bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING THE NEEDS OF LGBTQIA+ CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
Authors: Flatt Jason , Yamada Cody , Klenczar Brittany , Kittle Krystal , Wharton Whitney , Anderson Joel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Administration on Aging estimates 4 million adults aged 60+ in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and/or another identity (LGBTQIA+). Experiences and health-related concerns of LGBTQIA+ caregivers of people living with a neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease and/or Parkinson’s disease (AD/PD), have been understudied. We synthesize data from two qualitative studies with LGBTQIA+ AD/PD caregivers, including Parkinson’s Research with Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (PRIDE) and the Research Inclusion Supports Equity (RISE) Registry. Interviews were conducted with LGBTQIA+ caregivers of people living with AD (n=25) and PD (n=8) to explore their needs, experiences, and concerns with using aging and long-term care services and personal health and social needs. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. The first theme involved LGBTQIA+ AD/PD caregivers experiencing several financial, legal, and social challenges (e.g., reluctance to access long-term care services) when caring for someone living with AD/PD. Another theme involved LGBTQIA+ caregivers describing that they often supported their care recipients with medical-/nursing-related tasks, stress from caregiving demands, and experiencing financial and/or eligibility challenges when accessing respite care. The final theme focused on caregivers’ health and access of services, with LGBTQIA+ AD/PD caregivers describing difficulties managing their own health, feelings of depression and loneliness, and perceived discrimination when accessing long-term care and aging-related services. We highlight the need for additional research and creation of innovative long-term care services and caregiver support programs to better meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ caregivers of people living with AD/PD.
ISOLATED VERSUS SUPPORTED: THE PERSONAL HEALTH CARE NETWORKS OF OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Authors: Clair Catherine , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Wolff Jennifer , Taylor Janiece , Ornstein Katherine , Tobin Karin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults with Type 2 diabetes may or may not have family and friends involved in their care; using social network methods, we can investigate the personal healthcare networks of this population. Objectives included 1) Describe care networks of older adults with Type 2 diabetes; and 2) Characterize the family and friends who provide support for various activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and medically-oriented tasks. We administered a quantitative ego-centric social network inventory to community-dwelling older adults (65+) living with Type 2 diabetes (n=58). The sample was on average, 73.1 years old (SD: 5.9, Range: [65, 86]). and majority female (n=44, 75.9%) and non-White (n=37, 63.8%). Descriptive statistics were conducted overall and by Black (n=32) and White (n=21) race. Ten (17.5%) participants reported no family or friends involved in their care; six were Black and four were White. Those experiencing care isolation were more likely to have never been married compared to those with care networks (p=0.002). Of those with a network, there was an average of 2.9 (SD: 2.0, Range: [1, 11]) individuals in the network; there were no statistically significant differences in network size by race. Of the 140 family and friends across the entire sample, 23 (16.4%) assisted with ADLs, 126 (90.0%) with IADLs, and 48 (34.3%) with medically-oriented tasks. Fourteen (10.0%) individuals assisted with at least 1 activity in all three categories. These findings demonstrate a spectrum of family and friend involvement in the care of this population.
MEASURING SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA: TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND NEXT STEPS
Authors: Pomeroy Mary Louise , Umoh Mfon , Qian Yiqing , Ornstein Katherine , Cudjoe Thomas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A growing body of literature demonstrates a strong association between social isolation and the risk of incident dementia. However, research examining objective social isolation among persons living with dementia (PLWD) has been limited. The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia may reduce social connection. Research that uses population-based, national surveys to examine this issue among PLWD must consider missing data and proxy interview responses. We report new evidence on the prevalence of social isolation among a national sample of community-dwelling PLWD and offer strategies to attenuate missing proxy data. Using 2015 data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study and a multi-domain measure of social isolation that considers living arrangement, core discussion network size, religious attendance, and social participation, we identified that 41.3% (n=313/757) of interviews with PLWD were completed using a proxy respondent. In proxy interviews, one of the four social isolation items is not asked. We classified social isolation status when a sum score based on the three remaining items equaled 0 (socially isolated; n=19/313) or 2 or 3 (not socially isolated, n=99/313). This strategy resolved 37.7% (n=118/313) of the missing proxy data and reduced missing social isolation data across PLWD to 26.0% (197/757). About 32.1% (n=180/560) of PLWD were socially isolated, irrespective of proxy status. Social isolation was more prevalent among PLWD who completed the interview with no proxy (36.4%; n=161/442) compared to those with a proxy (16.1%; n=19/118) (X2(1)=17.6; p&lt;.001). Future work should consider imputation strategies when assessing social isolation in PLWD using proxy interviews.
