bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASSOCIATION OF RAPID EYE MOVEMENT SLEEP AND APOE PROTEOTYPE TO COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hammel Edward , Roberts Mitchell , Sappington Erica , Dagum Paul , Iliff Jeffrey , Levendovszky Swati Rane , Lowenkron Jeff , VandeWeerd Carla 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Exploring the multifaceted interaction of sleep, disease-related biomarkers and cognitive decline is of particular importance for aging populations. Sleep quality and the APOE E3/E4 allele has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This study aims to examine relationships between older adults’ level of cognitive performance, proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and APOE proteotype. Analysis of sleep study data collected in an active lifestyle retirement community - The Villages, Florida was conducted using a subset of markers collected as part of a larger cognitive health study. Polysomnography, cognitive battery (Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA), Trail Making Tests(TMT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test(SDMT), Psychomotor Vigilance Test(PVT)), and APOE blood-biomarker (E2/E3,E3/E3,E3/E4) data were obtained from healthy participants (n=33) aged 55-65. Descriptive statistics, multilinear regression, and ANOVA were used. Participants’ mean age was 61.9 years, with 55% being male. Cognitive test scores did not show a significant relationship with REM sleep percentage (p=0.3096). No consistent dispersion or skew was shown in box plot analysis of APOE proteotype across cognitive performance measures. Unexpectedly, although not statistically significant (p=0.396), average REM sleep percentage was higher in the APOE E3/E4 group (20.04%, Mean:75.44 minutes) as compared to the E3/E3 group (15.99%,Mean: 59.07 minutes). Proteotype E3/E4 was examined specifically due to its potential association with Alzheimer’s disease. The REM sleep proportion was lower than the average experienced on a typical night at home, possibly due to study conditions. Further research is needed examining the relationship between older adults with REM sleep insufficiency and cognitive impairment.
AVENUES OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AND HEALTH AMONG OLDER CHINESE MIGRANTS: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING APPROACH
Authors: DeJohn Amber , Widener Michael , Liu Bochu , Ma Xinlin , Liu Zhilin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness have detrimental impacts on health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to third places (e.g., coffee shops, libraries) decreased due to the closure of non-essential destinations for fear of serious illness. With reported rises in anti-Asian hate crimes, which primarily impacted older Asian adults, community mobility might have been additionally affected. Older adults reported adopting ICT during pandemic lockdowns, which may have sufficiently replaced previous activities that would require trips out of the home. Understanding different avenues of social connection and their distinct relationships to health for a vulnerable migrant population is critical to supporting equitable, healthy aging in a post-COVID world. Using a survey of older Chinese migrants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) during the extended COVID-19 lockdown, we investigate both community mobility and ICT use to understand how either avenue of socializing is related to the built environment and what the impact of community mobility and ICT use has on loneliness (De Jong Gierveld 6-item scale), mental and physical health (SF-12). Specifically, we use a structural equation model to test a theoretical framework of older adult social isolation. Ultimately, our model demonstrates the importance of community mobility in reducing feelings of loneliness, while ICT use is significantly related to better physical health. Both community mobility and ICT use have significant, although opposite, relationships to transit density. Results indicate that ICT use might have a limited ability to reduce loneliness and support mental health when mobility is limited.
BARRIERS AND SOCIETAL FACTORS SURROUNDING LONG-STAY RESIDENT DISCHARGE TO THE COMMUNITY IN LOUISIANA
Authors: Williams Valerie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The focus of this study is to determine the resident characteristics and societal factors that prevent long-stay residents (LSR) from discharging to the community based on the LSR in Louisiana (LA) compared to the United States (US). This study will also explore solutions that can assist LSR in successfully discharging to the community. Discharge to the community from a skilled nursing facility is influenced by functional status, health of the resident, and the availability of community-based services. About 20% of LSR (&gt;100 days) discharge to the community from skilled nursing facilities (SNF), while that number is more than doubled for short-stay residents. Current data provides little information about the odds of a LSR returning to the community. CMS data shows that LSR in LA have higher rates of Activities of Daily Living Decline (ADL) (LA-18.83%/US-14.68%), Antipsychotic Use (LA-16.9%/US-14.58%), and Pressure Ulcers (LA-9.4%/US-2.4%) than the national average. LSR exhibiting these characteristics are less likely to be discharged to the community. Additional characteristics of this population include high levels of comorbid chronic conditions that are difficult to manage outside of the facility, and having Medicaid (LA-71.5%/US-61.1%) as their payer status, a known barrier to community discharge. States should increase the availability of home health and community-based services that cater to the Medicaid population. Assisted living facilities are a great alternative to living “at home”. Additional research should be conducted to examine affordable assisted living options in more states for long-stay Medicaid residents who desire to live independently in the community.
