bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVING FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA FROM CULTURAL AND LIFE-COURSE PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Wang Jing , Wu Bei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Providing person-centered and culturally sensitive support for persons with dementia and their family caregivers is critically important. This symposium focuses on understanding and supporting decision-making and family caregiving through a lens of a life course perspective. The first study explored Black and White family caregivers’ experience of adjusting to their new role as caregivers of persons with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic added to the complexity of their challenges and demonstrated the need for person-centered support. The second study provided insights into Chinese American family caregivers’ attitudes toward and the preference of shared family decision-making on tube feeding for their family members with dementia. Almost all the participants considered pain and discomfort relief as a priority in decision making. The third study synthesized the literature on decision aid interventions for family caregivers of older adults with advanced dementia regarding tube feeding. The study found that culturally sensitive and family-centered decision aid interventions are needed to support the decision-making of tube feeding. The fourth study used data from two national databases and identified positive aspects of caregiving. It highlighted the significance of tailoring support for family caregivers based on their caregiving responsibilities and care recipients’ cognitive status to enhance the positive aspects of caregiving. The last scoping review identified and synthesized existing technology-based interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among informal dementia caregivers. The results suggested that technology-based interventions could reduce feelings of loneliness and improve caregiver well-being.
I HAVE TO COPE WITH IT: THE VOICES OF OLDER AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS EXPERIENCING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS IN THE US
Authors: Adeniji Dolapo , Ashirifi Gifty 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness have been recognized as significant challenges in the world of older adults. For older African immigrants living with their families in the US, researchers have captured factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to transportation to contribute their feelings of social isolation and loneliness. However, little is known about how they cope with these challenges. As the population of older African immigrants continues to increase in the US, it is pertinent to expand knowledge about their experiences for the purposes of social work practice and policy development. Using a qualitative approach, this study recruited and conducted in-depth interviews with 11 participants aged 63 -79. Four themes emerged from the data through a thematic analysis approach which includes a) Positive Self-talk: “I have to cope with it”, b) Technology/Social media: "if I cannot interact physically outside, then, I go through the social media”/Watch TV”, c) Intergenerational social engagement beyond caregiving: "They [grandchildren] are my immediate constituency”, and d) Digging deep through faith. Although the result of this study shows that older Africans immigrants are finding strategies to cope with social isolation and loneliness further support is needed specially to strengthen their coping skills and enhance their social network with people outside of their families.
COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FROM A PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION FOR LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Amick Matthew , Gartlan Olivia , Zubatsky Max , Berg-Weger Marla 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are quickly becoming global health epidemics, where older adults are experiencing greater chronic health conditions and other complications as a result of this trend. This prevalence is likely underreported, given that stigma and health disparities associated with social isolation and loneliness often prevent older adults from reporting this to family members and professionals. This study's aim is to determine the rates of older adult social isolation and social connections from a psychosocial group model called Circle of Friends (CoF). Circle of Friends is built on a model of group rehabilitation model, with the aim to alleviate and prevent loneliness in older adults. The group protocol consists of 6-8 older adults who self-identify as lonely or socially isolated, who meet 12 times over three months. A midwestern university conducted virtual CoF groups between 2020-2022 to underserved areas of a metropolitan city. Researchers used the UCLA Loneliness Scale and Lubben Social Support Scale to determine differences in rates of loneliness and social supports. 15 members participated in three virtual CoF groups, with over 50% of the sample reporting low socioeconomic living conditions. Preliminary findings show that group members reported a 3-point decrease in overall loneliness (p&lt;.05), but no differences in frequency of social supports through friends or family. While our research group continues to collect more data on outcomes of our CoF groups, these initial results highlight the need for more community interventions and social connection resources for older adults lacking financial means for healthcare options.
EXAMINING THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH HIV
Authors: Yoo-Jeong Moka 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Social isolation exists when one has limited or lacks social contact with others and is distinct from loneliness, an affective state on the perception of isolation. Social isolation and loneliness are recognized as risks to well-being among older adults. Less in known about the cumulative effects of social isolation and loneliness in older persons with HIV (OPWH). Using cross-sectional data on OPWH (age ≥50) recruited from an outpatient HIV clinic in Atlanta, GA (N=146), we aimed to 1) describe the overlap between social isolation and loneliness and 2) examine the combined effects of social isolation and loneliness on quality-of-life (QoL), HIV-related stigma, depressive symptoms, and comorbidity burden. Loneliness and social isolation were assessed using the PROMIS-Social Isolation Scale and Social Network Index, respectively. Participants were grouped into four categories into ‘lonely only,’ ‘isolated only,’ ‘both lonely and isolated,’ or ‘neither.’ Bivariate and adjusted associations were conducted. Among participants (mean age=56.53), 26.7% (n=39) were considered ‘lonely’ only, 12.3% (n=18) ‘isolated’ only, 15.1% (n=22) ‘both lonely and isolated,’ and 45.9% (n=67) ‘neither.’ In bivariate analyses, individuals categorized as ‘both lonely and isolated’ were likely to have past homelessness and higher depressive symptoms, stigma, and comorbidity burden, and lower QoL. In adjusted models, ‘both isolated and lonely’ significantly predicted QoL, stigma, and depressive symptoms. Findings highlight the critical emphasis on targeting OPWH who are both isolated and lonely.
MULTIMORBIDITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE: EXAMINING THE PATHWAYS THROUGH LONELINESS, ADL, IADL, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Sieber Stefan , Roquet Angélique , Lampraki Charikleia , Jopp Daniela 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background. Multimorbidity, defined as two or more chronic conditions, negatively affects quality of life. However, little is known about the underlying pathways leading from multimorbidity to lower quality of life (QoL). Objective. The objective of this paper was to examine multiple potential mediating factors (loneliness, Activities of Daily Living [ADL], Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL], depressive symptoms) in the relationship between multimorbidity and quality of life. Furthermore, we explored moderated mediation patterns by age, gender, and education. Methods. Longitudinal data were drawn from five waves (from 2011 to 2020) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). We included 37,082 individuals aged 50 years and older in the analyses. The predictor (multimorbidity) and covariates were measured four and the mediators two years before the QoL outcome (CASP-12). Confounder-adjusted mediator and outcome models were fitted using mixed-effects models. The total association was decomposed into direct and indirect pathways applying causal mediation analyses with Monte-Carlo simulations. Results. Multimorbidity was associated with lower QoL four years later; 2.12%, 6.17%, and 19.90% of the association was mediated by ADL, IADL, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Mediation by loneliness was not significant. Generally, the mediation patterns were more pronounced in women and individuals with tertiary education as compared to primary and secondary. Differential mediation by age quartiles did not reveal a clear pattern. Conclusions. The results showed that depressive symptoms were the most important mediator between multimorbidity and QoL, with ADL and IADL also playing an important role.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NORWEGIAN OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE OVER THREE DECADES (1995–2019)
Authors: Gudjonsson Milan Chang , Michelet Mona , Strand Bjørn Heine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Among older adults who are living alone, social isolation, and physical and cognitive impairment are more common than among those who do not live alone. The proportion of older adults who live alone is expected to increase further. The current study investigated the disability and formal care service use among older adults living alone between 1995-2016 in Norway.

Methods
A total of 31,263 people aged 70+ participated in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) survey 2 (1995/97), 3 (2006/08), and 4 (2017/19). The study assessed the use of formal care including practical help (PH) and home nursing (HN), and disability in personal and instrumental activities of daily living (PADL:7 items and IADL: 6 items).

Results
More than 70% of older adults living alone were women (74% in HUNT2, 77% in HUNT3, 71% in HUNT4). The use of PH service among those who were living alone decreased from 33.7% to 18.6%, while HN service use increased from 10.4% to 16.4%. The percentage of PADL disability among those who lived alone was similar (10.3% to 9.1%) between 1995-2019. However, the percentage of IADL disability has decreased from 37.6% (1995-97) to 27% (2017-19) while in all cohorts IADL disability rates were significantly higher among those who were living alone than those who were living with others.

Conclusions
Although the use of HN service among older adults who were living alone decreased during 1995-2016, those who were living alone in all cohorts had higher IADL disability rates compared to those who lived with others.
LONELINESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF THE INSTITUTIONAL OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Chao Shiau-Fang , Hsu Hui-chuan , Su Yun-Pei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Purpose
Institutional residents experienced more restrictions in the lockdown of covid-19. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of loneliness and lonely literacy with mental health wellbeing during covid-19 for older institutional residents.

Methods
The participants living in the 13 long-term care institutions who were aged 65 and more and able to communicate with were invited in the survey (n=143). Mental well-being was measured by depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Loneliness was measured by the 6-item UCLA loneliness scale. In addition, demographics, health status, active and passive coping strategies, social support from family and friends, social interaction changes after covid-19, loneliness change after covid-19, and worries about covid-19 were investigated. Linear regression and logistic regression models were conducted.

