors associated with whether cases were validated by APS case managers. Baseline phone interviews were conducted with 188 clients reported to APS for self-neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic. A logistic regression was run to examine the effects of age, gender, income, race, education, cognitive status, ADL impairment, depression, recent nursing home placements, hospitalizations and falls on the likelihood that participants’ allegation of SN was validated. The model was statistically significant, χ2(12) = 26.67, p = .009. It explained 24.1% of the variance in case validation and correctly classified 81.8% of cases. Having a history of being in a short-term nursing home and having a history of falls was significantly associated with the increased likelihood of having a validated SN allegation. However, a history of hospitalization was significantly associated with a reduction in the likelihood of having a validated SN allegation. These preliminary findings suggest that perhaps hospital discharge planners may be assisting SN patients to access home-and-community based services (HCBS) early on to address their SN so it is not validated by APS compared to nursing home discharge planners. Implications for practice include educating APS staff on predictors of SN and collaborating with community-based partners like short-term rehabilitation facilities to address SN issues to reduce the likelihood of having a case validated by APS.
INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND HAPPINESS: MEDIATING ROLES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AND COVID-19 ANXIETY
Authors: Bai Xue , Zhou Shuai , Lee Chi-Ko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has largely worsened the well-being of older adults worldwide. Despite recent literature highlighting either social connectedness or psychological responses, whether and how intergenerational relationships influence the emotional well-being of older adults during the pandemic remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between intergenerational relationships and happiness among ageing Chinese adults during the pandemic and the mediating roles of psychological resilience and COVID-19 anxiety. A representative survey was conducted from November 2020-January 2021 to collect data from 819 Chinese adults aged 55 or above (52.4% females) in Hong Kong. Path models were used to examine the associations between intergenerational relationships, resilience, COVID-19 anxiety, and happiness. Regression results showed that intergenerational relationship quality was associated with more psychological resilience (b = 0.21, p &lt; 0.001), lower COVID-19 anxiety (b = -0.14, p &lt; 0.001), and a high level of happiness (b = 0.15, p &lt; 0.001). COVID-19 anxiety partially mediated the effects of intergenerational relationship quality on happiness. Moreover, psychological resilience was associated with a higher level of happiness through ameliorated COVID-19 anxiety. This study elucidates that intergenerational relationship quality was positively associated with happiness during the pandemic and the association could be partly explained by enhanced psychological resilience and alleviated COVID-19 anxiety. The findings provide implications that targeted policies and services that strengthen intergenerational solidarity and psychological resilience may be effective in improving emotional well-being in older populations.
THE EFFECT OF INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Kim Boah , Li Lun , Wister Andrew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are among the key risk factors for deleterious health and well-being among family caregivers. Interventions to reduce caregiver isolation and loneliness are of great interest as family caregivers are essential in community care, particularly senior care. The current study aims to review the literature on interventions regarding social isolation and loneliness among family caregivers and summarize successful strategies for reducing isolation and loneliness among family caregivers. A systematic literature review was conducted. Electronic databases were searched, and 1130 peer-reviewed journal articles published in English since 2000 were identified. A total of 34 eligible studies (16 quantitative studies, 8 qualitative studies, and 10 mixed methods studies) were included in this review. Findings from qualitative studies (including qualitative components from mixed methods studies) consistently reveal the positive experience of family caregivers in reducing isolation and loneliness. However, findings from quantitative studies add more layers of complexity with considerable evidence of failing to identify the change of isolation or loneliness after attending interventions. The studied caregiver groups, length of intervention, and scales used to measure isolation and loneliness are closely relevant to the effect of the intervention. Besides peer support, mentoring and skill training, technology (Internet-based programs) plays a significant role in facilitating family caregivers to maintain social interaction and connectedness. This review confirms the pleasant impacts of different interventions in reducing caregiver isolation and loneliness, but also calls for more research in identifying changes of isolation and loneliness both short- and long-term among family caregivers.