bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BODY AND MIND: EXPLORING ASSOCIATIONS AMONG PARALLEL TRAJECTORIES OF BIOMARKERS AND DEPRESSION SCORES
Authors: Beach Brian , Zaninotto Paola , Shim Eun-Jung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Multiple studies have found associations between levels of various blood-based biomarkers and depression, including how some biomarkers are associated with future development of depression or the worsening of depressive symptoms. The nature of such associations, however, cannot demonstrate a causal relationship between levels of biomarkers and depression. With recent advances in data collection, this study examines whether associations exist between the trajectories of biomarkers and depression scores. It draws on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, using four measurement points for depression and nine distinct biomarkers among respondents aged 50+ collected during nurse visits between 2004 and 2019. Associations in joint trajectories are assessed using a series of parallel process latent growth models, testing goodness of fit for both linear and quadratic models. Results suggest associations between blood hemoglobin and depression, with no significant associations among the other biomarkers. More specifically, intercepts and slopes demonstrate joint negative associations, while the intercept of depression is positively associated with the rate of change for hemoglobin (β=0.029; 95%CI: 0.004,0.054). When stratified by sex, the associations with blood hemoglobin remains only for women, while men display a negative association between the intercept of depression and the rate of change for HDL cholesterol (β=-0.016; 95%CI: -0.029,-0.004). Overall, results find no relationships between change in depression scores and levels of biomarkers, suggesting little diagnostic utility of these biomarkers to identify risk for worsening depression.
INTERVENTIONS FOR CAREGIVERS AND PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA ACROSS THE LONG-TERM CARE CONTINUUM
Authors: Dobbs Debra , Meng Hongdao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
According to estimates from the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s disease Facts and Figures, there are an estimated 6.7 million people living with dementia (PLWD) in the United States. With increasing older age as the number one risk factor, this number will only continue to grow. Family and direct care workers (e.g., nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers) provide the bulk of care to PLWD across the health care continuum. Interventions are needed to assist and improve dementia care for families, direct care workers and PLWD. This symposium includes four papers that have conducted dementia care interventions in different care settings. The first paper is a Palliative Care Education in Assisted Living intervention for nurses and administrators in 10 ALs to increase advance care planning documentation for AL residents (N=118) and to increase staff self-efficacy (N=23). Self-reported self-efficacy will be compared to treatment fidelity data on ACP discussions with family to examine how well the ACP discussion intervention protocol was adhered to. The second paper is an intervention study that employs mixed methods in a sample of 155 Veterans Health Administration clinicians to test the effectiveness of the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) and the impact the VDT has on their clinical practices. The third paper tested the feasibility of a group digital gaming intervention in a sample of 40 PLWD and their caregivers in adult day centers. The fourth paper tests the feasibility of an e-Pain support intervention for ADRD hospice patient caregivers. The scalability of each intervention will be discussed.
IMPACT OF GROUP-BASED DIGITAL GAMING INTERVENTION AMONG INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH EARLY TO MODERATE DEMENTIA
Authors: Inoue Megumi , Hand Michelle , Koizumi Naoru , Chen Limei , Booker Emma 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Slowing the progression of dementia and maintaining good behavioral and psychological symptoms are important aspects of life for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. This study involved a group-based digital gaming system called Obie Technology as an interactive intervention for individuals living with dementia at a local adult day health center for 20 weeks, from mid-November 2023 to mid-April 2024. This gaming system promotes movement, stimulates cognitive activity, and encourages socialization. For example, colorful balloons float around the board or floor as clients try to hit as many as they can. A mixed methods approach with a pre-post design was employed to examine the effects of the intervention on cognitive function, mood, and behaviors in 24 individuals with early or moderate-level dementia. The average scores of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at the baseline and midpoint (after 10 weeks) were 15.65 and 15.60, respectively, indicating no significant progression of dementia between these time periods. Participants’ depression level and neuropsychiatric symptoms presentation assessed by standardized instruments also showed no significant changes. The results from qualitative observations demonstrate that the group of people living with early-stage dementia in this study were more engaged and enjoyed the intervention compared to a group with moderate-stage dementia. They often comment that the intervention was fun, interesting, and enjoyable while actively engaging in the game with enhanced movement. In this presentation, we will present the findings based on the completed data, including the post-assessments.
