bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MANAGING ANXIETY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MEDITATION AND COMPASSIONATE LOVE
Authors: Lekhak Nirmala , Bhatta Tirth , Kahana Eva , Snyder Joel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background & Significance
Prior research has consistently established the role of meditation as a coping resource to mitigate the adverse impacts of stressful life situations on mental health. Yet, our understanding of mechanisms that transmit the positive effects of meditation on mental health among older adults is limited. Specifically, little research has examined the impact of meditation on positive emotions such as compassionate love and its subsequent effect on later-life psychological well-being. Purpose: We rely on Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions to assess the role of compassionate love in mediating the relationship between meditation practice and mental health.

Methods
Using data from our nationwide web-based survey (n=1,861), we conducted a mediation analysis to assess the indirect effect of meditation on mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms measured with a 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and anxiety measured with a 6-item PROMIS Emotional Distress-Anxiety Scale) via compassionate love.

Results
Our ordinary least squares regression (OLS) model estimates suggest that older adults who practiced meditation (compared to those who did not) had significantly higher feelings of being loved (b = 0.11, p&lt;0.05) and those who experience more love had lower symptoms of depression (b = -2.10, p&lt;0.001) and anxiety (b = -0.99, p&lt;0.001). We documented significant indirect effects of meditation (via compassionate love) on depressive symptoms (b = -0.23, p&lt;0.05) and anxiety (b = -0.11, p&lt;.05). Conclusion/Implications: Our study underscores the need for contemplative interventions that can foster compassionate love to improve mental health among older adults.
IMPROVING DEMENTIA DETECTION IN PRIMARY CARE: PROCESS EVALUATION FOR THE ERADAR BRAIN HEALTH TRIAL
Authors: Barnes Deborah , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Hsu Clarissa , Karliner Leah , King Deborah , Lee Sei , Coley Rebecca , Dublin Sascha 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The eRADAR Brain Health Study is an ongoing embedded, pragmatic trial testing whether targeted screening improves detection and diagnosis of dementia in primary care clinics at Kaiser Permanente Washington and the University of California, San Francisco. The validated eRADAR algorithm, which uses electronic health record data to calculate a risk score for undiagnosed dementia, identifies high-risk patients age ≥65. Participants are randomized at the primary care physician (PCP) level to receive usual care or an invitation to a brain health visit for functional and cognitive assessment. We assessed patient acceptance (% completed brain health visit) and satisfaction (responses to post-visit survey) in patients enrolled to date. Of 575 high-risk patients invited, 157 (27%) agreed and 116 (20%) completed a brain health visit. The primary reason for declining the visit was lack of interest. Those who completed the visit had a mean (SD) age of 83.4 (5.1) years; 70 (60.34%) were women; 82 (70.7%) attended with a care partner. Seventeen (15%) had results consistent with dementia and were referred to their PCP for further evaluation. Fifty-five (47%) had results consistent with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and were counseled to follow up with their PCP in 1 year. Analysis of the first 40 survey responses indicated high satisfaction: 33 (83%) agreed the visit was helpful and 36 (90%) did not feel upset/concerned by the visit. This suggests that, although acceptance was low, those who participated had high rates of possible dementia or MCI and reported high satisfaction with the targeted screening process.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CEREBRAL VASCULOPATHIES AND MICROINFARCTS IN COMMUNITY-BASED OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sin Mo-kyung , Cheng Yan , Roseman Jeffrey , Zamrini Edward , Ahmed Ali 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cerebral microinfarcts are associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Less is known about the relationships of various vasculopathies (arteriolosclerosis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) with microinfarcts. This case-control study examined the associations of the vasculopathies with microinfarcts in 842 older adults in the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) autopsy data. Arteriolosclerosis was assessed by histological examination using the H&E stain; CAA was assessed using the Congo red histochemical stains; and microinfarcts was ascertained by blinded board-certified neuropathologists. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the presence of cerebral microinfarcts associated with the two cerebral vasculopathies. Cerebral microinfarcts were present in 417 (49.5%) participants. Mild, moderate, and severe arteriolosclerosis was present in 13.2%, 43.9%, 29.7% of participants with microinfarcts, and 28.9%, 40.0%, and 12.5% of participants without microinfarcts, respectively. ORs (95% CIs) for microinfarcts associated with moderate and severe arteriolosclerosis were 2.15 (1.45-3.17) and 4.59 (2.88-7.33), respectively. Mild, moderate, and severe CAA was present in 18.0%, 17.5%, and 3.6% of participants with microinfarcts, and 18.1%, 16.5%, and 2.4% of participants without microinfarcts, respectively. ORs (95% CIs) for microinfarcts associated with moderate and severe CAA were 0.97 (0.65-1.44) and 1.37 (0.59-3.21), respectively. Cerebral microinfarcts were common in older adults and were associated with a higher prevalence of arteriolosclerosis, but not with CAA. Our study underscores the need for additional studies to better understand this complex relationship to develop interventions for primary prevention of cognitive impairment.
