bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMPROVING LONG-TERM CARE THROUGH GERIATRICS EDUCATION: A DEEP DIVE INTO GWEP AND GACA INITIATIVES
Authors: Tucker-Roghi Gina , Moone Rajean , Hernandez Christopher , Moerk Hannah , Edelman Linda , Towsley Gail 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Formal geriatrics education remains limited for many of the numerous health care professionals working with older adults. A well-prepared long-term services and supports (LTSS) workforce is imperative to care for older adults with multiple chronic conditions, especially dementia. This study highlights the role of Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs) and Geriatrics Academic Career Awards (GACAs) in addressing this need. An online survey, conducted 5/2023-6/2023, captured data from GWEPs (n=18) and GACAs (n=11) about training offered towards age- and dementia-friendly care in LTSS settings. Results revealed that 13 GWEPS or GACAs provided 36 learning activities that addressed the first recommendation, “Delivering comprehensive, person-centered, equitable care that ensures residents’ health, quality of life and safety” of the National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality (NASEM). Twelve GWEPS/GACAs provided 42 learning activities addressing the second NASEM report recommendation, “ensuring a well-prepared, empowered, and appropriately compensated workforce.” GWEPS/GACAs are also aiding LTSS settings in achieving Age-Friendly Health Systems Designations: one each supported level 1 or 2 designation, two supported achieving both levels. Additionally, four GWEP/GACAs are working with LTSS entities toward level 1 status, one toward level 2, and one toward achieving both levels. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of GWEPS/GACAs in enhancing geriatrics education, addressing challenges in LTSS, and the pressing need for continued support. Recommendations emphasize strengthening partnerships between LTSS settings and GWEPs/GACAs to bridge educational gaps. Implications indicate GWEPS and GACAs are playing a crucial role in helping LTSS settings achieve age-friendly standards and align with the NASEM report’s vision.
INCARCERATION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR IMPAIRMENT IN COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING
Authors: Daniel George , Williams Cedric , Wilkinson Joel , Mwendwa Denee 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Incarceration is a social determinant of health with public health implications, especially among minoritized communities of color. The experiences of incarcerated people have deleterious implications for mental and physical health outcomes. Research has demonstrated an association between incarceration and poorer global cognition in older adults. The current study examines the long-term impact of incarceration on cognitive functioning in older adults and examines whether this relationship is moderated by race, ethnicity, and sex.

Methods
Data were collected on participants (n=7,557) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). They completed a background questionnaire, psychosocial assessments, and a series of neuropsychological tests. T-tests and Chi-Squared analyses determined differences in demographic and health variables by incarceration status. Linear regression analysis determined if incarceration status predicts poorer cognitive functioning in older adults while controlling for age, race, sex, ethnicity, education, hypertension, diabetes status, wealth, depression, and stroke. Subgroup analyses determined whether associations were modified by race, ethnicity, or sex.

Results
Our sample is on average 74 years old, 13% Black, and 60% female. Formerly incarcerated people were younger, disproportionately Black, less wealthy and educated, and more unhealthy. Analyses indicated that incarceration predicted reduced performance in delayed verbal recall (B = -0.19, p = 0.047) and this relationship may be stronger in Non-Hispanics, African-Americans and Women.

Conclusion
Incarceration may negatively impact long-term memory in older adults and varies by gender, race, and ethnicity. Future studies should investigate variables that influence this relationship, including SES, depression, and chronic illnesses.
INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES MEDIATE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND STRESS AMONG AGING ADULTS
Authors: Kircher Julie , Charles Susan , Almeida David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Strong and consistent evidence demonstrates that a risk factor for poorer executive function is elevated levels of perceived stress. More recently, researchers have posited that inflammatory processes may contribute to the association between stress and cognitive declines. Similarly, research suggests that greater sustained inflammation can result from higher levels of stress. Furthermore, older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing cognitive decline when under greater stress. We hypothesized that inflammation, as measured by a composite of pro-inflammatory cytokines CRP, IL-6, and TNF-a, would mediate the relationship between perceived stress and executive function. Data were derived from the cognitive and biomarker projects in the second and third waves of the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS). The present study included 1,067 participants (Mage = 63.7; Range 39 - 94). The results showed a significant total effect between executive function and perceived stress (β = .05, p &lt;.001). Furthermore, path analyses revealed significant pathways between stress on inflammation (β = 0.29 p &lt;.001) and inflammation on executive function (β = .06, p &lt;.001). Finally, when inflammation was entered into the relationship between perceived stress and executive function its direct effect was significant (β = 0.06, p &lt;.001). These findings suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines help to explain why perceived stress is related to lower capability in executive functions. Future research should focus on understanding and assessing the interactions between inflammation, stress, and cognitive functioning over time.
INNOVATION IN AGING & ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY REHABILITATION: THE POTENTIAL OF MIXED REALITY TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Figeys Mathieu , Koubasi Farnaz , Hwang Doyeon , Hunder Allison , Chan Andrew , Miguel-Cruz Antonio , Rincón Adriana Ríos 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Every 21 seconds an American experiences a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and every 40 seconds, another endures a stroke. These events fall under Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) with prevalence rates impacted by an aging population. ABI can lead to various physical, cognitive, and mental impairments, emphasizing the need for innovative rehabilitation strategies, including those specific to older adults. Mixed Reality (MR) technologies offer potential in enhancing ABI rehabilitation, yet face challenges such as methodological inconsistencies, differing clinical populations, and exaggerated efficacy claims.