Results
The mean of the loneliness score (6~24) was 9.71 (SD=4.02). Factors related to loneliness increased during covid-19 for the institutionalized residents included having more physical function difficulties (OR=1.179), feeling more lonely (OR=1.146), and having more worries for covid-19 (OR=2.317). The residents having depressive symptoms was related to have more loneliness (OR=1.269), worse self-rate health (OR=0.320), and increased more loneliness during covid-19 (OR=3.233); while having high life satisfaction was related to less loneliness (OR=0.859), less physical difficulties (OR=0.834), higher satisfaction of family support (OR=2.835), and not increasing loneliness during covid-19 (OR=0.255).

Conclusion
Loneliness during covid-19 is related to more depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction, especially during covid-19. Learning active coping strategy and providing proactive and helpful environment for the long-term care residents is suggested during the pandemics.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL NETWORK AND PURPOSE IN LIFE: APPLICATION OF A RANDOM INTERCEPT CROSS-LAGGED MODEL
Authors: Lee Gina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine if there are reciprocal effects between social network size and purpose in life among older adults using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. A second aim is to assess whether there are moderated effect of gender on this relationship. The sample included 1,485 male and 2,058 female adults 65 years and older. In order to examine the reciprocal effects between social network size and purpose in life over four time points (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020), a random intercept cross-lagged model (Model 1) was computed. Then, two multiple group RI-CLPM analyses (Model 2 and 3) were computed in order to test moderation of gender on the relationship. Model 2 estimates the cross-lagged parameters freed and model 3 estimates the cross-lagged parameters constrained. The results indicated that Model 1 fit the data well, χ2(9) = 26.06, p = .002. The carry-over effects of social network and purpose in life were significant. The spill-over effect from wave 3 purpose in life on wave 4 social network was significant. The variance of the random intercepts were significant, indicating that there are stable, trait-like differences between social network and purpose in life. The results of the multiple group model revealed that there were no significant differences between the freed and constrained models, indicating that lagged effect for male and female appear to be same. Future research should explore if other factors like race or education show moderated effects.
THE EFFECT OF SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS ON THE LIFE SATISFACTION AND HEALTH OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Meeryoung 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This study examines the effects of subjective and objective relationships among older adults on life satisfaction. Human beings are social animals and must live in relationships with people. In particular, in a situation where social networks decrease in old age, objective or subjective social relationships that can receive help when needed, and satisfaction with such relationships can improve the quality of life in old age. This study used the sixth additional wave (2016) and the seventh wave (2017) of the Korean Retirement Income Study. The subjects of this study were older adults who are aged 65 and older, and the sample size was 3,423. The number of objective relationships, subjective social support, relational satisfaction, and having a spouse and children were used as independent variables. Life satisfaction and health were used as dependent variables. Demographic variables were controlled. Multiple regression was used for data analysis. The more objective relationships there were, the higher the life satisfaction and health. Subjective social support also significantly increased life satisfaction and health. Satisfaction with interpersonal relationships also significantly increased both life satisfaction and health. Having a spouse made a significant difference in affecting life satisfaction and health. The results showed that both subjective and objective relationships in old age improved the quality of life of older adults, but the presence or absence of children made no significant difference in affecting life satisfaction or health. This implies that as you get older, you may find that having a spouse becomes very important.
PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS AFTER MULTIPLE SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS
Authors: Cherry Katie , Calamia Matthew , Elliott Emily , Miller Luke , Sampson Laura , Galea Sandro 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Catastrophic hurricanes and flooding threaten health and well-being, although the long-term consequences of these events for survivors are poorly understood. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the US Gulf Coast. Many lost homes in these storms and relocated permanently inland. In August of 2016, historic flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana devastated a 22-parish (county) region, resulting in widespread destruction and a second round of disaster-related losses for those who relocated to Baton Rouge after Katrina. The present research is part of a larger longitudinal study on health and well-being after multiple disasters. Cherry et al. (2021) reported that greater flood damage was associated with more symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress during the Wave 1 immediate impact phase. Here we examined symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress at Wave 2, a follow-up assessment that occurred 9 (+/- 3) months after Wave 1 testing. Three flood exposure groups were compared: non-flooded (controls), single disaster (flooded in 2016) and double disaster (flooded in 2005 and again in 2016). Results indicated that symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress, which were elevated at Wave 1 for the single and double disaster groups relative to the non-flooded controls, were reduced at Wave 2 and did not differ from the controls. Correlation analyses revealed that age was negatively associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, consistent with the inoculation view of post disaster psychological reactions. Implications of these data for understanding older adults’ psychological health after multiple disaster exposures are discussed.