MITOCHONDRIA, METABOLISM, AND GLUTATHIONE AS MEDIATORS OF COGNITIVE DECLINE IN AGING AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Sekhar Rajagopal , Taffet George 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aging is the most important risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and age-related cognitive decline (ACD) is widely prevalent in older adults (OA). However, the mechanistic underpinnings of cognitive impairment in aging and AD remain poorly understood, and are a high-priority research focus toward finding solutions. Of all organs of the body, the brain requires a maximal amount of energy which is generated by mitochondria. Interruptions in energy availability could be critical to cognitive impairment in both ACD and AD. In parallel, defects in metabolism (glutathione/redox metabolism, glucose metabolism, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction) are also implicated as contributors to cognitive impairment. This symposium will discuss novel mechanistic underpinnings of cognitive decline in terms of glutathione deficiency, mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormalities in metabolism, discuss a novel intervention to reverse these defects in aging, and its applicability in AD. The symposium re will begin with a talk by Dr. Mahapatra on impaired mitochondrial energetics in patients with AD. Then Dr. Kumar will discuss cognitive decline in old mice and link it to underlying brain brain defects in glucose metabolism, mitochondrial impairment and glutathione deficiency, and present data on successfully reversing these defects with GlyNAC supplementation. Dr. Sekhar will discuss translation of GlyNAC supplementation to ACD and present results from a human trial showing improvements in cognition, glutathione deficiency, and novel defects in metabolism and mitochondria. As Discussant, Dr. Taffet will present data from 91 humans showing that glutathione deficiency as a key, novel defect in AD, and discuss symposium presentations.
BRAIN GLUTATHIONE, MITOCHONDRIA, GLUCOSE METABOLISM, AND COGNITION IN AGED MICE: IMPACT OF GLYNAC SUPPLEMENTATION
Authors: Kumar Premranjan , Osahon Ob , Sekhar Rajagopal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unsolved, and is associated with brain defects including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired glucose uptake, inflammation, and glutathione deficiency. These defects also occur in ‘age-related cognitive decline’ (ACD). Mouse models have been developed to study AD, however because mice do not develop AD naturally, these models are artificial as defects are induced in mice. To understand the mechanistic basis of cognitive decline in aging, it is important to investigate naturally-occurring defects directly in the brain, and this is only possible in animal models because performing brain biopsies in humans is not practical. To overcome these challenges, we studied mitochondrial function, glucose uptake, inflammation, redox status, genomic damage and neurotropic factors directly in the brains of old-mice (OM, 98-weeks) and young-mice (YM, 28-weeks), and also measured their cognitive performance (via maze-running). Compared to YM, the cognitively impaired OM had the severe defects in the brain: (a) lower glutathione concentrations; (b) elevated oxidative stress; (c) abnormal immunoblot expressions of: lower GLUT1 and GLUT3 (transporters regulating glucose uptake); lower PGC1a; electron-chain complexes and ATP5A (mitochondrial dysfunction); lower LC3A/B and PINK1 (autophagy/mitophagy); higher TSPO (inflammation), higher pH2AX (genomic damage), and lower BDNF, GDNF and NGF (neurotropic factors); (d) impaired mitochondrial respiration (respirometry); (e) impaired cognition (maze-time). After 8-weeks of supplementing GlyNAC (combination of glutathione precursors glycine and N-acetylcysteine), all defects improved/corrected in the brains of OM, and cognitive performance improved significantly. Study findings suggest that correcting glutathione deficiency could be important for improving brain health and cognition in ACD and in AD.
IMPROVING GLUTATHIONE, MITOCHONDRIA, INFLAMMATION, AND COGNITIVE DECLINE: A PILOT CLINICAL TRIAL OF GLYNAC IN AGING
Authors: Sekhar Rajagopal , Kumar Premranjan , Liu Chun , Hsu Jean , Shaji Chacko , Farook Jahoor , Charles Minard 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although aging is associated with cognitive decline, mechanisms contributing to ‘age-related cognitive decline’ (ACD) are not well understood. Aging is associated with glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance and endothelial function (many of these identified as aging hallmarks and are key defects in Geroscience), and these defects could compromise lead to cognitive impairment. Based on prior translational studies in aging where we found evidence that supplementing GlyNAC (combination of glutathione precursors glycine and N-acetylcysteine) could improve glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and glucose tolerance, we conducted a 36-week pilot human clinical trial comparing young-adults (YA) and older-adults (OA). We found that compared to YA, OA had evidence of cognitive decline together with glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction and deficiency of BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor). Supplementing GlyNAC for 24-weeks reversed these defects and improved cognition, but stopping GlyNAC for 12-weeks led to redevelopment of these defects. Using tracer methodologies we also identified a novel ‘brain glucose steal’ phenomenon wherein, due to mitochondrial impairment, non-brain organs were found to be utilizing glucose intended for the brain, and GlyNAC supplementation led to reversal of the ‘brain glucose steal’ phenomenon. Collectively, the findings from this trial provide proof-of-concept supporting GlyNAC supplementation in OA to improve multiple mechanistic defects related to cognitive impairment, and thereby also cognitive function and brain health. As many of these defects also occur in human Alzheimer’s disease (AD), these findings also have implications for improving brain health in AD.