ADAPTATION OF THE E-PAINSUPPORT INTERVENTION FOR ADRD CAREGIVERS
Authors: Mayahara Masako 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The lack of adherence by family caregivers to prescribed analgesic regimens has been recognized as a significant barrier to effective pain management in hospice. Advancements in healthcare technology provide an opportunity to enhance timely access to pain education and promote better adherence to analgesic regimens for family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The aims of this presentation are to report the findings from a recently completed randomized controlled trial of hospice patient-caregiver dyads and discuss adaption of the intervention for ADRD caregivers. The initial efficacy trial used a 2-group, 2-week longitudinal, randomized controlled trial design. The study participants were recruited from four hospice agencies located in in the Midwest. Forty-four patient-caregiver dyads participated. There was a small positive effect size (d=0.27) associated with the e-PainSupport intervention, suggesting efficacy in reducing pain intensity. The regression analysis revealed that increased knowledge had a significant independent effect on decreasing pain (p&lt;0.01). Female caregivers and children of patients were more likely to respond to the intervention compared male or spouse caregivers. The study highlighted the importance of caregiver knowledge in reducing patient pain. Adaptation of the intervention for ADRD caregivers requires a tailored approach to increase usability for male and spouse caregivers.
IMPROVING OUTCOMES IN OLDER VETERANS WITH HEART FAILURE AND CKD: FROM PROPENSITY SCORE USE TO AI
Authors: Ahmed Ali 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults are often excluded from randomized controlled trials (RCT). Consequently, gold-standard RCT-evidence to improve outcomes in older adults is often unavailable. Properly-designed outcome-blinded propensity score matched studies can provide high-quality non-RCT evidence when RCTs are impractical, unethical, or lack sponsors. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) improve outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). National HF guidelines recommend that these drugs be prescribed in higher doses, but be used with caution in those with CKD as it may worsen kidney function. Dr. Ahmed has shown that RASIs improve survival in older patients with HF and CKD. However, concerns remain about their effect on kidneys. Recent findings from VA-Merit Review grant suggests that high-dose RASIs lower risk of kidney failure and death in octogenarians with HF and CKD. Additionally, artificial intelligence methods can be utilized to personalize care for this heterogeneous and diverse population of older patients.
DO DAILY STRESSOR TRAJECTORIES VARY BETWEEN CIVILIANS, NONCOMBAT, AND COMBAT VETERANS?
Authors: Kurth Maria , Witzel Dakota , Almeida David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Proximal (i.e., daily) experiences may be a crucial indicator of how larger-scale events, such as trauma, impact health and well-being (Epel et al., 2018). It has also been suggested that military service – especially combat exposure – is a “hidden” variable of aging (Spiro et al., 2016), with positive and negative long-term consequences for well-being. However, few studies have directly compared differences in civilian and Veterans’ daily experiences, especially exposure to stress. We used data from three waves of the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE; Almeida, 2005) to examine how daily stressor exposures change across ~20 years (N = 2220). At each wave, participants completed eight end-of-day phone interviews, including the Daily Inventory of Stressful Events (DISE; Almeida et al., 2002). For this project, we were interested in the following stressor domains: argument; avoided argument/disagreement; home; work/school. Similar to previous research (e.g., Piazza et al., 2022), civilian (83%) non-combat Veteran (12%), and combat Veteran status (5%) was gleaned from responses to two Life Event Survey items (LES; Sarason et al., 1978). We estimated two-level generalized multilevel models for each stressor domain and controlled for age, sex, education, and race. Preliminary results suggest only avoided argument exposure varied by civilian/Veteran status. Although there was no difference at baseline, civilians increased in likelihood (~20%), while combat Veterans were ~15% less likely to experience avoided arguments every 10 years. Results underscore a potential long-term advantage for aging combat Veterans’ well-being, as avoiding arguments has negative consequences for physical and psychological health.
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING AND THE MILITARY EXPERIENCE: FROM ACTIVE DUTY TO VETERAN
Authors: Berry-Stoelzle Maresi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Active duty military are one of the few groups who are required to face the possibility of mortality and morbidity while young. Pre-deployment paperwork for preparing a servicemembers and their family include the designation of a healthcare power of attorney. Despite this previous experience, rates of advance directive completion (ACP) and documented serious illness conversations (SICC) in VA served Veterans are comparable with the civilian population. Discussing goals and attitudes towards managing current and future healthcare is often sidelined for more immediately urgent medical needs. However, from our recent cohort of Veterans with an inpatient admission, 18% of Veterans admitted inpatient died within a year after their hospitalization, comparable to recent US wide data. Our previous work explores how personalization can help engage Veterans in serious illness conversations. Extending this, we explore how particularly pre-deployment planning organizational structures and discussion formats differ in structure and uptake. We coordinated with local palliative care, social work and inpatient service experts and collected suggestions from Veteran stakeholders exploring the relationship between the military service and deployment history and subsequent views of ACP of Veterans and their families. Several contributing themes emerge which are sorted in the CFIR framework including: the level of associated support services, formal inclusion of families, group identity, difference in the perceived outcome, time since military service, branch of service. This preparatory overview informs an ongoing QI project for increasing Veteran engagement in formal and informal ACP and SICC including formal and informal documentation.