UROLITHIN A: GUT-BRAIN DIETARY INTERVENTION IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Authors: Ng Jenny Hong Yu , Andersen Julie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Gastrointestinal dysfunction is amongst the most common prodromal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pathological alpha-synuclein has been detected in the intestines prior to disease onset, and a leaky gut is also implicated in its etiology. Thus, we hypothesized that modulation of the gut microbiome and intestinal immune milieu via early dietary intervention may act to mitigate PD pathogenesis. Urolithin A (UA) is a gut metabolite shown to ameliorate geriatric diseases by increasing mitophagy and dampening inflammation. The aim of our study is to elucidate its mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy in PD, which to date is unclear. Preliminary flow cytometric data demonstrates that administration of a UA-diet significantly increased the proportion of colonic gamma-delta (γδ) T cells in nine-month-old Thy-1 α-syn mice, which are downregulated relative to non-transgenics on a non-UA control diet. PD patients have been reported to have higher levels of γδ T cells in their cerebrospinal fluid and, while little is known about colonic γδ Ts in the context of PD, these cells are anti-inflammatory and responsible for intestinal repair in several colitis models. Our data suggests a retention of lymphocytes involved in the targeted migration from the gut to the brain, which may contribute to gut epithelial integrity. Proportion of induced regulatory T cells in peripheral blood, which are critical for immune tolerance, also increased significantly with a UA-diet. In addition, UA-fed mice showed a slight improvement in novel object recognition. Additional analyses are underway to comprehensively evaluate the impact of UA on PD pathology.
COMBINING SCLEROSTIN AND DKK1 INHIBITORS TO IMPROVE BONE PROPERTIES IN THE AGED SKELETON
Authors: Choi Roy , Robling Alexander 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Targeting the secreted Wnt inhibitor sclerostin has been an attractive strategy to improve skeletal health. Sclerostin antibody (romosozumab-aqqg; Evenity) was recently approved by the FDA to treat patients at increased risk of fracture. However, an increased risk of cardiovascular events was reported, resulting in issue a ‘black box warning’ requirement for romosozumab. One potential solution to lower the risk of adverse events is to reduce the medication dose. Previously, we found that dual inhibition of sclerostin and Dkk1 produced extremely potent synergistic bone anabolic effects, in both genetic and pharmacological models. While Dkk1 inhibition alone has no consistent bone-building effects, combining antibodies that target sclerostin (Scl-mAb) and Dkk1 (Dkk1-mAb) at 3:1 ratio resulted in 2-3X more bone gain as Scl-mAb alone. Further, much lower total doses of dual antibody treatment, given at optimized proportions, generated equivalent bone anabolic effects as Scl-mAb alone (at much higher doses), suggesting that a combinational strategy has obvious translational benefits. Finally, we tested whether low-dose combination therapy can maintain the same osteogenic effect as Scl-mAb in adult (6 month) and aged (20 month) mice. Outcome measures derived from radiographic, biomechanical, and histomorphometric assays revealed that a 3:1 ratio of Scl-mAb:Dkk1-mAb at 12.5mg/kg was as efficacious as 25mg/kg of Scl-mAb alone, in both age groups. Moreover, cortical porosity—a significant factor contributing to skeletal fragility in the aged skeleton—was significantly reduced by both Scl-mAb and low-dose combination treatment. In conclusion, our findings suggest that optimized low-dose combinational therapy is viable strategy for improving skeletal fragility.
THE ROLE OF THE ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM UNFOLDED PROTEIN STRESS RESPONSES IN A C. ELEGANS MODEL OF QUIESCENCE
Authors: Pankey Arianna 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Cells devote extraordinary energy to translate and fold approximately 20,000 proteins encoded by the human genome. About one third of these proteins are transmembrane proteins—correctly folded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER Unfolded Protein Response (UPRER) is a response to disturbances at the ER. As an organism ages, cells lose the ability to activate the UPRER. Our lab uses C. elegans—a microscopic roundworm—as a model organism to determine how loss of ER function can contribute to aging. The UPRER plays a key role in maintenance of functional quiescence. Quiescent cells exist in a reversible state of dormancy and can receive specific environmental cues to proliferate. The developmental state known as L1 arrest resembles the same features as quiescent cells. IRE-1 is required for worms to exit their quiescent state after starvation. Understanding the genetic pathways that are best at suppressing ire-1 terminal L1 arrest could indicate ways to improve functional quiescence. We forced the worms into an L1 arrest state; The unfolded protein response in the endoplasmic reticulum maintains functional quiescence within the cell. The worm’s ability to develop once they exit this quiescent stage effectively, indicated the ability of the worm to maintain protein homeostasis despite non-ideal conditions. It was found that all tested mutations were unable to demonstrate improvement in ability to maintain development when arrested long-term. Our data indicates that our worms were counted prematurely. In the future, we will allow for a longer growth period as well as larger quantities of food.