bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EPISODIC MEMORY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Tate Rio , Small Brent 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
African Americans are more likely to have Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) yet less likely to be included in AD research. Additionally, memory complaints may signal the clinical genesis of AD. Interventions such as physical activity that can help individuals maintain their cognitive functioning as they age have merit in research. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of physical activity of various intensities on episodic memory in African American older adults at the interindividual and intraindividual levels over time. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study over 12 years. Our analyses included an indicator of episodic memory and we examined physical activity of three intensities as predictors while controlling for relevant demographic and health variables. Preliminary data indicates that African American older adults who engaged in more frequent physical activity (regardless of intensity) had better episodic memory. Individuals who engaged more frequently in physical activity had a slightly greater rate of decline than those who engaged less frequently in physical activity. Physical activity may act as a buffer against cognitive decline for older adults. Intensity need not be vigorous to observe changes.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG INDIGENOUS OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Lee Yeonjung , Braun Kathryn , Wu Yanyan , Adamsen Collette , Davis Shelly 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Although the number and percentage of indigenous older adults are growing, little is known about the risk and protective factors associated with mental health among this population. We estimated regression models for mental health using data from the 2017-2020 needs assessment of indigenous elders (aged 55+) administered by the University of North Dakota, which included 19,143 indigenous elders, including 17,184 American Indians, 1,521 Alaska Natives, and 438 Native Hawaiians. The Mental Health Index (MHI) was used, with five questions: during the past month, how much of the time (1) were you a happy person, (2) have you felt calm and peaceful, (3) have you been a very nervous person, (4) have you felt downhearted and blue, and (5) have you felt so down in the dumps that nothing could cheer you up? The answers for MHI-5 were standardized on a 0-100 scale, where higher scores indicate optimal mental health. Having ADL and/or IADL difficulties was associated with worse mental health. Frequent engagement in social activities was positively associated with mental health. Data also suggest that those engaged in cultural practice all the time compared to people who engaged in cultural practice less frequently had higher levels of MHI-5, controlling for other variables. These findings underscore the importance of cultural activities, as well as social activities and physical health, in the management of mental health.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND COMORBIDITIES: A COMPLEX INTERPLAY IN THE CONTEXT OF AGING
Authors: Arbeev Konstantin , Bagley Olivia , Yashkin Arseniy , Duan Hongzhe , Nalawade Vinit , Akushevich Igor , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Yashin Anatoliy 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is evidence on high prevalence of comorbidity in people with dementia and on associations between comorbidities and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Comorbidities accumulate with age and age is also a major risk factor for AD. Repeated measurements of comorbidity provide possibilities for gaining more knowledge about dynamic interconnection between comorbidities and AD development in the context of aging. We constructed the comorbidity index (CMI) for participants of the Health and Retirement Study aged 66+ years using data on onset of diseases from linked Medicare service use files (6,830 participants, 3,829 females, 3,001 males). We performed the joint analysis of longitudinal measurements of CMI and data on onset of AD and survival since onset of AD using the approach (the stochastic process model) that allows decomposing the overall association of trajectories of CMI with respective time-to-event outcomes into several aging-related characteristics represented by the model’s components and evaluated indirectly from the data. We found that, overall, CMI is significantly (p&lt; 0.0001) associated with increased risk of onset of AD and decreased survival chances for persons with AD and that this association can be decomposed into associations of AD outcomes with different aging-related components with differentiated impact of genetic and non-genetic factors (such as APOE, polygenic scores, sex, birth cohort). In particular, age patterns and time trends in such components contribute to trends in AD prevalence so that taking into account the age dynamics and time trends in comorbidities (represented by CMI) is essential for forecasting future trends in AD prevalence.
CONTEXT-DEPENDENT SEXUAL CHANGES DURING WOMEN’S MIDLIFE TRANSITIONS
Authors: Watts Amber , Jen Sarah 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
For women, midlife represents an important stage of transition, including shifts in physiological, social, and sexual experiences. Prior research demonstrates that women’s sexuality is more dynamic and context-dependent than men’s. Most research focused on women’s sexuality in mid- to later-life emphasizes physiological changes, while largely ignoring changes stemming from social, psychological, and relational contexts. The present study examined midlife women’s diverse sexual experiences within the context of their lives. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 women, ages 39-57 and used interpretive phenomenological analysis to investigate perceptions and interpretations of midlife sexual experiences and changes. Themes included changes in sexual engagement, unwanted sexual experiences, body image, and sexual healthcare. Participants reported changes in frequency of sex and sexual desire within the context of their diverse social roles and identities, prior intimate relationships, and sexual health. Women contrasted perceptions of their own bodies with societal perceptions of sexiness. Frequently reported negative experiences with sexual healthcare informed a distrust of healthcare systems. The diverse and changing nature of participants’ experiences supports prior evidence of sexual fluidity and context-dependence. By questioning societal expectations around sexuality and body image, participants illustrated the potential of counternarratives to combat dominant beliefs and stereotypes about midlife women’s sexuality. To improve sexual health and education, psychoeducational interventions and improved training for healthcare professionals are needed.