GLUTATHIONE DEFICIENCY AS A NOVEL RISK FACTOR FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: IMPLICATIONS FOR GLYNAC SUPPLEMENTATION
Authors: Taffet George , Kumar Premranjan , Osahon Ob , Onyechi Chimaoge , Minard Charles , Masdeu Joseph , Sekhar Rajagopal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is linked to defects such as oxidative stress (OxS), mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and insulin resistance. These defects also occur in aging where they are linked to deficiency of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. We recently reported that GSH deficiency was present in the brains of cognitively-impaired aged mice, and that both glutathione deficiency and cognition improved after supplementation with GlyNAC (combination of glutathione precursors glycine and N-acetylcysteine). We hypothesized that patients with AD with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) would have greater glutathione deficiency than older-adults (OA), and tested our hypothesis by comparing intracellular red-blood cell glutathione concentrations in young-adults (YA), OA without cognitive impairment, and patients with AD+MCI (AD-MCI). Red-blood cell total glutathione (tGSH), reduced GSH (rGSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations from 32 AD-MCI patients in an ongoing randomized clinical trial were compared to historical data from 32 OA and 19 YA from our published studies to determine whether, and to what extent glutathione levels are deficient in AD-MCI. We found that YA had the highest levels of tGSH and rGSH, followed by OA and the lowest levels were seen in AD-MCI. GSSG levels were also significantly lower in AD-MCI compared to OA and YA. These data indicate that AD-MCI is associated with severe glutathione deficiency. Because GlyNAC improves/corrects glutathione deficiency, (a potential key defect in AD), a randomized clinical trial is in progress to test whether GlyNAC supplementation can improve glutathione deficiency, metabolic and mitochondrial defects, and cognitive function in patients with AD-MCI.
RESPONDERS AND NONRESPONDERS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS TO TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION
Authors: Park Juyoung , Tong Heling , Kang Yixin , Miao Hongyu , Ahn Hyochol 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a common musculoskeletal condition in older adults, often leads to long-term disability. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has received much attention as a noninvasive treatment for knee pain due to its neuromodulatory effect. However, there is variability in the response to tDCS among KOA patients, and little is known about the factors predicting response to tDCS for knee pain. The purpose of the study was to identify responders and nonresponders to the tDCS intervention and characterize their differences in knee pain reduction post intervention. Sixty participants assigned to the home-based active tDCS (five 20-minute sessions of 2 mA direct current), under real-time supervision by the research staff, were included; 41 were classified as responders (64.90 years, 41.50% White, 61.00% women) and 19 were classified as nonresponders (66.21 years, 47.40% White, 78.90% women). Changes in pain intensity scores from baseline to post intervention indicated more significant decreases in responders than in nonresponders (p &lt;.001); the mean decrease in pain intensity from baseline to post intervention was 34.17 (SD = 17.40) for the responder group and 2.26 (SD = 10.70) for the nonresponder group. The responder group showed higher BMI, height, and weight than the nonresponder group. The results indicated that responder and nonresponder groups and their treatment outcomes can be predicted for tailoring tDCS interventions. More research is needed to identify reasons for nonresponse to tDCS (e.g., medical comorbidities) to reduce nonresponse rates to tDCS.
