bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DIET AND COGNITION IN AGING: EFFECTS OF HIGH-FAT-SUGAR DIETS ON MEMORY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
Authors: Atak Selen , Boye Alyssa , Botoseneanu Anda , Pecina Susana , Liu Zhong-Xu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
High-fat and high-sugar (HFS) diets may affect the hippocampus, and consequently the hippocampus-dependent memory. Previously, we found that higher HFS diet consumption in young adults was associated with lower performance on hippocampus-dependent memory tasks, but not with their subjective memory report. However, whether similar associations exist in older adults has not been yet investigated. In this online study, 472 participants (age: 50 ~ 85 years; average = 62.6) reported their HFS consumption, measured by the Dietary Fat and Sugar Short Questionnaire, and their subjective memory issues. They also completed pattern-separation recognition and face-name associative memory tasks, which have been found to robustly engage the hippocampus. Participants also completed executive functioning tasks, i.e., Trail Making (TMT) and Stroop tasks. Results showed that different from young adults, higher HFS consumption was strongly associated with more subjective memory complaints in older adults after controlling for potential covariates. Moreover, age modulated associations between HFS consumption and memory/executive functioning. Specifically, higher HFS consumption was associated with worse hippocampus-dependent recognition memory and executive function, only in participants with age below 65, not in those with age above 65. Notably, HFS diet effects on recognition memory were also associated with participants’ health measured by multi-morbidity status, in that higher HFS predicted lower memory performance only in participants with no multi-morbidity. These results suggest that HFS diet effects on cognition are more complex in older than younger adults and call for further research to explore age-/health-related factors that uniquely modulate the effects of HFS diet in older adults.
DIMENSIONALITY, PROXIES, AND PREDICTORS OF COGNITIVE RESERVE IN THE MANCHESTER LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Aichele Stephen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In a sample of N=113 older adults (ages 62-86 years at MRI scan; 58.4% women) from the United Kingdom, we compared the dimensionality of general cognition before (COG) vs. after (COGr; cognitive reserve) residualization on global brain status (as indicated by brain volume loss, cerebral blood flow, and white matter lesion prevalence). Cognitive performance was assessed by 15 tasks spanning five domains: processing speed, fluid intelligence (e.g., spatial reasoning), crystallized intelligence (vocabulary), visuospatial memory, and verbal memory. Statistical tests were conducted in a series of structural factor analyses with progressive constraints on measurement invariance. Results showed that although COG and COGr were highly correlated (r =.84), item-factor loadings differed such that COGr more strongly emphasized fluid intelligence. We further examined differential associations of COG and COGr with 23 socio-demographic, health, and lifestyle variables in a series of regression models. Results from these latter tests showed consistent associations of education level, occupational class, and hobbies/interests as proxies both for COG and COGr. Difficulty with personal mobility was a salient risk factor for both COG and COGr, but only in models unadjusted for chronological age. In sum, results supported the role of intelligence as a potential compensatory factor for brain-related reductions in processing speed and memory. Efforts to preserve personal mobility and a diversity of hobbies and interests may serve as protective factors against brain-related reductions in cognitive performance.
INFLAMMATION AND DOMAIN-SPECIFIC COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE: RESULTS FROM THE EINSTEIN AGING STUDY
Authors: Wright Molly , Harrington Erin , Graham-Engeland Jennifer , Sliwinski Martin , Lipton Richard , Katz Mindy , Engeland Christopher 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Inflammation may serve as a biological precursor to the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Although interleukin (IL)-6 may be more strongly associated with executive functioning (EF) or processing speed (PS) measures versus other cognitive domains, this has not been assessed simultaneously in a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework among older adults. The present study sought to address this gap. As part of the ongoing Einstein Aging Study, older adults (n=159, 65.4% female, 49.7% non-Hispanic White) without MCI at baseline completed neurocognitive testing and had two blood draws spaced two weeks apart at their baseline wave of data collection. Inflammation was assessed by averaging IL-6 levels obtained from these blood draws. Based on prior factor-analytic studies, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted that included an attention factor (Number Span Forward and Back, Verbal Fluency Test), memory factor (Free Selective Reminding Test, Logical Memory Test, Verbal Fluency Test), and EF/PS factor (Trail Making Test Parts A and B, Digit Symbol Test). A SEM model with pathways from IL-6 predicting cognitive factors was then specified, adjusting for relevant covariates based on fit statistics (age, years of education, sex, race/ethnicity). Both the CFA and SEM models fit the data well (RMSEA&lt; 0.05, CFI&gt;0.95). As expected, IL-6 was negatively associated with the EF/PS factor (β=-0.251, S.E.=0.073, p&lt; 0.01). IL-6 was not associated with either the attention or memory factors (p&gt;0.5). Based on these results, we predict that higher levels of IL-6 may predict nonamnestic MCI but not amnestic MCI.
