bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DECIPHERING RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN DEMENTIA AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION: A POLYSOCIAL SCORE APPROACH
Authors: Wu Chenkai , Ping Yongjing , Chen Xi , Odden Michelle , Prina Matthew 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The burden of dementia has been increasing rapidly in the US and huge racial/ethnic disparities exist. We examined whether social environment, measured in a comprehensive way (polysocial score approach), could modify the racial and ethnic differences in dementia. Data are from the Health and Retirement Study; 12,836 adults aged at least 65 years were included in the analysis. We assessed cognitive function by a modified version of the telephone interview for cognitive status. We included 24 social factors from five categories (economic stability, neighborhood environment, education, community/social context, and healthcare system) and used forward stepwise regression to screen for important ones. Polysocial score was created using 11 social factors and was classified as low (&lt; 25), intermediate (25-31), and high (32+). We used the multivariable Poisson regression to estimate the incidence rate of dementia by three polysocial score categories and evaluate the interaction between race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic) and the polysocial score. Higher polysocial score is associated with a lower dementia rate in the overall sample and each racial/ethnic group. We found an additive interaction between race/ethnicity and polysocial score categories. In the low polysocial score group, Whites and Hispanics had substantially higher dementia rates than non-Hispanic Blacks (difference was 20.3 and 15.8 per 1,000 persons-years, respectively). These differences significantly attenuated and were no longer significant in the high polysocial score group (4.9 and 5.5 per 1,000 persons-years, respectively). The polysocial score approach offers a new opportunity to explain the racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive function among older adults.
GEOGRAPHIC DISPARITIES IN INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Yashkin Arseniy , Kravchenko Julia 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Our estimates showed that geographic patterns of incidence rates extracted from Medicare data and mortality rates calculated using Multiple-Cause-of-death data are significantly different. The significant gap in mortality rates between the East and West parts of the U.S. present in death certificate data is not observed when Medicare data is used. In addition, high incidence rates of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) identified in the stroke-belt states when using Medicare data is not fully reproduced when death certificates are used. Therefore, we used 5%-Medicare data linked to the National Death Index to resolve this inconsistency in findings using both types of data for the same individuals. We found that the excess rates of AD in the stroke-belt states cannot be attributed to higher proportions of vulnerable populations as the associated differences hold across race- and gender-specific subgroups: 1,717 (1,704-1,731) vs. 1,280 (1,275-1,286) for Whites; 2,052 (2,017-2,086) vs. 1,821 (1,795-1,848) for Blacks; 1,538 (1,520-1,556) vs. 1,156 (1,140-1,164) for males; and 1,878 (1,861-1,894) vs. 1,383 (1,376-1,391) for females. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity for having AD as an underlying cause of death in all these regions and developed a predictive model that predicts occurrence of AD in death certificate based on information in individual Medicare records. Our findings show that underrepresentation of AD in death certificates is a strong contributor to geographic disparities in AD mortality. Predictive quality of occurrence of AD in death certificates can be improved by advancing the predictive model and using a broader set of predictors from Medicare records.
BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ON DAILY VARIABILITY IN HEALTH AND FUNCTIONING IN OLD AND VERY OLD AGE
Authors: Lücke Anna Jori , Schilling Oliver , Hofer Scott 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In recent years, research has shown that people experience substantial variability in domains such as cognition, health, or social interactions from day-to-day or even moment-to-moment. This variability carries relevant information above and beyond an individual’s mean levels of functioning, revealing, for instance, potential risk factors for healthy aging. Thus, aging research increasingly examined such variations in older adults’ daily lives, aiming to further the understanding of aging processes with insights into short- and long-term predictors of daily health and functioning. In this symposium, we introduce research using repeated daily life assessments from older participants to elucidate behavioral and social impacts on variations in working memory performance, pain and self-rated health, as well as social interaction quality. Luo et al. show that diverse daily activities were linked with higher working memory performance one the same day. Regarding long-term prediction, Schilling et al. found that patterns of alcohol consumption across two decades were only weakly predictive of subsequent short-term variability in daily working memory performance. Turning from cognitive functioning to health, Lücke et al. observed bidirectional links of variations in daily sleep quality with variations in daily pain and health perceptions across several days. Finally, Hülür et al. addressed the role of communication technologies for older persons’ social interactions and found that daily social interaction quality differs with the interaction modalities. Scott Hofer will discuss the implications of the presented findings for our understanding of variability in everyday functioning in old age, considering challenges and opportunities for future research in this field.