BEING A CAREGIVER DOES NOT INCREASE MORTALITY RISK AT 10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP IN A NATIONAL US SAMPLE
Authors: Cheung Dominique , Manvelian Atina , Bouldin Erin , Wielgosz Joseph , Trivedi Ranak 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
An increasing number of people are expected to become caregivers of relatives with medical or mental health conditions. The chronic stress of family caregiving has been shown to worsen one’s health, leading to concerns that it may also increase mortality risk. Seminal work showed associations between caregiving and increased mortality risk, but recent population-based studies have disputed this. Our objective was to use longitudinal, nationally representative data to rigorously examine whether caregiver status was associated with 10-year mortality. We used data from the National Social Life Health and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative study of 2,367 older adults (57-85 y) that combines interviews, surveys, and mortality data. We compared 10-year mortality risk between self-reported caregivers and non-caregivers with and without propensity score matching. Baseline sample included 401 caregivers (68.6±7.6 y) and 1,966 non-caregivers (69.2±7.7 y). Among caregivers, 25.0% had 2+ chronic health conditions, compared to 41.1% of non-caregivers. At the 10-year follow-up, 20.6% of caregivers had died versus 29.6% of non-caregivers (p&lt;.0001). After propensity score matching on demographics, health, and limitations in? activities of daily living, there were no differences in mortality between the groups (p&gt;0.05). Our study suggests no difference in mortality risk based on caregiver status. While family caregivers frequently experience negative impacts on well-being because of their role, it is heartening to know that caregiving may not confer an additional risk of death.
BOTH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEPRESSION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF POOR MUSCLE FUNCTION IN OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Liu I-Ting 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Muscle loss might occur in aging, target organ failure, metabolic and endocrine disorders, etc. The aim of this study was to identify the high-risk group of low grip strength, a key component of sarcopenia. 100 subjects aged 65 or older who received Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and grip strength measurement were enrolled at EDA Hospital, Taiwan, form January 2022 to February, 2023 (IRB: EMRP-110-108). Exclusion criteria: unclear consciousness or unable to cooperate 、advanced disease. CGA and grip strength measurement were performed by well-trained nurses and geriatrician. Depressive mood was defined as Geriatric Depression Scale-5 ≧2 or with diagnosed depression. Cognitive impairment was defined as Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire (SPMSQ) &lt; 8 (SPMSQ &lt; 6 in those without education) or with diagnosed dementia. Multiple linear regression was constructed to assess the independent associated factors on increased average grip strength of bilateral hands. Univariate analysis showed male, weight, ADL significantly associated with greater grip strength. Multiple linear regression revealed CKD(ß= -7.70, 95%CI -13.35~-2.05, p=0.011), COPD(ß= -9.15, 95%CI -17.15~-1.17, p=0.027 ), cognitive impairment(ß= -7.67, 95%CI -12.66~-2.65, p=0.005) and depressive mood(ß= -8.39, 95%CI -13.46~-3.32, p=0.003) have detrimental effect on grip strength even after adjustment of age, sex, BMI, socioeconomics, chronic comorbidities, and other geriatric syndromes. Our results resemble another sarcopenia study in which poor muscle function, but not reduced lean muscle mass, was associated with late-life cognitive impairment. Therefore, early screening, education, and intervention of sarcopenia should be applied on high-risk population such as those with CKD, COPD, cognitive impairment, and depressive mood.
CAN YOU HEAR ME? IMPLICATIONS OF HEARING LOSS FOR SOCIAL TIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Birditt Kira , Turkelson Angela , Noyer Emily , Stephenson Jane , Fingerman Karen , McKee Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hearing loss is a leading source of disability among older adults; over 65% of those aged 71 and older have hearing loss. Hearing loss may be associated with reduced relationship quality due to greater communication challenges, conflict, and avoidance of social interactions. This study examined links between hearing loss and social ties among older people. Participants included 11,161 respondents from the 2016 and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (ages 50+) who completed a hearing test and reported on their social ties (contact, quality), social activities (e.g., charity work), and loneliness. Multilevel models controlling for age, gender, and education revealed that having hearing loss was associated with having lower positive quality and higher negative quality relationships with spouse and friends, higher negative relationship quality with children, having fewer close friends, meeting up less with friends, greater loneliness, doing less charity work, and less attendance at social and community events. Older age was associated with more detrimental outcomes. Older aged individuals with hearing loss met up with friends less often, talked on the phone less with friends, did fewer activities with grandchildren/extended children and neighborhood children, did less charity work, and attended fewer social events compared to younger individuals with hearing loss. Overall, older adults with hearing loss are at high risk for relationship problems and social isolation; especially as they grow older. Hearing loss and social ties are important targets for future interventions for older adults with hearing loss as they may be particularly vulnerable.