ROLE OF GAIT SPEED, OLFACTION, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hanson Leah , Palmberg Kyle , Howe Clarissa , Gustafson Sally , Svitak Aleta , Barclay Terry 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Slowing of gait speed, loss of smell and increased depression, anxiety and stress have been associated with lower cognitive performance among older adults. The Minnesota Memory Project is a longitudinal study of community-dwelling adults 55 and older that investigates lifestyle factors associated with cognitive aging. Annual assessments include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Alberta Smell Test (AST), gait speed test (GST) and self-report inventories, including the Cognitive Change Checklist (3CL) and measures of social support, resilience, stress, anxiety, and depression. Significant associations were identified between AST and gait scores versus MoCA. Both scores differed significantly between cognitively impaired (MoCA &lt; 26) versus cognitively intact (MoCA ≥26) participants. On average, impaired participant AST scores were significantly lower than intact participants (6.5 ± 3.9 SD, 8.7 ± 3.6 SD) and gait scores were significantly slower (4.0 ± 1.0 SD, 3.65 ± 0.8). A greater number of self-reported cognitive complaints was associated with lower MoCA scores at baseline (p&lt; 0.0001). Participants reporting higher resilience and social support reported significantly fewer cognitive complaints (p&lt; 0.0001), while higher stress, anxiety and depression were associated with more cognitive complaints (all p&lt; 0.0001). Significant effects of olfaction, gait and cognitive complaints on future cognitive decline were also identified. A one-unit increase in AST score was associated with an 11% decrease in the hazard of cognitive impairment within 5 years. A one-unit increase in the GST score was associated with a 60% increase. Screening that includes gait speed, olfaction and subjective cognitive complaints could identify those at risk for future cognitive decline.
USE OF A BRAIN CARE SCORE TO IDENTIFY RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR MAINTAINING COGNITION AND HEALTH IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Schiloski Kylie , Taylor Morgan , Lachman Margie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Massachusetts General Hospital McCance Center for Brain Health recently developed a Brain Care Score (BCS) to assess the risk of dementia and stroke and to promote healthier lifestyles. The BCS includes a combination of modifiable physical (e.g., blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, Body Mass Index), environmental (e.g., nutrition, exercise, smoking status, sleep, alcohol consumption), and psychosocial factors (e.g., perceived stress, social support, purpose in life) that have been shown to predict dementia and stroke. The goal of the present study was to develop and test a comparable measure using data from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS). We examined whether the MIDUS version of the BCS predicted changes in cognition and health from the second (M2; 2004-2005) to the third wave (M3; 2013-2014) of the Biomarker sub-study sample (M2: N=1,167; Mage=54.46; SD=11.60; Age Range=34-83). Multiple regressions showed that higher BCSs predicted less decline in episodic memory (immediate and delayed recall), fluid intelligence (number series), processing speed, (backwards counting), and verbal fluency (category fluency) over time as well as less decline in functional health and fewer chronic conditions after 8 to 10 years. These findings indicate that the MIDUS version of the BCS is a promising tool to help identify those at risk of declines in cognition and health. Moreover, these findings highlight the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce one’s risk of experiencing declines in cognitive and physical health in middle and later adulthood.
EXAMINING THE INTERPERSONAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORY OF SUICIDE AMONG OLDER KOREANS: DOES AGE MATTER?
Authors: Lyu Jiyoung , Kim Hye-Mi , Hong Keung-Ja , Park Byoung-Jun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The interpersonal–psychological theory of suicide proposes that perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and the acquired capability for suicide leads to suicide attempts. However, whether this applies to all age groups is not clear. Therefore, this study was aimed to apply the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide to older Koreans of different age groups. Participants of this study were 1,200 older adults aged 65 years and above (347 Young-old, 853 Old-old) who completed 2020 surveys on Elderly Life Conditions in Chuncheon, Korea. The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Suicidal Ideation Scale, and the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale were used to assess participants’ perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, suicide attempts, and the capability for suicide. A multivariate regression results showed that thwarted belongingness was significantly associated with suicide attempts among young-old group, while perceived burdensomeness was significantly associated with suicide attempts among old-old group. These results suggest that the mechanisms around suicide attempts among older Koreans may be different by different age groups.