PERCEIVED QUALITY OF DAILY SOCIAL INTERACTIONS: THE ROLE OF INTERACTION MODALITY
Authors: Hueluer Gizem , Luo Minxia , Macdonald Birthe , Grünjes Carlotta 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adults increasingly use digital technologies to communicate with others. In the present study, we examine the role of interaction modality (face-to-face, telephone, digital) for perceived quality of social interactions. We use data from 118 participants (age: M = 72 years, SD = 5, range = 65 to 94; 40% women), who reported on their social interactions over 21 days in an event-contingent experience sampling study. Relative to face-to-face interactions, participants reported feeling more accepted and calmer, but also less happy in telephone interactions. They perceived telephone interactions as more meaningful, but also as less pleasant. Relative to face-to-face interactions, participants felt less accepted, less close to their interaction partner, and less happy in digital interactions and they perceived digital interactions as less pleasant. In summary, our findings suggest that the modality of daily social interactions is related to their quality. We discuss implications of these findings for future research.
POSITIVE ASPECTS OF CAREGIVING AND LOWER RISK OF FRAILTY AND SLEEP DISRUPTION IN THE NATIONAL STUDY OF CAREGIVING
Authors: Wennberg Alexandra , Anderson Loretta , Chen-Edinboro Lenis , Cagnin Annachiara , Pini Lorenzo 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adult caregivers have compounded risk for adverse health outcomes; however, evidence investigating the association between the spectrum of the caregiving experience and frailty has been limited. In the National Study of Caregiving, we examined the cross-sectional association between caregiving experiences and both frailty and sleep disruption outcomes among caregivers. We included 621 caregivers aged 65+ who completed a phone interview, including 36 items about caregiving. Using principal component analysis, we identified three caregiving components: general burden, financial burden, and positive emotions. Frailty was assessed via low energy, shrinking, weakness, reduced activity, and poor self-rated health. Sleep disruption was assessed with two questions regarding sleep interruption and trouble falling back asleep. In age- and sex-adjusted ordinal regression models, general burden was associated with frailty (OLO=1.21, 95% CI 1.12, 1.30) and trouble falling back asleep (OLO=1.08, 95% CI 1.00, 1.17); financial burden (OLO=1.15, 95% CI 1.02, 1.31) was associated with frailty. General (OLO=1.99, 95% CI 1.38, 2.88) and financial (OLO=1.98, 95% CI 1.25, 3.14) burden were associated with sleep interruption in the fully adjusted model. Positive emotions were associated with lower odds of both frailty (OLO=0.86, 95% CI 0.74, 0.99) and sleep interruption (OLO=0.75, 95% CI 0.58, 0.98). Caregiver burden was associated with greater risk of frailty in age- and sex- adjusted models and sleep interruption when further accounting for sociodemographic and health factors. Positive emotions of caregiving were associated with decreased risk of these outcomes.
CAREGIVER PARTICIPATION IN VIDEO VISITS: CHALLENGE OR OPPORTUNITY?