Objectives
1) Review MR’s role in ABI rehabilitation among older adults, assessing the implications of aging, clinical, and technological considerations. 2) Present ongoing MR research at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH, Edmonton, Canada).

Methods
1) A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed across seven databases, with two independent reviewers analyzing the data. The analysis emphasized clinical objectives, MR systems, levels of evidence, and technology readiness levels. 2) QR codes that link to videos will highlight the ongoing research and development of MR-delivered ABI rehabilitation at the GRH.

Results
Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria, totalling 453 subjects with ABI (mean age: 60 ± 5.34 years). MR applications mainly targeted upper limb motor rehabilitation, revealing an overall low level of evidence and a median technology readiness level of 6 (prototypes tested in relevant environments).

Conclusion
Despite existing variability and technological challenges, the promising results stress the importance of ongoing research and innovation in MR rehabilitation. The GRH stands as a key research hub, actively advancing this field.
INTERPRETING PERSON-CENTEREDNESS IN RELATION TO CARE AND THE WORKFORCE FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Saavedra Antonio , Sloane Philip , Zimmerman Sheryl , Fazio Sam 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The concept of person-centeredness has been widely referenced and seemingly adopted as a gold standard practice, especially in relation to care for older persons. However, the concept of person-centeredness has evolved over time, resulting in a lack of definitional clarity. As part of a series of studies exploring person-centeredness, we investigated the meaning of person-centeredness as it relates to care and the workforce for older adults. Six think-tank meetings (two in-person; four virtual) were convened, including a national purposive sample of 33 participants selected for diversity and expertise, and including providers, consumers, policy makers, and researchers. Qualitative methods were used to analyze notes and transcripts, resulting in four overarching themes: (1) Different care settings (e.g., hospice, nursing home) tend to vary in the extent and manner of person-centeredness due to their inherent characteristics and goals of care. (2) Leadership tends to assign priority to quality citations and safety protocols, which creates dissonance between the desire to be more person-centered and a demanding organizational culture. (3) Person-centeredness can be conveyed through concrete practices (e.g., care for activities of daily living) or general principles; the former may be easier to implement. (4) The lack of an operationalized person-centeredness definition has created a gap in how to teach it. This presentation will tie together the four themes and address attitudes and approaches within organizations and toward care providers.
INTERPROFESSIONAL GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT CLINIC: STUDENT SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND PATIENT SATISFACTION
Authors: Butler Ryan , Phifer Lisa , Ehlman Katie , Leahy Suzanne , Keller Ashley , Jung Haneul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The University of Southern Indiana Interprofessional Geriatric Assessment Clinic (IGAC) provides interprofessional clinical experience to medical residents and health profession students using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Age-Friendly 4 Ms model while addressing the complex health conditions of medically underserved older adult patients. This study examines student skill development and patient satisfaction. A nursing student, medical resident, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) case manager, and an occupational therapy or physical therapy student utilize evidence-based assessment tools to examine the four elements of Age-Friendly 4 Ms care, including high risk medications, mobility, mentation, and what matters. Students (N=56) completed a retrospective pre-posttest measuring six skills related to IGAC activities. In addition, patients (N=42) completed a posttest measuring satisfaction of the IGAC visit. “Administering standardized health assessments” and “using information about patient social needs to develop healthcare recommendations” were the two IGAC skills wherein students perceived the largest gains, based on paired samples t-tests of significance and Cohen’s d measurement of effect size. Students also reported statistically significant, moderately sized gains in “documenting patient measurements in a medical chart”, “communicating medical information to other health professionals”, and “conducting clinical visits with older adult patients”. Ninety-two percent of patients were satisfied with the overall actions of the care team for their visits. This research indicates that the USI IGAC both increases student skill development and supports patient satisfaction.
INTERVENTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH YOUNG-ONSET DEMENTIA AND THEIR FAMILIES: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Cui Xiaoyan , Wang Junqiao , Wu Bei , Zhao Qianhua , Tang Xueting , Thompson Roy , Wang Jing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Young Onset Dementia (YOD) poses unique challenges for individuals and their families globally by impacting their working-age years and family responsibilities. The paucity of effective treatments emphasizes the need for tailored interventions and support services to enhance quality of life and social engagement. Dementia care services oftentimes fail to meet YOD-specific needs, necessitating customized approaches. This review aims to synthesize non-pharmacological intervention studies for YOD individuals and families to inform future targeted interventions. We conducted a systematic literature search across four databases. Included articles were carefully screened, categorized, and synthesized. This review examined 12 studies focused on persons with YOD. Interventions targeted daily life support, cognitive decline, and social engagement, using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods designs. Nine studies addressed interventions for families focused on self-efficacy, burden, anxiety, depression, quality of life, post-traumatic stress, and well-being. This review revealed a dearth of family-centered intervention studies, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive and tailored interventions for families of individuals with YOD. There is urgent need for more large-scale intervention studies, especially from Low and Middle income countries, which should adopt family-centered and life course perspectives. For future interventions , more extensive incorporation of stakeholder involvement is essential for successful implementation. Moreover, the integration of new technologies shows promise as a potential avenue for intervention advancement.
INVESTIGATING THE USE OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL SUPPORTS BY OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE WITH MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Minyo Morgan , Bass David , Judge Katherine , McCarthy Catherine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults living alone with multiple chronic health conditions and/or functional limitations are at an increased risk for experiencing unmet needs and associated negative outcomes. Formal and informal support services benefit older adults by addressing unmet needs, making this population a common target among clinical interventions aiming to increase levels of support. To further our understanding of this vulnerable population, this investigation describes unmet needs and assistance with tasks in a sample of older adults living alone with chronic conditions (n=38). Baseline data collected from a randomized controlled pilot study was used for descriptive analyses. Participants average age was 77.1 (SD=11.6), 42.1% identify as Black, and 68.4% identify as female. On average, participants reported 6.0 (SD=3.7) chronic health conditions and 52.6% reported difficulty with two or more daily living tasks. Nearly 90% of participants reported at least one unmet need, with 60.5% having four or more (M=6.1, SD=5.2). Interestingly, 71.1% of participants reported receiving assistance from family/friends (M=2.8, SD=2.9) and 86.8% reported receiving assistance from service providers (M=3.1, SD=2.4) with at least one task in the past 3 months. Only one participant reported receiving no assistance. Family/friends most frequently assisted with household chores (47.4%), transportation (44.7%), and emotional support (39.5%). Service providers most frequently assisted with transportation (50.0%), emotional support (31.6%), and getting information about a health problem (31.6%). These findings provide insight on the formal and informal support services used by older adults who live alone and the individual characteristics that could make specific sub-groups successful clinical intervention targets.
JOB EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY: WORKPLACE EXPERIENCES FROM THE NURSING HOME FRONTLINES
Authors: Miller Vivian , Wagner Jennifer , Maziarz Lauren , Burek Melissa , Bell Julia , Perry Kaley 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Nursing assistants have been at the frontlines of nursing home care, providing direct resident care and services to aging adults. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increased employment need for nurse aides over the next ten years. However, the annual rate of nurse aide turnover is over 120 percent. To better understand the unique factors that contribute to nurse aide turnover in nursing homes and assisted livings, this sequential mixed-methodological study design reports findings of activities, relationships, and job interactions that contribute to nurse aide turnover. Guided by a socio-ecological model, qualitative findings from 17 nurse aides (N=17) reveal interpersonal factors, such as relationships with others at the workplace and relationships with residents, as impacting turnover. Institutional and Community factors were also found to impact turnover, including staffing levels, resources, education, and compensation. Informed by the interview findings, there were 239 nursing home or assisted living nurse aides (N=239) that participated in the quantitative portion of this study. Over one-quarter of nurse aides (27.80%) reveal that getting to know the residents was one of the best things about working in a nursing home or assisted living. Of direct care tasks, nurse aides reported physical injury or strain (20.16%), and the physical demands of the job (20.16%) as the greatest challenges. Taken together, findings from this study reveal that using community-engaged research methods in nursing home research may lead to a more nuanced understanding of the workplace needs and desires of nursing assistants.
KYNURENINE METABOLITES INDUCE MICROGLIAL CELL SENESCENCE AND STIMULATE NEUROINFLAMMATION