TAILORED CARE FOR TERMINALLY-ILL OLDER ADULTS: INTEGRATED COMMUNITY-BASED END-OF-LIFE SUPPORT TEAM MODEL (ICEST)
Authors: Zhang Anna Yan , Fang Estelle Xun , Chun Gloria Ka Ming 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The integrated community-based end-of-life support team (ICEST) tailored the physical-psychosocial-practical care for community-dwelling terminally ill patients and enhanced the capacity of family caregiving through ongoing assessments and seamless interdisciplinary cooperation. The study evaluated the deceased patients’ first three-month care profiles and outcomes.

Methods
An intervention study with three-time-point repeated measures. Public hospitals identified and referred eligible older adults (age ≥ 60, life expectancy ≤12 months) to receive ICEST services. Patients’ clinical symptoms were measured at baseline, one month, and three months after, and the care they received was recorded. Deceased cases (n=756) were extracted for analysis. Repeated ANOVA was used to analyze the changes in care profiles and clinical outcomes using SPSS 27.0.

Results
The ICEST could significantly reduce patients’ physical and psycho-social-spiritual symptoms. Except for patients with a short survival period (≤3 months), they experienced a sharp worsening of pain (F (3,188)=2.82,p&lt;.05) and weakness (F (3,188)=5.32,p&lt;.01) and drowsiness remained consistently high (F (3,190)=6.29,p&lt;.001). Depression levels of patients with a longer survival period (&gt;12 months) decreased more after 1st month (F(3,168)=2.68,p&lt;.05). The highest input was in psychosocial care. No significant change was found in its input or physical care, and practical support increased after the 1st month. Psychosocial care for patients with shorter survival periods (≤3 months) was higher initially and decreased later, whereas others showed the opposite trend.

Conclusion
Various care profiles indicated the moment-by-moment changes in care demands among community-dwelling terminally ill patients. Timely assessments and corresponding adjustments of interventions to address real-time needs are essential.
CARING FOR CANCER PATIENTS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: CHALLENGES AND WAYS FORWARD
Authors: Canning Shelley , McKenzie Michael , St-Martin Genevieve , Kaur Jagbir , Percival Nicole , Hung Lillian , Jackson Lynn , Wan Rachel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to address the inequity of care outcomes for patients living with both cancer and dementia through exploring current challenges and barriers, with the goals of creating dementia-friendly cancer care practice recommendations and education. Cancer patients also living with dementia have been found to experience poor outcomes, receiving less cancer screening, staging, and curative treatment than patients without dementia, thus they are typically diagnosed at later stage cancers with lower survival rates. We are conducting a qualitative applied health study drawing on Interpretive Description methodology underpinned by a person-centred philosophy. Phase one of the study has involved conducting interviews with patients, their care-givers, and cancer care providers. In this presentation we are focusing on the findings from our interviews with cancer care providers. Our sample includes 15 RNs, and 15 participants including physicians, therapists, and counsellors. Although they are experts in cancer, care providers often lack confidence and knowledge regarding dementia-care. Findings from their interviews led to themes reflecting both challenges and barriers to providing care. Specific themes related to care challenges include: Difficulty Following Instructions; Balancing Treatment Risks with QOL; Including Care-givers; and Ethical Dilemmas. Additionally, specific themes related to barriers include: Lack of Communication Processes; Lack of Continuity of Care; Lack of Resources; and Lack of Dementia Education. These themes will inform Phase two of the study which will involve creating dementia aware education and recommendations for dementia-friendly policies and processes to better tailor cancer care for patients living with dementia ensuring equity.
DEVELOPING AN ONLINE TRAINING COURSE FOR OLDER-ADULT VOLUNTEERS TO LEAD DEMENTIA ACTIVITY PROGRAMMING
Authors: DiFranco Lacey , Orsulic-Jeras Silvia , Gorzelle Gregg , Powers Sara , Skrajner Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research over the last decade has strongly supported the use of music intervention to treat symptoms of dementia. Making Connections Through Music (MCTM), a group music intervention designed for persons living with dementia (PLWD), utilizes older adult volunteers as session leaders, addressing both staff shortages in residential care and the high need for engaging socialization activities. This poster describes the development of MCTM’s online volunteer training course and presents findings from a focus group study (N=7 focus groups) aimed to test course prototypes. Two prototypes of the training were developed and tested with older adult volunteers (n=25; Mage = 76.5; 76% female) and long-term care staff (n=25; Mage = 47.2; 88% female). A thematic analysis yielded a list of recommended changes and identified critical content areas for preparing volunteers to be effective session leaders. Volunteer and staff focus group findings determined a large number of themes including the following: 1) Specific training modules on responsive behaviors, communication challenges, and dementia education; 2) Format preferences such as a self-paced structure and interactive features; 3) Hesitancy with technology-based training; 4) Desire for having supplementary materials available; and 5) Importance of leveraging technology to support long-term program sustainability. Results are currently being utilized in the development of the complete MCTM volunteer online training course. Development of such a training is critical not only for MCTM but also in providing non-professionals the tools to adequately facilitate engaging activities, including group programming, for PLWD across a variety of care settings.