Authors: Gately Megan , Moo Lauren 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Rapid expansion of telehealth in response to COVID revealed a digital divide for many patients, particularly older adults. Given the technical complexity of video visits (which may include downloading novel software and enabling a camera and microphone), video visits may be out of reach for older patients with less technological experience or with age and condition-related changes such as sensory loss or cognitive impairment. Involving caregivers in video visits (particularly technical set-up) may not only increase patient access but also enhance clinical care by allowing for collaboration with family. Caregivers may themselves benefit from video visits, given that video offers increased options for caregiver support. Though caregivers are often identified as critical components to older adults’ accessing telehealth and may also benefit from telehealth services, caregivers’ own technical needs are not well-understood. This symposium discusses caregivers’ involvement in telehealth from multiple perspectives. The first presentation includes findings from a national clinician survey about caregivers’ support role in occupational therapy video visits, including barriers and benefits (Gately et al). The second presentation includes findings from a regional survey of interprofessional clinicians about telehealth modalities to provide dementia family caregiver support during COVID-19 (Quach et al). The third presentation includes family caregivers’ technology assistance requirements before and during a virtual, seven-session group skills training program, including benefits of individualized assistance (Moo et al). The fourth presentation includes caregiver perspectives about tele-geriatrics visits, highlighting caregivers’ support role and enhancements of video versus phone (Boudreau et al).
TECHNICAL SUPPORTS TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR OLDER ADULTS PARTICIPATING IN TELEMEDICINE
Authors: Moo Lauren , Nguyen Andrew , Pugh Kendra , McLaren Jaye , Shirk Steven , O'Connor Maureen 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Older adults’ relative lack of technological literacy is a barrier to telemedicine, including participation in virtual caregiver support programs. Details of technology assistance required before and during a virtual, seven-session group skills training program for family caregivers were recorded. A majority of participants, all older adults, had difficulty using videoconferencing technology that ranged from finding meeting links in emails to difficulty with basic device use. Personalized support was provided to each caregiver as needed. None required any support by the final session. Those with initial technology challenges felt a sense of accomplishment and increased tech comfort by the end of the sessions. While some older adults had difficulty using telemedicine technology, they were eager to learn and educable with personalized help. Infrastructure to provide this personalized help is necessary to support older adults’ desire to engage in telemedicine and to reduce the digital divide.
NEIGHBORHOOD GREENSPACE AND GRAY MATTER MICROSTRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: THE HEALTH ABC STUDY
Authors: Godina Sara , Shaaban C , Rosano Caterina , Aizenstein Howard , Rosso Andrea 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Neighborhood greenspace is positively associated with cognition and macrostructural indicators of brain health. Microstructural damage may be a sensitive marker for dementia-related neurodegeneration that precedes such macrostructural changes. We aimed to examine cross-sectional associations between neighborhood (census tract) greenspace and gray matter (GM) microstructure in 265 community-sampled adults (mean age=83, 57% women, 39% Black). Linear mixed effects regression models tested associations between quartiles of percent greenspace derived from the normalized vegetation index and mean diffusivity (MD) quantified using magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor. Greater greenspace was related to higher MD in 4 regions: left calcarine (Q3 vs. Q1 stβ=0.38, p=0.0348), left thalamus (Q2 vs. Q1 stβ=0.35, p=0.0443; Q3 vs. Q1 stβ=0.49, p=0.0061), and bi-lateral precuneus (left Q2 vs. Q1 stβ=0.46, p=0.0096; right Q2 vs. Q1 stβ=0.36, p=0.0385). The relationship between greenspace and cognition may be through paths other than GM microstructure; future research should explore other potential mechanisms.
SHARESTART: A NEW PEDAGOGY TO PROMOTE LEARNING IN DIVERSE CLASSROOMS
Authors: Su YanJhu 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Diverse classrooms are nightly valued. The role of teachers is not limited to imparting knowledge. Nor are students only limited to gaining knowledge from their teachers. In this symposium session, the speaker would like to introduce a new pedagogy — Sharestart, which is specifically designed for comprehensive student learning. This pedagogy was proposed by a senior high school teacher in Taiwan. It is a long-term and stable teaching method that integrates a diversity of abilities by enabling students to self-learn, read, think, discuss, analyze, summarize, express and compose in every class session. In this symposium presentation, the speaker will introduce the core values of Sharestart pedagogy, discuss the advantages and disadvantages, and present an application scenario applying the Sharestart pedagogy.