MULTI-COMPONENT RELAXOMETRY FOR STUDY OF AGING
Authors: Kolind Shannon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
While relaxation characteristics of MRI are used regularly for conventional, qualitative imaging, more information can be extracted by fitting multiple water components to the measured signal. Parameters including the myelin water fraction or T2 of intra/extracellular water can provide information about myelin development and degeneration, or inflammation and edema. Multiple approaches to both acquisition and analysis have emerged. This talk will provide an overview of some recent advancements and uses in aging.
COMBINED USE OF NOVEL MR IMAGING AND FLUID BIOMARKERS REVEAL DETERMINANTS OF MYELIN AND AXONAL LOSS WITH AGING
Authors: Walker Keenan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cerebral white matter damage is a feature of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and other neurodegenerative conditions, yet little is known about the molecular underpinnings of key features of white matter pathology. In a series of studies we have used targeted assays and large-scale proteomics platforms to determine how biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease pathology (Aß42/40 ratio; pTau181), neuronal injury (NfL), reactive astrogliosis (GFAP), and other disease processes relate to state-of-the-art diffusion-based MRI measures of brain myelin content and axonal density in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and the GESTALT study, we measured plasma biomarkers using the Quanterix Simoa assay (targeted measurement of 4 proteins) and the SomaScan proteomic platform (untargeted measurement of 7000 proteins). Additionally, participants underwent 3T MRI, from which measure of myelin content (defined by myelin water fraction [MWF]) and axonal density (defined by neurite density index [NDI]) were derived. We found an association between higher plasma GFAP and lower myelin content in temporal brain regions. Additionally, higher levels of NfL and GFAP were associated with lower total brain axonal density. Using untargeted proteomics, we identified a set of 155 plasma proteins that were associations with myelin content (P &lt;0.05). Using these findings, we applied machine learning to construct a plasma protein-based predictor of brain myelin content, which we plan to validate in a cohort of individuals with multiple sclerosis: a condition characterized by demyelination.
ASSESSING AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN SKELETAL MUSCLE PERFUSION AND MICROVASCULAR FUNCTION WITH MRI
Authors: Reiter David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
MRI affords a wide variety of non-invasive and quantitative approaches for characterizing tissue perfusion, each providing distinct strengths and weaknesses. Skeletal muscle exhibits a tremendous range of metabolic activity with up to a 50-fold increase in oxygen consumption between resting state and heavy exercise. Even at rest, perfusion of skeletal muscle is a dynamic process where blood flow delivery to capillary beds fluctuates and is regulated by a host of cellular, metabolic, and neurovascular inputs. This talk will present an overview of current and emerging MRI methodologies used for characterizing skeletal muscle perfusion and microvascular function. Strengths and weaknesses of each methodology will be presented with emphasis on studies in aging and age-related disease.
Sleep, Mental Health, and Cognition Across Diverse Adult Populations
Authors: Lee Soomi , Kaufmann Christopher , Spira Adam 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sleep is often impaired in late life, raising concerns about the effect of poor sleep on mental and cognitive health in aging individuals. This symposium brings together five rigorous studies that show how poor sleep may be an under-recognized risk factor for mental health and cognitive outcomes in the second half of life. Specifically, this symposium showcases data from a variety of study cohorts (including Midlife in the United Study, Einstein Aging Study, and Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging), using diverse indicators of subjective and objective sleep. Paper 1 focuses on healthcare workers (HCWs), a group critical for the delivery of quality patient care, and examines both individual and joint associations of poor sleep and pain with mental health in HCWs vs. non-HCWs. Paper 2 investigates the association between EEG-measured sleep and depressive symptoms in older adults. Paper 3 explores the relationship between intra-individual variability of sleep and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and identifies gender differences in these associations. Paper 4 establishes the associations of actigraphy-measured sleep and circadian rest-activity rhythms with multiple domains of cognition in older adults. Paper 5 examines the effect of latent dose/duration patterns of common sleep medications on development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The discussant, Dr. Adam Spira, will integrate key findings from these studies, discuss their contributions to the literature, and consider opportunities for future research. This is a Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium. This is a collaborative symposium between the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, Geroscience, and Health Behavior Change Interest Groups.