EXPLORING THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC JOURNEY OF PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE APHASIA: A CASE STUDY FROM A RURAL SETTING
Authors: Villaseñor Abigail Avendaño , Saidi Ladan Ghazi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a young-onset neurological disorder that affects a person’s language, behavior, and executive function abilities, caused by a focal degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes in the brain. It is considered a frontotemporal dementia (FTD) due to the neuroanatomical areas it affects and the similar etiology it has with other neurodegenerative disorders. Differential diagnosis is difficult for health professionals due to the recent description of clinical variants, and the limited options for clinical treatment. In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, we reviewed the case of a 76-year-old male patient diagnosed with agrammatic primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA) who lives in a rural area in Nebraska, living with his caregiver. The objective of this case study was to analyze the difficulties experienced by the patient before and after he was diagnosed with nfvPPA, as well as his current progress with treatment. We identified the main challenges they encountered during the diagnostic and therapeutic processes were: a delayed differential diagnosis, inadequate communication from practitioners, inefficient interprofessional communication, and limited treatment/management options. In addition, they had limited access to educational and support group resources, a lack of intervention implementation, failed efforts in the follow-up of treatment by each care provider, and difficult access to health care services. Our findings highlight the necessary changes needed in the management of patients through a collaborative model, to provide sufficient and accessible resources to navigate this diagnosis, and the importance of following up on the therapeutic progress of patients.
IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY AMONG DEMENTIA PATIENTS IN CHINA: EVIDENCE FROM HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
Authors: Lin Zhuoer , Ba Fang , Allore Heather , Chen Xi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the fast-growing dementia patient population, dementia care in China is still inadequate and inequitable that may lead to undesirable disease outcomes. We assessed the in-hospital mortality for dementia patients in China and its variations across patient and hospital characteristics. Inpatient medical records of Chinese older adults admitted to 1,917 hospitals during 2017-2019 with a primary diagnosis of dementia were analyzed; and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association of in-hospital mortality with age bands, sex, working status, insurance type, major comorbidity, admission type, and hospital level. Out of 51,525 included admissions, 363 dementia patients died in a hospital (0.70%, 95% CI, 0.63% - 0.78%). The odds of in-hospital mortality were significantly higher for patients aged 80 and over, having lung diseases, and for those admitted through emergency room or hospital transfers, or those admitted to lower-level hospitals compared to their higher-level counterparts. These findings suggest large variations in dementia in-hospital mortality that can be associated with both patient-level and hospital-level factors. Targeted and coordinated dementia care should be promoted to reduce in-hospital mortality and provide more equitable and quality dementia care.
REDUCING CARE REFUSAL IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA THROUGH HUMANITUDE CAREGIVER TRAINING
Authors: Araújo João Pärtel , Van Son Catherine , Luz Helena , Melo Rosa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Care refusal by older adults with cognitive impairment creates significant challenges for professional caregivers. Humanitude is a multimodal care method that promotes well-being during care for both care recipients and caregivers. This study evaluated the impact of Humanitude training for professional caregivers on refusal of care behaviors in older adults with cognitive impairment in an acute care setting.

Methods
Two 4-day Humanitude care method (HCM) trainings were conducted for 23 healthcare professionals from six geriatric wards of an acute hospital. Training included theory, simulation, and clinical practice of Humanitude techniques with identified older adults. The participants identified 17 older adults with cognitive impairment who routinely refuse care. Refusal of care was measured at baseline and after Humanitude training using the Refusal of Care Informant Scale (RoCIS).

Results
Most of the 23 healthcare professionals participating in the training were nurses, 78%, with an average of seven years of experience. The older adults identified were women (65%), with an average age of 83. All the older adults identified had a diagnosis of a major neurocognitive disorder, and the average Functional Assessment Staging Tool score was 4.9. The average RoCIS scores decreased by 71.4% after the participants used Humanitude techniques during the training’s clinical practice.

Conclusion
A brief 4-day HCM training reduced care refusal by older adults with cognitive impairment. Implementing Humanitude care methods could improve caregiver capacity to address care refusal challenges and mitigate its effects on caregiving. Studies on Humanitude’s sustainability and outcomes are needed for caregiver and organizational adoption.