bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EVALUATING THE FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF THE WITS WELLNESS COGNITIVE HEALTH PROGRAM
Authors: Bobitt Julie , Payne Laura , Gothe Neha , Byers Chelsey , Hofer Molly 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
About 11% of U.S. older adults are at risk for or have subjective cognitive decline. Although some factors that affect brain health cannot be changed, research indicates lifestyle changes (i.e., physical activity, social engagement, heart-healthy diet) can delay or reduce cognitive decline. Drawing from existing research, UI Extension developed Wits Wellness, a 12-week program designed to enhance brain health among people ages 50 and older. Wits Wellness addresses multiple factors that affect cognitive health (e.g., physical activity, stress, sleep, social isolation, diet). Using a two-arm randomized control trial, 285 participants (mean age = 66.6 years, 24 males) were randomly assigned to the Wits Wellness intervention (in person or virtual) or a waitlist control group. Summative program evaluation surveys indicated adherence to the intervention was high, with 68% of participants attending 9 or more of the 12 sessions. Program acceptability was high, with 82.7% evaluating the program as great to excellent, and 90.8% reporting great to excellent interaction with program leaders. Approximately 63.6% of participant write-in comments included positive statements about the program challenging their brains, and 59.1% indicated the program positively affected participants’ socialization. For program feasibility, 90.4% rated the 60-minute weekly sessions ‘just right’ for program length, while 66.3% rated the 12-week program duration ‘just right’ and 27.7% rated it ‘too long’. Thus, preliminary results suggest that Wits Wellness delivered both in-person and virtually was well attended and highly acceptable in the community setting. Future studies will examine the program’s efficacy in improving physical and mental health related outcomes.
CONCEPTUAL ADVANCEMENT FOR SOCIAL HEALTH IN DEMENTIA RESEARCH
Authors: Vernooij-Dassen Myrra , Verspoor Eline , Perry Marieke , Wolf-Ostermann Karin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The lack of conceptual clarity on social health in dementia research hinders its articulation. We aim to apply concept advancement for social health to provide conceptual clarity by building from a conceptual meaning to domains. The procedure is underpinned by theoretical models and epidemiological evidence on the relation between social heath and cognitive functioning.This led to considering social health as a reciprocal relational concept that refers to the influence that an individual has on others (social environment), and vice versa. We distinguished three domains defining the individual level, representing the social competences of the individual, and three domains defining the social environmental level (structure , function and appraisal of the relationship. We hypothesize that social health acts as a driver for stimulating the use of cognitive reserve. This conceptual advancement promotes developments that integrate neurobiological and social sciences and new interventions to support older people with and without dementia.
CONNECTING GENERATIONS AND PRESERVING LIVED EXPERIENCES: AN ILLINOIS AGE-FRIENDLY INITIATIVE
Authors: Stanfield Alyssa , Splitstone Matthew , Mois George , Byers Chelsey , Rogers Wendy 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was recently designated an age-friendly university (AFU).Our AFU program coordinated by CHART (Collaborations in Health, Aging, Research, and Technology) collaborates with our campus University of Illinois Extension office. We are partnering with a student organization called Sage to engage undergraduate students in AFU principles (i.e., promote intergenerational learning and increase the understanding of students of longevity divide). Sage is a social venture run by the Illinois chapter of the global nonprofit organization called Enactus, a social entrepreneurship organization. Sage was established in the spring of 2019 by students who noticed discomfort and lack of understanding among their fellow students of the older generations. By fostering communication, Sage aims to combat ageist social processes, reduce social isolation, and increase mutual understanding and access to the often undervalued wisdom of older adults. Sage helps facilitate life review and develops intergenerational relationships by pairing older adults with college students who listen to and capture their stories through writing to boost the morale and self-confidence of participants. The stories and wisdom they share are then preserved through the production of a cherished legacy booklet or digital media. CHART and campus Extension services support the Sage efforts by assisting with materials development and recruiting older adults from the community to participate. We will share our lessons learned to encourage the development of similar programs at other universities.