MAINTENANCE OF HEALTH BEHAVIOR CHANGE: CHALLENGES, IMPLICATIONS, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Authors: Hughes Jaime 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Health behavior change is critical for healthy aging. Evidence-based programs are available to support a variety of health behavior changes in older adults, including programs for activity, diet, sleep, and medication adherence. Health behavior change programs are typically guided by one or more theoretical models or frameworks describing common constructs related to behavior change. Examples of such constructs include intention, motivation, self-efficacy, and self-regulation. To date, much focus has been on how such constructs relate to initiating and/or achieving behavior change. Although some models specify anticipated outcomes of behavior change over time, maintenance remains largely overlooked. This symposium presents a series of presentations exploring concepts and challenges related to maintenance of health behaviors in older adults. Together, these presentations will explore the definitions and characteristics of maintenance as described in the scientific literature, review maintenance-related trends within physical activity interventions, and discuss findings from stakeholder-engaged sessions designed to identify gaps within the theoretical and scientific literature describing maintenance. The session will conclude with recommendations for future research. This is a Health Behavior Change Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WEIGHT LOSS MAINTENANCE IN OLDER ADULTS: LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP DATA FROM FIVE RANDOMIZED TRIALS
Authors: Houston Denise , Neiberg Rebecca , Chen Shyh-Huei , Miller Michael , Kitzman Dalane , Rejeski W , Messier Steve , Nicklas Barb 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Intentional weight loss (WL) in older adults is controversial as it may accelerate age-related muscle and bone loss, even if weight is regained. Current WL guidelines recommend physical activity (PA) for the maintenance of WL. However, whether participants who maintain WL have higher PA following randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of WL and PA is unknown. We examined PA among older adults from five WL and PA RCTs. Participants were invited to return for a follow-up visit 5-15 yrs after RCT completion (mean, 9.1 yrs). Among the 632 participants alive at long-term follow-up, 326 completed a follow-up visit (mean±SD age and BMI at randomization, 67.5±4.2 yrs and 33.8±4.9 kg/m2; 70% women). Weight change from baseline to long-term follow-up was assessed and participants categorized as weight gainers (&gt;3%, 16%), weight maintainers (±3%, 32%), small weight losers (3-&lt;10%, 28%), and large weight losers (&gt;10%, 25%). Self-reported (CHAMPS) and objective (ActivPAL worn for 7 days) PA were assessed at long-term follow-up. Differences in PA by weight change groups were examined using mixed effects models adjusted for age, sex, race, WL assignment, time and study (as a random effect). There were no differences in self-reported PA by weight change group (all p’s&gt;0.0.08). Objectively-measured steps per day (p=0.06) and stepping time (p=0.04) were marginally significant between groups, with large weight losers having greater values compared to weight gainers (mean: 4915 vs. 3790 steps/day and 70.8 vs. 55.1 minutes/day, respectively; p&lt;0.05). Among those who returned at long-term follow-up, objectively measured PA was greater among large weight losers.
AGE-SPECIFIC POPULATION ATTRIBUTABLE FRACTIONS FOR THE IMPACT OF HYPERTENSION ON INCIDENT DEMENTIA
Authors: Smith Jason , Sharrett A Richey , Pike James , Gottesman Rebecca , Lutsey Pamela , Windham B Gwen , Coresh Josef , Deal Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The population attributable fraction (PAF) of dementia in United States attributable to hypertension is estimated at 7-9%. However, prior studies of the PAF might underestimate hypertension’s impact on dementia risk, given specific design limitations. Additionally, prior work neither accounted for changing prevalence/effects of hypertension with age nor considered early vs. later occurring dementia. Here, we quantified PAFs of dementia by age 80 from hypertension measured at midlife and late-life using individual-level data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Incident dementia was determined by adjudicated review, telephone interviews, informant interviews, hospitalization records, and death certificates. We used measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) to define BP categories: normal BP (SBP &lt; 120 and DBP &lt; 80), elevated BP (SBP 120-129 and DBP &lt; 80), stage 1 hypertension (SBP 130-139 or DBP 80-89), and stage 2 hypertension (SBP ≥140 or DBP ≥90); we also defined an overall non-normal BP value (SBP ≥120 or DBP ≥80). We generated hazard ratios (HRs) of 32-year incident dementia from Cox regression models that adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics, and stratified by age at BP ascertainment (45-54, 55-64, 65-74). We then used the HRs to quantify PAFs of dementia from hypertension. We estimated that 15-20% of dementia cases by age 80 were attributable to non-normal BP. The strongest PAFs (12-21%) were from stage 2 hypertension. Current estimates of the dementia risk attributable to hypertension may be low. Targeting hypertension from midlife through early late-life could sizably reduce dementia risk.