POLICY SERIES: TECHNOLOGY IN AGING: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Perone Angela , Lindberg Brian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in aging research and gerontological education to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that may offer insights into aging across the life course. By utilizing AI algorithms, researchers, practitioners, and educators can more efficiently study factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and social and environmental influences that contribute to aging. Machine learning techniques may also help predict the onset of age-related diseases and potential interventions. The incorporation of AI in aging research and gerontological education has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of aging and improve the quality of life for older people. Yet, it is not without ethical dilemmas that have sparked increased policy focus in recent months. This interactive session, organized by the GSA Public Policy Advisory Panel, is an interdisciplinary discussion addressing the use of AI in aging research and gerontological education and the related public policy implications. The panelists represent the six sections of GSA: ESPO, BS, BSS, SRPP, HS, and AGHE, along with the Minority Issues in Aging Advisory Panel and the Humanities, Arts, and Culture Gerontology Advisory Panel.
ENHANCING GERONTOLOGY EDUCATION: AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Sterns Harvey 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Beginning in 1972 with support from the Administration on Aging (AoA), the Ad Hoc Committee on Development of Gerontology Resources was formed to mobilize gerontological resources in response to the Administration on Aging’s proposal for the establishment and funding of regional gerontology centers. A major aspect of this initiative was to provide educational opportunities at all levels. This effort was based on the anticipated need for personnel to serve the present and future number of older adults. The work of this committee led to the formation of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) with a formal affiliation with the Gerontological Society in 1973. Programs were supported by AoA to develop undergraduate and graduate certificates with degrees in disciplines related to aging; associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees in Gerontology; and minors in Gerontology. This early funding played an important role in colleges and universities developing programs in gerontology education. Over the last 50 years, important work has been done to optimize the development of gerontology education, including the AGHE Standards and Guidelines and the AGHE Gerontology Competencies for Undergraduate and Graduate Education that serve as the basis for accrediting gerontology degree programs through the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council. The need for gerontology education programs is even greater today given the shortage of personnel in all areas of gerontological services. However, the number of programs has grown slowly with increasing concern about how to maintain support for existing programs and find new funding to develop new programs.
THE CURRENT STATUS OF ACADEMIC GERONTOLOGY PROGRAMS IN THE US
Authors: Sugar Judith 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With the growing population of older people in the U.S., it is more important than ever to increase the number of well-educated gerontology professionals. It is no surprise to GSA members that America’s aging population is projected to grow by leaps and bounds over the next several decades—reaching 82 million by 2050. Yet, the number of academic gerontology programs, and hence graduates from those programs, have not been keeping pace with the need for professionals with knowledge and skills in gerontology. This presentation uses recently compiled data to demonstrate that we are falling behind in our ability to educate a workforce competent to provide services for older people and their loved ones, and to positively impact older adults’ quality of life and their ability to make valuable contributions to our society. When compared with data from 20 years ago, we have had virtually no change in the number of associate, baccalaureate, or master’s degree programs, nor in the aggregated number (all levels) of certificates. The only category in which growth has occurred is in the number of undergraduate minors. The numbers, the needs for services, and the prospects for providing products and services for older adults and their loved ones offer more possibilities than ever before for professionals who are well-educated in Gerontology. It is time to re-energize the field of Gerontology to strengthen and grow our academic programs and recruit more students to take advantage of the opportunities and meet the challenges of our aging population.
HOW INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS DEFINE ADVANCE CARE PLANNING: A CONTENT ANALYSIS
Authors: van der Steen Jenny , de Wit Emma , Visser Mandy , Nakanishi Miharu , Van den Block Lieve , Korfage Ida , Der Schmitten Jürgen In , Sudore Rebecca 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Planning for future medical care, referred to as Advance Care Planning (ACP), has evolved to a focus on conversations that explore values and preferences in a broad sense. It is unclear how this conceptualization has been adopted internationally, given diverse practices. Therefore, we examined how experts from across the globe define ACP and whether this differs by profession. In an explorative study embedded in a Delphi study on ACP in dementia, experts in ACP in persons with dementia and other diseases reported at baseline how they define ACP “in one sentence, off the top of your head.” We analyzed reported definitions with content analysis, created codes to identify definition elements, then merged them into categories. Almost half (45%) of 87 experts from 30 countries phrased ACP from a patient perspective (29% neutral, 26% professional). Codes (131) were merged into 19 categories. Five categories appeared in more than half of the definitions: ‘Choosing between options’, ‘Care and treatment’, ‘Planning for the future’, ‘Individual person’ and ‘Having conversations.’ ‘End of life’ and ‘Documenting’ were mentioned by a minority of experts. The definition of categories and perspectives did not appreciably differ between physicians and other professions. In conclusion, international experts from 30 countries typically defined ACP as person-centered conversations to choose future care and treatment, without focusing on end of life or documentation. Future research should evaluate the extent to which such conceptualization of ACP is present within clinical programs and practice recommendations and monitor changes over time.