DISCUSSION OF AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY PRINCIPLES WITH OLDER LEARNERS
Authors: Takagi Emiko , Marroquin-Serrano Madeleine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this project was to study how older learners think a university campus currently meets the 10 Age-Friendly University principles and what they see as potential steps to create an age-friendly campus community. Online focus group interviews were conducted with 17 members of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at San Francisco State University in 2020. The participants were 60 years or older, and the majority were female and non-Hispanic white. The study participants received information about the 10 Age-Friendly University principles presented by the Age-Friendly University Global Network and were asked to discuss their thoughts about how the university satisfies these principles. The interview recordings were transcribed for the thematic analysis of qualitative data. The analysis yielded three themes. The first theme described the diversity of older adults’ learning needs and desires that the university must recognize and accommodate. The second theme represented older adults’ sense of optimism and anxiety about intergenerational learning. The third theme highlighted the challenges older adults tend to experience in accessing information, educational programs, and/or university facilities. The interviews with older learners were found valuable and indispensable in the work of Age-Friendly University assessments. The presentation is focused on the discussion regarding how older adults’ voices can be incorporated in the assessments and ways in which higher education institutions should combat ageism on and off campus as part of work to address the issues identified in this study.
AFTER THE STORM: SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ASSISTING WITH FEMA DISASTER RELIEF FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Ernst Joy 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This poster describes a partnership during Fall 2021 between the Wayne State School of Social Work and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist older adults whose homes sustained damage during flooding in June 2021. This short-term project helped people access resources to repair and restore damaged homes, repair, or replace mechanical and electrical systems, deal with mold and other health hazards, and replace their personal belongings. Social work students trained by FEMA made over 700 outreach calls to homeowners whose applications for relief were rejected. The students worked with the homeowners to facilitate access to help that either resulted in the approval of their FEMA application (due to assistance with technical issues such as missing documentation or errors in the application) or connected them with alternative sources of help and support. A focus group with students provided insights on their motivations, training experiences, issues affecting the applicants, and skills developed. While FEMA-required training offered little relevant assistance, SSW staff and faculty overseeing the program provided ongoing support that students considered vital as they worked to assist applicants. Some homes were extensively damaged and resources available from FEMA were insufficient. Some homeowners suspected the students were scammers; students also learned of exploitation by contractors. Students honed empathy, reflection, and supportive listening skills as they heard stressors associated with maintaining their homes amidst losses due to covid and their knowledge of community resources expanded. Lessons learned to aid in future efforts to assist in disaster relief are described.
CAREGIVER-SPECIFIC QUALITY MEASURES FOR HCBS: STAKEHOLDER PRIORITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN
Authors: Penney Lauren , Finley Erin , Johnson Julie Parish , Pugh Jacqueline , Leykum Luci , Noel Polly 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Although informal family caregivers are increasingly recognized for their essential role in helping older and/or medically-complex adults live in the community for as long as possible, their priorities and perspectives have not been well-integrated into assessments of home- and community-based services (HCBS). Our aim was to identify measurement gaps to guide quality monitoring and improve HCBS. Caregiver concerns and quality measurement priorities were identified during a multi-level stakeholder engagement process (34 Veterans, 24 caregivers, and 39 facility leaders, clinicians, and staff) across four VA healthcare systems. We conducted an environmental scan and scoping review of national quality measure sets for HCBS, comparing caregiver-specific items against stakeholder-identified concerns and priorities. Only five of eleven non-VA measure sets and three of four VA measure sets included caregiver-specific items; these did not encompass the full range stakeholder-identified concerns and priorities. Measures that emphasize caregivers can help healthcare systems monitor and improve HCBS quality.
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ONLINE TRAINING COURSE FOR MEETING NEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH CAREGIVING BURDEN
Authors: Hosseini Shera , Carter Lorraine , Thomson Donna , Howard Michelle 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Informal caregivers make up a critical part of long-term support in the communities due to their important role in caring for older adults living at home. Modern-day caregivers are facing greater responsibility and burden for managing their care recipients. The present study aimed to explore the effect of a caregiving training program in alleviating caregiver burden. This program included four standalone online modules each with specific foci. Completion of activities across the modules allowed for the creation of a Caregiver Action Plan which offered a personal and practical resource to the informal caregivers. This evaluation study was qualitative and a used thematic analysis method of data analysis. Data stemmed from semi-structured interviews with the caregivers and their reflections on the program’s discussion board. Most caregivers provided care for persons with dementia. Interviews with the family caregivers were conducted, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Themes were identified through constant comparison and in an iterative process. The family caregivers demonstrated consensus on the efficacy of the program in raising competence and confidence and contributing to ameliorating burden levels. Important themes were identified in association with areas for which the caregivers needed support: Early dementia education, planning for future care, learning about navigating healthcare systems, peer support, enhancing self-care, and coping with emotional burden and self-blame. The findings will be informative in shaping the program based on the caregiver’s identified needs through addressing those areas that they would need support. These findings may offer recommendations to other programs designed to support the family caregivers.