HISTORY OF JOB STRAIN AND RISK OF LATE-LIFE DEPENDENCY: A NATIONWIDE SWEDISH REGISTER-BASED STUDY
Authors: Kåreholt Ingemar , Nilsen Charlotta , Agerholm Janne , Kelfve Susanne , Wastesson Jonas , Nabe-Nielsen Kirsten , Meinow Bettina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is substantial evidence that work plays a significant role in post-retirement health. Yet little is known about its role in when late-life dependency may occur. We examined associations between job strain and the risk of entering late-life dependency. Individually linked nationwide Swedish registers were used to identify people 70+ alive in January 2014, and who did not experience the outcome (late-life dependency) during two months prior to the start of the follow-up. Late-life dependency was operationalized as use of long-term care. Information about job strain was obtained via a job exposure matrice and matched with job titles. Cox regression models with age as time-scale (adjusted for living situation, educational attainment, country of birth, and sex) were conducted to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for entering late-life dependency during the 24 months of follow-up (n=993,595). Having an initial high starting point of job strain followed by an increasing trajectory throughout working life implied a 23% higher risk of entering late-life dependency at a younger age, compared with the reference group (low starting point with a decreasing trajectory). High initial starting point followed by a stable trajectory implied a 12% higher risk of entering late-life dependency at a younger age. High initial starting point followed by a decreasing trajectory implied a 10% risk reduction, and a low starting point with a stable trajectory implied a 22% risk reduction, of entering late-life dependency at a younger age. Reducing stressful jobs across working life may contribute to postponing late-life dependency.
EARLY-LIFE EXPOSURE TO THE CHINESE FAMINE OF 1959–1961 AND LATER-LIFE HEALTH: EARLY LIFE AS A CRITICAL PERIOD
Authors: Cheng Mengling , Sommet Nicolas , Jopp Daniela , Spini Dario 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Barker’s fetal origins hypothesis and the critical period theory suggest that early life events have long-term health effects. However, evidence of the famine exposure in early life and its effects on health in later life is scarce and inconsistent. To explore the effects of early-life exposure to the Chinese famine of 1959-1961 on later-life multimorbidity, we performed Poisson growth curve models using CHARLS Life History 2014 and CHARLS 2011-2018 (42,775 observations from 12,060 respondents). Our analyses revealed two findings. First, there was an overall detrimental effect of the early-life famine exposure on multimorbidity, although there was no effect of severity of famine exposure. Second, there was no overall interaction between famine exposure and life stages, although a more parsimonious model suggested that the detrimental effect of famine exposure was more pronounced in earlier life stages than in later life stages. Findings suggest that early life is a critical period in the life course and provides developmental origins of health and disease in later life.
LONGING FOR LOVE: FINANCIAL STRAIN AND LATER LIFE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE US
Authors: Bhatta Tirth , Albert Jeffrey , Torres Stacy , Kahana Eva , Lekhak Nirmala , Goler Timothy 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Emotional support has been consistently identified as a mechanism through which socioeconomic resources influence mental health outcomes. Despite emerging evidence that compassionate love has a beneficial effect on mental health, its distribution across levels of financial strain and subsequent role in mediating the effect of financial strain on later life mental health have yet to be examined.

Methods
Based on our nationwide web-based survey of adults aged 50 years and older (n=1751), we conducted a mediation analysis to estimate the direct and indirect effects (via two mediators, feeling loved and emotional support) of financial strain on depressive symptoms and anxiety.