Authors: Bonaparte Jimeace , Cook Maxwell , Dixon Steven , Wright Cynthia , Hill William , Wang Gavin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aging is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. Aging is associated with increased inflammation, which stimulates the activation of the kynurenine pathway and the production of kynurenine metabolites, including kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK), and quinolinic acid (QA). Previous studies have shown an elevated level of KYN and its metabolites in age-related diseases, including AD. Growing evidence suggests that age-associated accumulation of senescent cells plays a critical role in brain aging and AD pathogenesis. However, it remains to be determined how KYN or its metabolites affect neural cell senescence. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of KYN and its metabolites on senescence induction in HMC3 human microglial cells. HMC3 cells were treated with a range of doses of KYN metabolites over multiple time points (3-48 hrs). Results showed that multiple independent senescent biomarkers were increased in 3HK-treated HMC3 cells, including SA-β-gal, whereas KYN-treated cells exhibited only a low level of SA-β-gal. The senescence induction effect of 3HK was further confirmed by increased expression of the p21 and p19 senescence markers. Furthermore, our data reveals that 3HK is the most potent metabolite to stimulate the secretion of the neuroinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) by microglia compared to other KYN metabolites, and this result also demonstrates the SASP phenotype of 3HK-treated HMC3 cells. Taken together, these new findings suggest that KYN and its metabolites may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD via stimulating glial cell senescence and SASP-mediated neuroinflammation.
KYNURENINE PATHWAY INHIBITORS COMBINED WITH NAD+ PRECURSORS INCREASES LONGEVITY GENE EXPRESSION IN DROSOPHILA
Authors: Said Adam , Huang Qiao , Wu Yuqiong , Walston Jeremy , Westbrook Reyhan , Abadir Peter M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With rates of aging-related functional decline rising, the need for novel intervention strategies to extend lifespan has increased. In humans, the kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolizes tryptophan and produces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). KP is correlated negatively with longevity and increased KP metabolite concentrations decrease the average and maximum lifespans in flies. However, genetic and pharmacological inhibition of tryptophan metabolism and dietary supplementation of NAD+ precursors increase the average and maximum lifespans in flies. To comprehensively explore the effects of KP manipulation, we fed DGRP_229 Drosophila males diets infused with ⍺-MT (KP inhibitor), nicotinamide (NAM, an NAD+ precursor), or the combination of NAM and ⍺-MT. We found that all treatments resulted in increased average and maximum lifespans, with the combination treatment displaying the greatest increase compared to the control of 30% (P&lt; 0.0001). The combination treatment resulted in an average lifespan increase of 15% in relation to ⍺-MT alone (P&lt; 0.0001) and 18% in comparison to NAM alone (P&lt; 0.0001). To gain more insight into the biological mechanisms through which different treatments affect lifespan, we performed qRT-PCR on 11 longevity genes in Drosophila. We found that the combination treatment significantly increased the expression of gigas (Gig) (P=0.03), which interacts with Tsc1 to control cellular growth by regulating insulin and TOR signaling pathways, and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) (P=0.03), an NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase. Our results demonstrate that the combined treatment of KP inhibition and NAD+ precursor elicits a transcription response similar to other lifespan-enhancing treatments and could be used as an alternative intervention method.
LONELINESS AMONG UNDER-REPRESENTED OLDER ADULTS IN THE UK: A STUDY OF MINORITY ETHNIC AND LGBTQ+ POPULATIONS
Authors: Victor Christina , Rippon Isla 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Internationally loneliness has been identified as a major public health problem. Although there is a substantial body of research about loneliness in older adults in the UK, there is a significant evidence gap reporting experiences of loneliness of older people from ethnic minorities and those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and transgender (LGBT). These two groups, under-represented in UK gerontological research, are included in our recently funded project, Socially Inclusive Ageing across the Lifecourse. In this poster we explicitly focus upon the experiences of loneliness for older adults, aged 50+, from the LGBTQ+ and minority ethnic communities. Using wave 9 data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS/Understanding Society) we measured loneliness using the three-item UCLA scale with a score of 6+ out of 9 defining loneliness. Of our total sample of 16,805 who completed the loneliness measure, 1.5% of respondents identified as LGB and 5.4% as Asian, 2.9% as black and 1.5% as other or mixed ethnicity. Overall, 21.7% of the population aged 50+ were lonely. Participants from a black, Asian or other ethnic minority reported higher loneliness than white respondents: 25.8%, 29.6%, 31.0% and 21.0% respectively. Respondents identifying as gay or lesbian (29.1%) or as bisexual (35.2%) reported greater loneliness in comparison to those who identified as heterosexual (21.3%). Our study is novel and timely in demonstrating the higher prevalence of loneliness in two under-represented groups of older adults with the potential consequences this may have for their health and wellbeing in later life.