THE EFFECT OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS TRAINING FOR NURSING STUDENTS BY AUGMENTED REALITY SIMULATION SYSTEM
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Iwamoto Miyuki , Une Saki , Kurazume Ryo , Nakazawa Atsushi , Honda Miwako 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Educational methods for improving communication with dementia patients are lacking. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of simulated communication skills training for nursing students using augmented reality (AR).

Methods
A randomized controlled study. 25 nursing students enrolled and learned standardized multimodal communication skills using textbooks. Participants were randomly assigned to AR training or conventional mannequin training group and each had one-hour training of basic nursing care. The mannequin of AR group was superimposed a computer graphic of an elderly woman's face, which reacts to participants' communication. Further, participants’ gaze and voice were evaluated by artificial intelligence (AI) and the participants received real-time feedback to their head-mounted display. The conventional group had the self-training with nursing mannequins. Participants performed basic nursing care to simulated patients before and after training, which were video-recorded by eye-tracking cameras and fixed cameras, then the videos were analyzed by AI. The primary outcome was the proportion of eye contact, verbal, and multimodal communication time during the care to simulated patients. Additionally, participants' empathy was evaluated by the Jefferson Scale.

Results
The interactive communication in AR group significantly increased than conventional group (eye contact 13.6% versus 4.4%, verbal communication 27.7% versus 20.1%, multimodal communication 9.6% versus 3.8%, P&lt; 0.05, respectively). The empathy score significantly increased in AR group, whereas it decreased in conventional group [Mean (SD): 9.1 (6.6) versus -1.3 (3.8), P&lt; 0.01].

Conclusions
The simulated communication skills training for nursing students using AR was associated with increased interactive communication skills and empathy to patients.
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND FASTER EPIGENETIC AGING: RESULTS FROM THE BERLIN AGING STUDY II (BASE-II)
Authors: Vetter Valentin , Sommerer Yasmine , Kalies Christian , Spira Dominik , Bertram Lars , Demuth Ilja 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Particularly older people are at risk for deficient vitamin D levels, as their capability for cutaneous synthetization is lower and they are often less exposed to sunlight. However, the resulting impact on one individual’s health is not fully understood. To examine potential consequences of low vitamin D levels for health of older people, we examined its relationship with a DNA related biomarker of aging, DNA methylation age acceleration (DNAmAA). Several epigenetic clocks, that are used to estimate this parameter from methylation fractions of specific cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites, are available and differ in aspects of aging they represent best. Five clocks, 7-CpG clock, Horvath’s clock, Hannum’s clock, PhenoAge, and GrimAge, were available in the longitudinal BASE-II cohort (n=1,100) at follow-up examination. DNAmAA estimated from 7-CpG clock and GrimAge was associated with vitamin D levels in covariate adjusted regression analysis. Additionally, a quasi-interventional study design was employed and showed 2.6 year lower 7-CpG DNAmAA (p=0.011) and 1.3-year lower Horvath DNAmAA (p=0.042) in vitamin D deficient participants that chose to start vitamin D supplementation during the follow-up period of 7.4 ± 1.5 years compared to a matched control-group of participants with untreated vitamin D deficiency. No statistically significant difference was found between sufficiently treated participants with vitamin D deficiency and a matched group of participants that reached sufficient vitamin D level without supplementation. Although validation of our results in a randomized controlled trial is needed, our findings suggest, that vitamin D deficiency associated higher rates of epigenetic aging can potentially be reversed through supplementation.
SHORT TELOMERES ASSOCIATE WITH HYPERPHOSPHORYLATED TAU BURDEN IN PRIMARY AGE-RELATED TAUOPATHY
Authors: McMillan Corey , Adhikari Bandita , Farrell Kurt , Wolk David ,   PART Working Group, Lee Edward , Crary John , Johnson F Bradley 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor for hyperphosphorylated tau burden (p-tau). Telomeres lengths (TL) shorten with age and various sources of DNA damage, thus provide a measure of biological age. Additionally, DNA methylation (DNAm) changes over time and may contribute to changes in TL. We hypothesize that shorter TL will be associated with increased risk of p-tau burden and that this process may be mediated by DNAm. We extracted DNA from frontal cortex of 113 individuals (Age=87.3 + 9.3; 37% Female) that met neuropathological criteria for primary age-related tauopathy (PART), characterized by p-tau in the absence of amyloid pathology. We measured mean TL using qPCR to determine the copy number of telomere repeat DNA in comparison to a single copy gene. We also measured DNA methylation using the Illumina MethylationEPIC Kit for ~850K CpGs. P-tau was measured in medial temporal cortex using an Aperio Digital Pathology Slide Scanner. Linear regression revealed that shorter TL was associated with increased p-tau burden (B=-0.28; p=-.003), including adjustment for age (B=0.003; p=0.003). eWAS identified six CpGs associated with TL (all q&lt; 0.05). Causal mediation analyses identified that two of these CpGs mediate the TL and p-tau association: proportion mediated by cg08701686 (UNC5D) and cg24533059 (near IFNGR1 and OLIG3) was 32.5% and 48.6%, respectively. Shorter TL is associated with increased p-tau pathological burden in PART and may be mediated in part by DNAm at particular loci. These findings support the concept that biological aging, as measured with TL and DNAm, may contribute to tauopathy beyond chronological aging.