Results
We documented a statistically significant overall effect of financial strain on depressive symptoms (b=0.14, p-value&lt; 0.001) and anxiety (b=0.196, p-value&lt; 0.001). We found a statistically significant path-specific effect (from financial hardship) through compassionate love alone on depressive symptoms (b=0.018, p-value=0.003) and anxiety (b=0.016, p-value=0.005), but did not find effects for paths through emotional support. There was also a significant direct effect of financial strain on both depressive symptoms and anxiety. Discussion: Our study advances a new line of research by looking at the role of compassionate love in transmitting the effects of financial strain on mental health in later life. Findings suggest that the detrimental effect of financial hardship on mental health operates through its negative effect on the receipt of compassionate love, rather than by its impact on emotional support.
MAKING “NONESSENTIAL” FAMILY/VOLUNTEER CAREGIVING ESSENTIAL IN LONG-TERM CARE HOMES
Authors: Robitaille Annie , Garcia Linda , Adams Michaela 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
For individuals living in long-term care (LTC), loneliness is often a concern. With the COVID-19 pandemic, this is only exacerbated as strict restrictions are put in place on visits between residents and their loved ones and on volunteer presence. Understanding how these changes affect residents, family caregivers, and volunteers is paramount to best implement changes with regards to how family/volunteer caregiving presence is managed during pandemics. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the response to COVID-19 that pertains to the family caregiver and volunteer presence in LTC and increase the evidence about the impact of reduced levels of family caregivers and volunteers on residents, caregivers, and volunteers. A total of 64 semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers and volunteers. Of these interviews, 49 were one-time interviews and 15 were weekly interviews over a 5-month period to examine the impact of the ever-changing pandemic restrictions on caregivers, volunteers, and residents. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews and two independent researchers coded each interview. Results highlight the importance of connections in LTC, the feeling that human rights were neglected, the importance of flexibility amongst staff, the role of caregivers as advocates for residents, increased caregiver guilt, and resident decline in physical and emotional well-being. The role of family caregivers and volunteers as essential in LTC homes will be discussed and recommendations to revisit policies on the family caregiver and volunteer presence to improve the preparedness for future pandemics and outbreaks will be presented.
OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: ROLE OF HEALTH CONDITIONS IN RESILIENCY AND PERCEIVED STRESS
Authors: Sloan Allyson 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated protracted lockdowns, exacerbating the challenges associated with social isolation. Older adults, who often suffer from social isolation, may have a harder time coping with the added isolation imposed by COVID-19. In this study, we investigated the resiliency and coping skills of older adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether they were associated with different co-morbidities. We conducted a 45-minute telephone survey of 107 participants to assess their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited from existing Johns Hopkins studies. The survey included the Brief Resilient Coping Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and questions about current health conditions (arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression/anxiety) and whether these conditions worsened, improved, or remained unchanged since the beginning of the pandemic. We regressed scores for resiliency and coping scores on a series of indicators of whether co-morbidities had worsened during the pandemic. On average, participants were 76 years old and 63% were female. There was no association between resiliency scores and any of the co-morbidities (r2=2.8%). With respect to perceived stress, participants who reported their depression/anxiety worsened during the pandemic also reported greater levels of perceived stress (B=0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.30, 1.36). We were surprised that additional co-morbidities did not affect resiliency or stress. In order to better serve geriatric populations, health professionals should closely monitor those patients who have depression and anxiety during times of social distancing, epidemics, or pandemics.
OLDER AGE IS (STILL) ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS IN JUNE–JULY 2021 OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Chappell Amanda , Smith Kelly , Strough JoNell 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, older age was associated with less anxiety and depression (Bruin de Bruin, 2021). Similar results were found for data collected during the June-July 2020 spike in cases (Smith et al., 2021). Theorists have suggested that benefits of age for well-being may be reduced when stressors are prolonged and unavoidable (Charles, 2010). Here, we investigated whether older age continued to be protective in June-July 2021, when vaccines had become widely available, but the pandemic persisted. Secondary data analysis was conducted from the Understanding America Study, based on n=5,535 (M=52.69 yrs., SD=16.04) participants who responded to online self-report surveys. Participants reported symptoms of anxiety and depression (assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-4), engagement in protective behaviors (e.g., wearing a mask), and coping strategies (e.g., getting extra exercise). Multiple regression analyses predicted anxiety and depression from age, coping strategies, and protective behaviors, controlling for marital status, gender, and income. Coping through exercise and calling family/friends were significantly associated with less anxiety and depression, whereas coping by using social media and engaging in protective behaviors was significantly associated with more anxiety and depression. The harmful effects of protective behaviors may reflect the people engaging in these strategies most often are also those most worried about COVID-19. Even after accounting for coping strategies and protective behaviors, older age was still associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Implications of older adults’ resilience in the face of a prolonged stressor for promoting mental health are discussed.