CURRICULUM MAPPING AS A STRATEGY TO TEACH DIVERSITY IN GERONTOLOGY PROGRAMS
Authors: Liu Darren , Burston Betty 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Curriculum mapping is a process where instructors, program leaders and other instructional designers come together to prepare learning objectives for students throughout a learning journey. The concepts of diversity may be introduced at all levels of a gerontology curriculum. A curriculum that desires to integrate diversity education is especially imperative as it needs to be built upon a guiding principle of a didactic program within which its individual courses, learning objectives, and assessments all together serve the same purpose. This presentation provides insight to the curriculum mappings for diversity education in gerontology programs. While the current programs introduce diversity topics such as race, racism, implicit bias, etc., how and when each topic being introduced in bringing about maximum learning outcomes may be related to a well thought out curriculum mapping. Specifically, this session will go over a few examples of methods for the mappings of diversity topics in different courses.
REMINISCENCE AND DIGITAL STORYTELLING TO IMPROVE WELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Xu Ling , Fields Noelle , Daniel Kathryn , Troutman Brooke , Cipher Daisha 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
To address the growing concern about loneliness and diminished well-being among persons with cognitive impairment, an intergenerational intervention based on reminiscence and digital storytelling was offered by trained college student volunteers to older adults living in the community. A randomized controlled trial was used to assess the effects of the intervention. Younger and older adult participants were randomly paired and assigned to reminiscence (n=20) or control (social wellness, n=16) groups. Data were collected at baseline, mid-intervention, and at the end of the intervention. Friedman tests for non-normally distributed outcome variables and one-way repeated measures ANOVA for normally distributed outcome variables were conducted. Results showed that emotional loneliness, total social and emotional loneliness, quality of life, and positive affect significantly improved among older adults in the reminiscence group, especially between baseline and posttest. Results suggest that weekly intergenerational engagements with young adults benefit older adults with psychological well-being.
MIGRATION ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE AMONG OLDER ADULTS FROM PUERTO RICO
Authors: Rivera-Hernandez Maricruz 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The prior literature regarding migration among Hispanics to US states has largely focused on younger migrants and often excluded people from Puerto Rico (e.g., Hispanic Paradox; Bostean, 2013). However, older Puerto Ricans appear to be moving to the US mainland (US Census Bureau, 2020, 2021). Therefore, the primary objective of this research was to examine migration among Medicare beneficiaries from Puerto Rico. Using data from Medicare, our results showed that migration trends among Medicare beneficiaries from Puerto Rico have increased over the past decade, including those with special needs. There were 5,593 (1%) Medicare beneficiaries who migrated in 2009 compared to 12,382 (~2%) beneficiaries who migrated in 2018. Among those who migrated, 3,679 were 65 and older in 2009 compared to 8,805 in 2018. The majority of older adults who moved to US states were female (59%), about 75 years old and were enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Destination states among Medicare beneficiaries from Puerto Rico included Florida, New York and New Jersey (comparable to those reported for the general population of Puerto Rico in the US Census). This research has policy implications. Although people from Puerto Rico have different reasons for migrating, those with long term care needs may have multiple varying reasons to move to the mainland. However, migration to the US may have additional challenges for people with high needs (Mellgard et al., 2019). For instance, Medicare coverage/network may not transfer to the US and plan switching/disenrolling may not be a straightforward process for people leaving Puerto Rico.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF AGING AND DISABILITY
Authors: Na Annalisa , Na Annalisa 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Physical activity is beneficial for older adults to maintain health and help manage chronic diseases but relies on routine participation. Some older adults continue with physical activity behaviors as they age, whereas others are negatively affected by impaired functional abilities, physical disabilities, and unmet psychosocial needs. This symposium presents quantitative and qualitative data on physical and psychosocial factors that can influence physical activity among older adults with varying levels and types of physical abilities. The first presentation will focus on aging into the disability associated with knee osteoarthritis, the leading cause of mobility decline among older adults that generally onsets after the fifth decade of life. The second presentation will focus on aging with a disability, specifically how health perspectives evolve when aging with a spinal cord injury. The third presentation will highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced outdoor physical activity among older adults when indoor activities became limited. The fourth presentation shifts perspectives to clinicians, specifically physical therapists, to explore the needs for addressing physical activity in the clinic. The fifth presentation outlines a physical activity intervention program and its implementation for community-dwelling older adults. Together, these presentations will provide practical insights for designing a person-centered program to improve physical activity for older adults including those aging into disability or aging with disability.
OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Sefcik Justine , Panicker Amina , Katsev Danielle , Na Annalisa , Greenberg Sherry , DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is a gap in understanding how the current pandemic is affecting older adults’ outdoor physical activity. This study aimed to explore older adults’ perceptions of their outdoor physical activity during the current pandemic. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken with a conventional content analysis. Participants were primarily recruited through ResearchMatch. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults were individually interviewed from geographical locations across the United States; 61.1% female, 88.9% White, mean age 76.4 (range 68-92), 5 ambulated with a cane or walker. We identified an overarching theme of Benefits and Motivation in which older adults conveyed wanting to maintain and improve their health and used the outdoors to continue physical activity since indoor activities decreased during the pandemic. Walking was expressed as the most frequent outdoor physical activity. Implications of these findings will be discussed which include supporting community improvements to facilitate older adults’ ease of maintaining a walking routine.
SOCIAL ISOLATION, SLEEP DISTURBANCE, AND COGNITIVE HEALTH: A LONGITUDINAL MEDIATION STUDY
Authors: Qi Xiang , Pei Yaolin , Malone Susan , Wu Bei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Research indicates that social isolation is associated with dementia, but the role of sleep on this association is less known. We aimed to examine the impact of social isolation on cognitive function, and how sleep disturbance mediated the association. Data came from the 2006, 2010, and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Participants aged 50+ who completed the Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaire in 2006 were included (n=5,036). Measures include the Social Isolation Index, modified Jenkins Sleep Scale, and Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status. Cross-lagged panel models were used in the analysis. After controlling socio-demographics, lifestyle, and loneliness, social isolation predicted subsequent sleep disturbance (β=0.05; P&lt;0.01), which in turn predicted worse cognitive functioning (β=-0.02; P&lt;0.01). The reverse pathways from cognitive function to social isolation were also statistically supported. Public health initiatives could reduce sleep disturbance by facilitating social integration and participation in community activities, thereby protecting against cognitive decline.
INVESTIGATION OF BIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF FRAILTY IN MALE AND FEMALE MICE
Authors: Kane Alice , Griffin Patrick , Arnold Matthew , McNamara Maeve , Vera Daniel , Vogel David , Sinclair David 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Frailty is quantified as the accumulation of health deficits over an organism’s lifetime and gives a measure of the overall health of an organism. Preliminary studies have found an association between frailty and some of the hallmarks of aging including inflammation and senescence. However, the molecular underpinnings of frailty, and whether the mechanisms of frailty are distinct from or overlap those of aging is unknown. Previously we developed clocks based on frailty assessments that accurately predict age and lifespan in older male mice. Here, we expand these clocks to predict age, lifespan and frailty itself in younger, and also female mice. Additionally, we incorporate molecular measures including blood cell composition, plasma metabolomics, PBMC DNA methylation and stool microbial diversity measures into the clocks. These clocks provide important tools for the field, and also provide an indication of the molecular underpinnings of frailty and sex differences in these.