MEGA-ANALYSIS OF A CONSORTIUM OF FOUR CENTENARIAN STUDIES IDENTIFIES NOVEL EXTREME LONGEVITY VARIANTS
Authors: Bae Harold , Gurinovich Anastasia , Song Zeyuan , Leshchyk Anastasia , Li Mengze , Barzilai Nir , Perls Thomas , Sebastiani Paola 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The meta-analysis of extreme longevity (EL) conducted in 2017 using a consortium of four longevity studies—the New England Centenarian Study (NECS), the Long Life Family Study (LLFS), the Southern Italian Centenarian Study (SICS), and the Longevity Gene Project (LGP)—confirmed previous associations with APOE alleles and identified additional candidate genes. The current study builds upon this work. Using an aggregated set of the four studies (mega-analysis), we sought to identify additional longevity variants. The current study includes 234 additional cases with a total of 2304 cases (median age=103, age range=[96, 119]), defined as living past the age at which less than 1% individuals from the 1900 - 1920 birth year cohorts survived and approximately 6,000 controls. Approximately 10 million genotyped and imputed SNPs that passed imputation quality score threshold of 0.7 and that had a minor allele count of 3 or greater were analyzed. We ran a mixed effects logistic model for EL adjusting for sex, top principal components, indicator for living in Denmark, indicator for living in Italy, and the genetic relationship matrix. The analysis identified 21 novel loci that are genome-wide significant, both common and rare, and these loci were not previously published. The genome-wide significant loci include genes such as ADGRL2 (p=6.46-15), HLA-DPA1 (p=1.06-8), GRK5 (p=2.01-8), TECTB (p=3.38-8), KCNQ1 (p=7.53-10), TEAD2 (p=9.53-10), and several intergenic regions. We are currently in the process of seeking replication of the top results in independent cohorts.
SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES IN IMMUNOSENESCENCE IN OLDER AGE: EVIDENCE FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Noppert Grace , Stebbins Rebecca , Dowd Jennifer , Aiello Allison 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Population patterns of immunosenescence are not well described. We characterized markers of immunosenescence and assessed sociodemographic differences in a population of individuals ages 56 years and older using newly released venous blood data from the nationally representative U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (n=8,400). Median values of the CD8+:CD4+, effector memory (em)RA:naïve CD4+ and emRA:naïve CD8+ T cell ratios were higher among older participants (more aged immune profile) and were lower among those with additional educational attainment (less aged immune profile). Racialized minority populations had immune markers suggestive of a more aged immune profile: Hispanics had a CD8+:CD4+ median value of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.39) compared to Whites (0.30, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.31). Blacks had the highest median value of the emRA:naive CD4+ ratio (0.08; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.09) compared to Whites (0.03; 95% CI: 0.028, 0.033). Our regression analyses showed that race/ethnicity and education were associated with large differences in T-cell markers of aging, which were orders of magnitude greater than age. By standardizing regression coefficients to estimate years of immunological aging, we found that each additional level of education was associated with roughly an additional decade of immunological age, and racialized minorities had on average an immunological age two to four decades higher than Whites. As one of the first large-scale population-based investigations of immunosenescence, our study advances understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying age-related disease, with implications for risks such as vulnerability to novel pathogens (e.g., SARS-CoV-2).
ADAPTIVE HORSEBACK RIDING: AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Fields Beth 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
More than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) have likely experienced forced social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home mandates and public closures. Forced social isolation negatively impacts the quality of life of persons living with ADRD by worsening behavioral and psychological symptoms. Given continued pandemic restrictions and poor outcomes, now is the time to develop and support programs designed to improve quality of life through meaningful interactions that occur in natural environments. This symposium will introduce ‘Riding in the Moment’, an adaptive riding program that improves the quality of life of persons living with ADRD. Program participants are provided a safe, social, and supportive natural environment where they can ride, groom, and care for horses. The experiences constructed from Riding in the Moment seek to impact the current public health crisis by reducing social isolation for a growing and vulnerable population.