DEMENTIA CARE COORDINATION FOR CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS DIAGNOSED WITH DEMENTIA: AN INNOVATIVE VA INITIATIVE
Authors: Howe Judith , Gottesman Eve , Koufacos Nicholas 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There are expected to be 335,425 Veterans with dementia by 2033. Dementia has a significant impact on families, especially caregivers. Caregivers often report high levels of stress and burden, which can cause them to develop physical and mental illness, impacting the care they provide to family members with dementia. In 2021, under a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) directive, the Bronx VA Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center developed a Dementia Care Coordination program, funded by the VHA Office of Rural Health sponsored Geriatric Scholars Program. Led by a Dementia Care Coordinator (DCC), who is also a clinical social worker, the program identified caregivers of Veterans with dementia who reported experiencing stress and burnout while caring for Veterans with dementia. The DCC provided support via telephone and VVC and also shared resources focused on stress reduction, relaxation techniques, and coping with grief. During 2021, 23 caregivers of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds were enrolled in the program and 17 were found to have significant caregiver burden. Over 100 support calls were made on the topics of stress reduction, problem solving and community resources. Common problems reported by caregivers included sundowning, sleep problems, grief, and increased social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers showed a willingness to participate in the program, indicating that the information, resources and support provided by the DCC helped reduce their stress levels and allowed them to provide ongoing care. Recent program developments, findings from an IRB approved survey of participants, and expansion plans will be reported.
TRAINING PHYSICIAN-SCIENTISTS IN SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE: INDIANA ADRD MEDICAL SCIENTIST TRAINING PROGRAM
Authors: Fowler Nicole , Herbert Brittney-Shea , Callahan Christopher , Peng Siyun , Perry Brea , Yoder Karmen , Landreth Gary , Truitt William 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is a critical need to grow and strengthen the pipeline of physician scientists who have expertise in sociomedical and behavioral research and are dedicated to addressing the nation's challenges posed by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). In 2021 The Indiana ADRD Medical Scientist Training Program (IADRD MSTP) was designed to meet this need and is built on the infrastructure of a robust portfolio of ADRD research, graduate training programs in medical neurosciences and sociology, and our existing MD-PhD program at Indiana University School of Medicine. The Aims of the IADRD MSTP are: 1) To recruit and train a competitive pool of diverse students who have an interest and commitment to social and behavioral research and patient care focused on ADRD; 2) To engage MD-PhD students early in mentored sociomedical and behavioral research that integrates IUs systems-based medical training curriculum with our cutting edge ADRD research that reinforces commitment and minimizes attrition of physician-scientists ADRD; and 3) To graduate students with dual MD-PhD degrees with strong methodological training in social and behavioral science and experts in ADRD who will be successful independent investigators at the best academic medical centers nationwide. The program includes rigorous didactic training in social, behavioral, and clinical research methods, with flexibility to allow students to focus their effort on one methodological area of interest; early initiation of ADRD research experiences with multidisciplinary teams of mentors and advisors; and the provision of educational experiences that enhance students' abilities to become independent researchers.
OLDER BLACK LESBIANS' NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS IN RELATION TO LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY USE
Authors: Singleton Meki , Adams Mary Anne , Poteat Tonia 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The older adult sexual minority (SM) population encompasses a vast array of individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, there is a dearth of gerontological research that focuses on the experiences of SM subgroups, particularly older Black lesbians. The purpose of this study was to explore older Black lesbians’ needs and expectations in relation to the utilization of long-term care (LTC) facilities. We conducted secondary data analysis using data from 14 focus groups (n=100) that discussed health and aging with older Black lesbians. Transcriptions were analyzed in NVivo 12 using content analysis and structural coding. Three major themes were identified in relation to needs and expectations for LTC facility use: (1) consideration of or plans established to utilize a LTC facility, (2) concern for care facility environment, and (3) a desire to build one’s own community instead of LTC use. Within these themes, prominent topics included having to rely on LTC due to a lack of family or social support, the possibility of being isolated and stifling their lesbian identity and creating communities of mutual support to avoid facility-based care. These findings illustrate how older Black lesbians are planning for a potential need for LTC, their concerns about utilizing LTC, and alternative approaches to avoid LTC use. There remains a continued need for LTC communities that are inclusive and supportive of SM older adults as well as more SM-only communities where older adults can live openly and authentically.