CAREGIVER CHALLENGES: SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR DEMENTIA CARE OF OLDER ADULTS DURING HOSPICE ENROLLMENT
Authors: Cho Hannah , Sefcik Justine , Washington Karla , Oliver Debra Parker , Demiris George 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Every year, many ADRD patients rely on informal caregivers for providing care during hospice enrollment. Driven by dedication, these caregivers play a vital role. However, their responsibilities intensify over time, leading to emotional strain. Inadequate support causes burnout and stress. Limited research targets the unique needs of caregivers of ADRD patients enrolled in hospice. The purpose of this study was to describe the caregivers’ experiences regarding social support while providing care for older adults with ADRD in hospice. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken with semi-structured interviews of 20 caregivers of ADRD hospice patients (85% female; mean age [SD]: 63.75 [12.1]), including both Caucasian (70%) and African American (30%) individuals. Through content analysis, we identified three themes that described caregivers’ experiences with social support: 1) Changes in social life (e.g., homebound, stress, and family conflicts), 2) Opportunities for social connection (e.g., social support systems with family, friends), 3) Communication Modalities. These findings offer crucial insights into the diverse range of experiences caregivers face regarding social support. Additionally, it highlights the significance of caregivers needing assistance to sustain connections, take essential breaks, and adapt to shifts in their social environments. The challenges they confront and the positive elements of the support they receive are brought to light through this study. Further research into effective communication modalities and respite services could significantly enhance caregivers’ support.
CELLULAR RESILIENCE AND THE AGING HEART: UNDERSTANDING MITOCHONDRIAL INJURY MECHANISMS USING THE BABOON
Authors: Adekunbi Daniel , Reilly Elizabeth , Sanchez-Reilly Sandra , Li Cun , Nathanielsz Peter , Cox Laura , Salmon Adam 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Aging-related cardiovascular disease is deadly worldwide. Cardiac aging in non-human primates (NHP), including baboons, is similar to humans, and intrauterine growth restriction animal models (IUGR) have shown to accelerate cardiac aging and foment cardiomyopathies. Objective: To measure and compare basal and metabolically stressed mitochondrial function among cardiac fibroblasts (CF) isolated from control vs. prematurely older (IUGR) baboons.

Methods
CF were isolated from IUGR and control baboon hearts under standard conditions (25mM Glucose). Additional subgroups were exposed to Metabolic Stress (MS-exposed to 2-hours of low glucose, 1mM). Mitochondrial Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) were measured via Seahorse XFe96 instrument.

Results
Donor Age: 13.27 – 17.52 years (elderly baboons), Male/Female data combined, n=4-5. OCR was higher in control relative to IUGR among all groups. ATP demand and non-mitochondrial respiration had similar values between control and IUGR. MS impacted CF bioenergetics similarly in control and IUGR. ECAR was higher in MS cells in both control/IUGR. OCR:ECAR ratio was higher in control vs IUGR while MS lowered OCR:ECAR ratio in control to levels comparable to IUGR.

Conclusion
Higher OCR indicated increased metabolic demands of aging cells depending on glycolysis for survival. MS significantly impaired mitochondrial function across all cardiac cells regardless of aging. IUGR not only accelerated cardiac aging but impaired basal and metabolic response of CF. CF retain metabolic characteristics of their donor status and represent a cardiac aging model to explore mitochondrial injury mechanisms, understand cellular resilience and subsequently develop protective translational interventions.
CENTENARIAN PHYSICAL FUNCTION EVOLUTION AND COVID-19 IMPACT: A STUDY IN JAPAN
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Gondo Yasuyuki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Studies show that centenarians’ physical function and ADL levels improved in the recent cohort. However, it is unclear whether this positive trend has altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent studies indicated that physical function decreased even in younger older adults because of the limited daily activity during the pandemic period. Is this true for centenarians? This study has two aims: firstly, to investigate whether the physical function of Japanese centenarians has improved over the years; secondly, to examine the impact of COVID-19. We used the data collected from 2014 to the present day in Kyotango City. The City Hall has been collecting data including the functional status of all centenarians who turned 100 years old every year. In this study, we divided nine years into three periods: 2014-2016 (P1), 2017-2019 (P2), and 2020-2022 (P3). For each period the number of participants was 122, 116, and 153. The results revealed that the prevalence of bedridden centenarians showed an upward trend over the years. Concurrently, the proportion of centenarians capable of unrestricted mobility exhibited an upward trajectory from P1 to P2, followed by a subsequent decrease from P2 to P3. In conclusion, if there was no COVID-19 pandemic, the functional level of Japanese centenarians could be improved over the years. At the same time, the gradually increasing trend of bedridden centenarians might indicate intensive medical and institutional care enables centenarians with fragile conditions to survive.