POLICY SERIES: AGING AND HEALTH POLICY UPDATE: A VIEW FROM WASHINGTON
Authors: Lindberg Brian , D’Antonio Patricia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Leading policy advocates will present their findings and viewpoints regarding aging and health care policy during a divided Congress. Issues will include behavioral health, social isolation, health care workforce, telehealth, hospice policy, elder justice and nursing home care, home and community-based services, and Medicare and Medicaid.
“WE NEED TO BE AT THE TABLE” COLLABORATION WITH OLDER ADULTS WITH EXPERIENCES OF HOMELESSNESS
Authors: Canham Sarah , Weldrick Rachel , Cartledge Anne , Chapple Hilary , Danielsen Chris , Kestle Dorothy , Teichman Samantha 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Increasingly recognized as an asset to research endeavors, persons with lived experience (LE) offer key insights into the impact of research processes and outcomes with those most affected by social or medical conditions. Additionally, LE advisors and co-researchers are uniquely positioned to inform knowledge mobilization and community engagement efforts that complement research activities and disseminate findings to diverse knowledge users. This presentation will share an example of a LE advisory group that collaborated in conceptualizing and implementing a knowledge mobilization project on aging and homelessness within three Canadian cities (Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal). Following the establishment of the advisory group, priorities and objectives were determined, resulting in community engagement initiatives to disrupt discrimination toward older adults with experiences of homelessness. We will present lessons learned from this project, including the necessity of 1) digital supports to enable inclusion of advisors, 2) honoraria for advisors’ time and contributions, 3) scheduling regular meeting days and times, and 4) dedicating meeting time for personal updates. Insights from this collaborative project are widely applicable across disciplines. This model offers a blueprint for other research teams aiming to enhance the impact of research and knowledge mobilization efforts and build capacity among LE communities.
LEARNED HELPLESSNESS AMONG ABUSED FILIPINO OLDER PERSONS
Authors: Motilla Ronaldo , Oyales Carmelina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Due to poverty, lack of family and government support, including traumatic abuse experiences and stressful situations, many of the abused Filipino older persons exhibited learned helplessness, which is a belief that they are unable to control or alter their situation even when opportunities for change are available. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness results in stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, loneliness, lethargy, and even self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation. The abuses that the older persons experience include but not limited to: physical, psychological/mental, verbal, sexual, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and fraud. With the use of qualitative research design, 10 elderly Filipino participants aged 60 and above were recruited through purposive sampling method. Data were collected through the use of in-depth interviews and focused group discussions (FGDs), and case reports. Results were analyze using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged, namely, resignation to fate, fate as an excuse for misfortune, loss of sense of self that is from internal/external conflicts and struggles, stigma and shame. Elder abuse victims tend to accept their circumstances and the situations they are in due to negative mindset, feelings of hopelessness that evolved to their learned helplessness. Keywords: Elder abuse, learned helplessness, aging population, ageism, stigma
GRIEF COACH, A TEXT-BASED GRIEF SUPPORT INTERVENTION: ACCEPTABILITY AMONG HOSPICE FAMILY MEMBERS
Authors: Payne Emma , Lunardini Melissa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Although older adults experience more bereavement, they are less likely to seek support. This poses significant risks, including increased risk for prolonged grief disorder, mood disorders, loneliness, and other adverse health outcomes (Ghesquiere, 2013). Limited service access and uptake among older populations can be attributed to factors such as inadequate Medicare coverage, shortage of trained providers, and a dearth of bereavement care options tailored to the unique preferences and needs of older adults (Bartels, 2003). Developing age-appropriate, accessible grief interventions is key to addressing the service gap and associated vulnerabilities related to grief. This presentation will report on grievers’ perceptions of the acceptability and helpfulness of Grief Coach, an innovative text-based grief support service aligned with a public health approach to bereavement care. The text messages are grounded in contemporary models of bereavement and coping, provide supportive education, and encourage engagement in adaptive coping behaviors. Participants in the evaluation were bereaved family members who received Grief Coach as a hospice benefit. The 13-month program retention rate was 86%. Among subscribers who met inclusion criteria for and completed a brief evaluation (N=100, response rate = 65%), 73% rated the program as “Very helpful” and 74% rated it as contributing “A great deal” or “Considerably” to their sense of being supported in their grief. Older grievers (age 65+ years old) and males tended to give the highest ratings. These preliminary data suggest that the Grief Coach text message program may be an acceptable and helpful way to support the aging grieving population.