AGE AND COHORT TRENDS OF RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCE IN RELIGIOUS PARTICIPATION AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER AMERICANS
Authors: Liu Jingwen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Religious involvement is an important way of maintaining social connectedness for older Americans. While large quantities of studies have explored age and cohort effects of religious participation separately, less is known about racial/ethnic disparities. Applying growth curve modeling to the 2004-2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N=134,734 person-years), the current study examines how religious attendance changes across the life course and among recent birth cohorts, as well as how exposure to immigration policy regimes (IPR) shapes Hispanic immigrants’ religious participation behaviors. Results suggest an overall reversed U-shape age trajectory with lower average levels and faster declines among more recent cohorts. Compared to White older adults, Black and Hispanic populations attend religious activities more frequently, but their attendance declines at faster rates in later life, leading to minimal White-Nonwhite differences in the oldest ages. However, Hispanic immigrants display significantly less decline in religious participation among more recent cohorts relative to Whites, although no similar trend is found between White and Black/native Hispanic older adults. Further analyses of Mexican Hispanic immigrants suggest that longer exposure to restricted IPR (since the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, IRCA) is associated with increased religious attendance, but less restricted IPR (between 1964 and 1985) is associated with decreased religious participation net of age and cohort effects. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the civic engagement experiences of Hispanic immigrants against the context of immigration policy regimes.
FUNSAT: A FUNCTIONAL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM
Authors: Czaja Sara , Harvey Philip , Kallestrup Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Performance of everyday activities is often challenging for older adults, especially for aging adults with a cognitive impairment (CI), which threatens independence and quality of life. We developed a novel computer-based functional skills assessment and training (FUNSAT) program, which includes simulations of everyday technology-based tasks (e.g., online banking, prescription refill, online shopping) important to everyday living. This presentation will present preliminary findings from our study that is evaluating the FUNSAT program with aging adults with and without a cognitive impairment. The sample includes 153 adults (83 with a CI, 130 females and 23 males) ranging in age from 60-92 yrs. Initially, participants completed the FUNSAT assessment and then engaged in the FUNSAT training program for up to 24 hours over 12 weeks at home after an initial in-person training. The non-cognitively impaired participants completed the FUNSAT training alone. The participants with a cognitive impairment were randomized into one of two conditions; FUNSAT training alone, or Cognitive Training (3 weeks) followed by FUNSAT training. We also evaluated transfer of training using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Our preliminary findings indicate that participants irrespective of cognitive status are demonstrating significant gains in performance following training on the training tasks. Further, they are reporting an increase in confidence with respect to performing the tasks in daily living and the EMA data suggest transfer of training to other technology-based tasks. We will also discuss adherence to the home training protocol, which has important implications for implementation of the program beyond the research setting.
IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCES AND CARE ARRANGEMENTS LATER IN LIFE: EVIDENCE FROM THE MARIEL BOATLIFT
Authors: Diederich Freya 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The role of public policy in older immigrants’ use of and access to services has mainly been regarded with respect to its legal framework. However, the way public policies are framed and societies’ perceptions of immigrant groups can additionally influence immigrants’ experiences, with long-lasting effects on needs and services use later in life. Still, the importance of these mechanisms has rarely been analyzed. This study uses the Mariel boatlift in 1980 as a case study to assess the relationship between circumstances that surround an immigrants’ cohort and their care arrangement later in life. Cuban immigrants from the Mariel boatlift were perceived in a different way by the federal government and the general population than Cuban immigrants who arrived previously. Based on data from the American Community Survey (2008-2021), care arrangements of older Cubans who arrived in 1980, who are limited in daily activities, and who reside in the Miami area are compared to care arrangements of Cubans that immigrated before. Regression models are estimated and individual characteristics are accounted for. Compared to Cubans who arrived before 1980, Cubans of the Mariel boatlift are more likely to live in the community than in an institutional setting. However, among those living in the community, Cubans of the Mariel boatlift reveal a higher risk of living alone. The results suggest that Cubans of the Mariel boatlift are at higher risk for unmet needs. It is discussed how circumstances that surround immigrants’ cohort of arrival shape immigrants’ services needs and use.
THE USE OF AMBULATORY VERSUS EMERGENCY SERVICES AMONG SENIOR ADULTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Authors: Glicksman Allen , Davey Adam , Albert Steven , Friedman Ari , Lai Philip , Ring Lauren , Rodriguez Misha , Liebman Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Senior adults who are immigrants with limited English proficiency may have difficulty accessing health and social services. However, identifying patients with LEP in large databases such as insurance claims has historically been challenging. We overcome this with two strategies. First, we conducted focus groups among older Spanish and Chinese speakers. Based on the findings we hypothesize that 1) we can expect distinct patterns of service use associated with a common language and 2) Chinese speakers are more likely than Spanish speakers to use ambulatory services and less likely to use emergency services because Chinese speakers feel more confident in their ability to navigate formal systems. Next, we obtained data on Spanish and Chinese speakers aged 60 and older and living in Philadelphia from a regional health information exchange, including routinely collected data on patients’ primary language and English proficiency. We are using the data to test our hypotheses regarding these specific LEP populations. The data will be used as pilot for a study to further investigate attitudes and perceptions of formal care providers in these two LEP communities.