CHARACTERIZING NURSING HOME VISITATION POLICIES AND PROCESSES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Hawes Courtney , Brazier Joan , Meehan Amy , Gabois Emily 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed how nursing homes facilitated visitation between residents and their families. Nursing homes needed to modify visitation approaches in response to changing policies and guidelines from varying governing bodies. Additionally, restrictions were constantly adjusted due to fluctuations in COVID-19 infection rates within facilities and the larger communities in which they exist. Through data from 156 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nursing home administrators, conducted at three-month intervals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, administrator experiences are captured as they navigated these changes. Interviews provide valuable insight into strategies used during shut-down of in-person visitation, allowance of compassionate care and essential caregiver visits, and the resumption of in-person visitation, while also demonstrating the challenges of each visitation stage and the second-hand emotional responses of resident families. During the shut-down of in-person visitation, facilities conducted virtual visits and implemented new strategies including parades and window visits. Compassionate care and essential caregiver visits were used for those in hospice or experiencing weight loss and depression resulting from restrictions, though some administrators reported being flexible in their definitions of compassionate and essential caregiver visits. When in-person visitation resumed, interviews highlight the use of screening, social distancing, and monitoring during indoor visitation, as well as the approaches facilities took to respond to the challenges of staffing shortages and outbreak concerns. Study findings provide insight into how facilities may navigate future visitation changes and restrictions to maximize safety, the overall well-being of residents and the efficiency of facilitating visits.
CHATGPT, WHAT IS A DEDUCTIBLE? DIGITAL ASSISTANTS AS AN INFORMATION SOURCE FOR MEDICARE QUERIES
Authors: Langston Emily , Charness Neil , Boot Walter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Since being first introduced to the public in late 2022, chatbots that are based on large language models (LLMs) have attracted a great deal of attention. However, despite their popularity, these chatbots have been shown to give inaccurate information in response to user queries. Several polls conducted in 2022 suggest that the public is generally skeptical about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the context of healthcare, and older adults are the most distrustful age group, despite the fact that they are the least likely to have interacted with an LLM such as ChatGPT. Meta-analysis on trust in AI has shown that users are most influenced by the accuracy and reliability of the AI trustee. In our study, we assessed the accuracy of speaker-based assistants, Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as two LLMs, Bard and ChatGPT4 on Medicare terminology and knowledge and compared their accuracy to that of a large representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries. Google Assistant was found to perform significantly worse than beneficiaries on both terminology and knowledge questions. Alexa was found to perform significantly worse than beneficiaries on terminology questions. Conversely, both Bard and ChatGPT4 were found to perform significantly better than beneficiaries on both terminology and knowledge questions. We conclude that Medicare beneficiaries should not rely on Google Assistant for terminology help or general knowledge queries, nor should they rely on Alexa for terminology help. ChatGPT4 and Bard are potentially valuable resources for beneficiaries with terminology-based and general knowledge queries.
CHILDHOOD ADVERSITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH BUT NOT COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Lian James , Kiely Kim , Callaghan Bridget , Anstey Kaarin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to examine the association between childhood adversity and mental health and cognition in older adults.

Methods
The sample included older Australian adults from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Project (N = 2551). Childhood adversity was measured using a 17-item scale of domestic adversities (e.g., poverty, neglect, physical abuse, verbal abuse) and modelled using cumulative risk analysis (LCA). Mental health was measured using four validated depression and anxiety questionnaires and cognitive impairment was determined by a clinically validated algorithmic diagnostic criteria. The association between childhood adversity and late-life mental health was estimated using generalised additive models, and the association with cognition utilised multiple logistic regressions. Models were adjusted for gender, race, and education.

Results
Generalised additive models indicated that a greater number of cumulative adversities were associated with poorer scores on all four mental health measures. No notable interactions between ACEs and gender were observed. In contrast, there was no association between childhood adversity and cognitive impairment in any of the tested logistic regression models. No gender differences were observed and no interactions with education or genotype were found.

Conclusion
Consistent with prevailing literature, our study provides additional evidence for the enduring effects of domestic childhood adversity on anxiety and depression in older adulthood. Furthermore, the absence of associations between early adversity and cognitive impairment indicates that other factors might play a more prominent role in determining late-life cognitive outcomes.