A MIXED-METHODS EVALUATION OF LAY COACH-SUPPORTED EMPOWER@HOME FOR GERIATRIC DEPRESSION
Authors: Xiang Xiaoling 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Empower@home is a novel internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program specifically designed to reduce depression in older adults. It features 9 online lessons and a physical workbook, complemented by optional calls from lay coaches. A previously published uncontrolled study demonstrated its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects. This presentation shares findings from a randomized controlled trial evaluating the program’s efficacy using mixed methods (NCT05593276), involving 70 participants aged 60+ recruited from various sources. Participants were randomized to either Empower@Home with lay coach support or to receive attention control friendly calls for ten weeks, with the latter group offered the program after the post-test. High completion rates were noted (89%, Mean = 8.3, SD = 0.4), with significant within-group improvements in the intervention group compared to moderate changes in controls, resulting in a medium between-group effect size favoring the intervention (Cohen’s d =.72, P &lt;.001). Causal mediation analysis showed that acquisition of CBT skills, behavioral activation, and improvements in autonomy, competence, and relationships underpinned these effects. Several themes emerged from a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with the treatment group: (1) a structured, goal-oriented, and skills-based approach, (2) supportive accountability from weekly coaching, (3) usability and software, (4) a mix of online and physical materials, and personal support to enhance learning, and (5) challenges in personalizing packaged iCBT programs. Empower@Home supported by lay coaches is efficacious in reducing depression among older adults. Implications for the design of digital mental health interventions for older adults are discussed.
UNDERREPRESENTED FAMILY CAREGIVERS: BUILDING TRUST TO STRENGTHEN RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
Authors: Gimm Gilbert , Fields Beth 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The definition of “family caregiver” typically excludes many groups, including those from different genders, racial/ethnic identities, and caregiver age categories. Relationship building, establishing trust with community partners, and interdisciplinary collaborations are essential for the successful recruitment, engagement, and retention of underrepresented family caregivers in research. Moreover, inclusive communication is critical to building trust and strengthening participant engagement. Each individual presentation of the symposium will focus on effective strategies to engage underrepresented family caregivers from a diverse range of age, gender, and racial/ethnic populations. Our first speaker (G. Gimm) will present findings on the effect of a 9-week stress management intervention on mean burden scores for 97 family caregivers, including 16 male caregivers. Our second speaker (K. Moss) will describe effective recruitment and retention strategies for feasibility and acceptability testing of a co-created virtual peer support intervention (Pair 2 Care), which was designed for and with Black/African American dementia family caregivers. Our third speaker (A. Kalvesmaki) will describe what is known about caregiving across the lifespan, including youth caregivers who are less than 18 years, and identify barriers to service use, as well as effective strategies to build trust in family caregiving communities. Our fourth speaker (M. Kavanaugh) will share key findings on the effective engagement of multidisciplinary healthcare providers who received training to deliver the YCare program, a hands-on caregiving skills session empowering youth caregivers. Our discussant (B. Fields) will then summarize cross-cutting themes and share practical and policy implications for researchers and underrepresented family caregivers across the lifespan.
THE MASON CARES STUDY: EFFECTS OF A STRESS MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION ON MALE FAMILY CAREGIVER BURDEN SCORES
Authors: Gimm Gilbert , Layman Shannon , Inoue Megumi , Ihara Emily , Tompkins Catherine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Mason CARES study examined the association of a virtual stress management program on mean caregiver burden scores of 97 participants, including 16 male family caregivers of older adults with dementia. Using primary data collected from 97 participants, we analyzed family caregiver burden scores of male and female caregivers before and after implementation of a 9-week stress management program using Zoom sessions. Caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) score with a range from 0 to 48 (Bédard, 2001). Higher values (ZBI &gt;=17.0) were associated with higher levels of burden. Among the 97 caregiver participants, 16% were men and 84% were women. Mean ZBI scores before and after the 9-week stress busting program intervention across the full sample decreased by 15.0% (from 24.1 to 20.5). However, the 9-week intervention was associated with a larger reduction in burden scores for male family caregivers than for female family caregivers. Specifically female family caregivers had a higher baseline ZBI score of 24.4 which decreased to 21.4 (p&lt;.01). At the same time, male family caregivers had a lower baseline ZBI score of 22.5 which fell more sharply to 15.9 (p&lt;.01). Findings show that male family caregivers of older adults living with dementia experienced a greater reduction in burden scores after the 9-week intervention compared to female family caregivers. These results suggest the need to continue recruiting men in stress management intervention studies to identify potential mechanisms that can help to explain gender differences associated with reducing family caregiver burden.