bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF PARENTAL EDUCATION AND ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES IN COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG DIVERSE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Wright Regina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An expansive body of research suggests older adults’ cognitive abilities are linked to a number of factors across the lifespan, including socioeconomic status and physical health. Early life experiences have emerged as an important predictor of cognitive function, as researchers identify long-term trajectories linking factors such as early life trauma and poverty to poor outcomes; however, much of these findings have been limited to largely homogenous study samples. Therefore, we examined the cross-sectional relationships between parental education, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and cognitive function in a diverse sample of community-dwelling older adults. Data were analyzed from 165 older adults (mean age = 68.48y, 33% male, 41% African American), free of major disease, who completed a battery of psychosocial and neuropsychological tests and a sociodemographic assessment, and underwent a physical screening in two study visits. We found no significant associations between ACEs and cognitive performance. However, linear regression analyses, adjusting for age, sex, race, education, and ACEs, showed a statistically significant association between maternal education and short-term verbal (p=.007) and visuospatial memory (p=.003) performance, and paternal education and long-term verbal memory performance(p=.029). Results further showed that maternal education was a stronger influence on cognitive performance than paternal education. Findings suggest having parents with greater educational attainment, and in particular a mother with greater educational attainment, is related to better cognitive performance in late life, independently of participant education or ACEs. This presentation will explore plausible pathways for intergenerational transmission of cognitive resilience.
PEER (DYADIC) SUPPORT: EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES FROM OLDER AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN WITH HYPERTENSION
Authors: Groves Angela , Allen Julie Ober 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
African American women have a higher prevalence of hypertension than women of other ethnicities. Interventions have not adequately addressed the higher prevalence of hypertension in this population. Social support networks can be an effective strategy for improving hypertension self-management behaviors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an 8-week peer (dyadic) support intervention to improve Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) adherence and reduce systolic blood pressure among older African American women with hypertension and describe the relationship that occurred during the intervention. This mixed methods study used a convergent parallel design. A total of 40 African American women diagnosed with hypertension, aged 60 and older were paired to form 20 dyads. At the end of the 8-week intervention, participants discussed their experiences in a 60-minute focus group session. Content analysis was used to analyze focus group interviews. Qualitative preliminary data analysis will be presented. Emerging themes included, accountability, epiphany, partnership-dyad, communication, and receiving support. Preliminary findings suggest that peer (dyadic) support is feasible and can be an effective intervention strategy to improve DASH diet and blood pressure management. Future studies should examine the extent in which dyadic relationships are maintained over time to improve diet and blood pressure outcomes. Also, future randomized controlled trials should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the peer dyadic support modality on DASH diet adherence to reduce systolic blood pressure.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN DISCRIMINATION AND COGNITION AMONG INDIGENOUS, BLACK, HISPANIC, AND WHITE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Whetung Cliff , Gonzales Ernest 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The number of Indigenous older adults will more than double in the next thirty years, and they are at high risk of cognitive pathologies in later life. This study centers on Indigenous older adults among Black, Hispanic, and White peers. It examines whether structural inequities (educational attainment, low incomes) and discriminatory experiences (everyday discrimination, major lifetime discrimination) are associated with racial inequities in cognitive health. Using 14 years (2006-2020) of restricted Health and Retirement Study (N = 27,327) data, we estimated cognitive trajectories among Indigenous, Black, Hispanic, and White older adults using mixed effect growth curve models. Models were adjusted for discrimination experiences and relevant covariates. We found that everyday discrimination experiences were negatively associated with cognition at baseline and over time. Major lifetime discrimination experiences were associated with lower baseline cognition scores and positively with cognitive change over time. Indigenous older adults who experienced high levels of everyday discrimination had significantly lower cognition scores at baseline than any other race or ethnicity. We also found that Indigenous older adults primarily attribute perceived discrimination experiences to their age, ancestry, and race. Indigenous older adults have a unique profile that places them at elevated risk for cognitive pathology in later life, and structural inequities are powerfully associated with many of these risk factors. Addressing these inequities will require the development of policies, programs, and research agendas that target the fundamental causes of these discriminatory stresses: structural inequities in education and socioeconomic opportunities.
COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVING: CREATING A CNA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Authors: Long Monica , Gleason Lauren , Graupner Jeffrey , Mittal Kanika , Thompson Katherine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide direct patient care such as bathing, dressing, feeding, as well as reporting changes in patients’ conditions under the supervision of licensed nurses. Despite the crucial role CNAs play, this role is characterized by high turnover rates and relatively low wages compared to other healthcare roles. SHARE Network at UChicago Medicine created a CNA Leadership Academy with an aim to retain and empower CNAs to cultivate their potential as leaders in their respective healthcare facilities. This initiative comprised of a comprehensive curriculum design to enhance CNAs understanding of leadership principles, communication techniques, quality improvement (QI), resilience and self-care techniques using Project ECHO, an educational model that provides tele-mentoring to healthcare workers. Kern’s 6-step approach for curriculum development, mixed-methods pre/post survey, qualitative analysis for curriculum evaluation and a 7-point Likert Scale was used for evaluation. Participants in 2 cohorts were mostly African Americans and resulted Likert scores of, 5=Competent, 6=Very competent, 7=Expert post training. Participants created QI projects utilizing Stop & Watch communication tools, fostering a culture of communication among healthcare professionals, resilience, self-care, and a team approach to patient care. Within the CNA Leadership Academy, CNAs are better equipped to advocate for patients, address emerging challenges, and drive positive change within their healthcare organizations. The CNA Leadership Academy educational initiative represents a proactive approach to nurturing leadership talent within the CNA workforce. Equipping CNAs with knowledge and support, the program initiative contributes to resilience and effective healthcare, ultimately improving outcomes for patients and healthcare providers alike.
EMPOWERING FRONTLINE CNAS TO ENGAGE IN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH AN INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Authors: Campbell Sarah , Saville Neika , Bueno Michael , Rousseau Julie , Varshney Ishan , Lee Jung-Ah , Gibbs Lisa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While considerable efforts have been directed towards continuing education for bedside nurses and providers, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are often marginalized, despite their substantial involvement in patient care within skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities. Collaborating with 36 sites throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County, California, our GWEP team identified crucial curricular topics to address geriatric-specific knowledge deficits among CNAs. These topics focused on the 4-Ms and included fall risk management, care for patients exhibiting challenging behaviors, addressing mental health conditions, effective communication with healthcare team members, and self-care strategies to mitigate burnout. Recognizing the importance of engaging and interactive education and trauma-informed pedagogy, we designed participatory activities such as gaming, storytelling, meditation, yoga, journaling, and sharing into the curriculum. Over a span of three years, education was delivered to over 615 diverse CNAs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in our 4-part education series titled, “Building Resiliency While Advancing Your Caregiver Skills.” The curriculum was structured and disseminated through synchronous online sessions via Zoom, in-person workshops, and asynchronous self-paced modules. Throughout the sessions, empowerment and evidence-based burnout prevention were taught utilizing a customized “CNAs CAN” learning kit. Evaluations were conducted after each session, and we found that providing multi-modal learning opportunities promoted engagement. Knowledge was gained in reporting changes in condition, preventing falls, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of dementia, delirium, and depression. In the qualitative data collected, learners overwhelmingly reported gaining skills to prevent burnout, stress reduction, and acquiring new self-care skills.
BUILDING CAPACITY: GRECCS’ CONTRIBUTION TO SPECIALIZED GERIATRIC WORKFORCE TRAINING
Authors: Shaughnessy Marianne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In 1975 Congress established Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (GRECCs) within the Veterans Health Administration as Geriatric Centers of Excellence. Twenty GRECCs currently exist across the United States that bring together diverse interdisciplinary teams of researchers, educators and clinicians. All GRECCS are also associated with major academic research universities. Due to their unique nature, GRECCs are well positioned to advance the training and development of the scientific and clinical geriatric workforce across health care disciplines and settings. Their environments foster learning for trainees engaged in health professions careers from initial training through advanced fellowships. As Geriatric Centers of Excellence, GRECCs also provide educational programs and resources to train VA healthcare providers in geriatric principles and best practices. This presentation will include an overview of the GRECC programs, their areas of specialty, and clinical and didactic training opportunities offered. A discussion of GRECC collaborations with academic institutions and community partners to disseminate geriatric education and promote geriatrics will also be discussed. Education, Research, and Clinical training delivered through the GRECCs help to ensure that clinicians and researchers have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to older adults.
NURTURING INTERDISCIPLINARY EXCELLENCE: INSIGHTS FROM ADVANCED FELLOWSHIP IN GERIATRICS FELLOWS
Authors: Serra Monica , Wherry Sarah , Erickson Alexander , Song Yeonsu , Yang Betsy , Syed Quratulain 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This facilitated panel discussion offers a comprehensive exploration of the transformative impact of the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics across various disciplines within the post-graduate clinical and clinical research spectrum. Drawing from the perspectives of current and former fellows spanning diverse backgrounds including medicine, nursing, psychology, public health, and research, this session delves into their fellowship experiences, the array of activities they engaged in, and the profound influence of the fellowship on their professional trajectories. The Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics provides a robust platform for fellows to engage in clinical rotations, honing their skills in geriatric assessment, management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, through structured mentorship and access to research resources, fellows are empowered to conduct impactful clinical research, fostering their professional growth and contributing to the advancement of high-quality, patient-centered care within the VHA. Through a multi-disciplinary lens, panelists will describe their encounters experiences within the post-graduate training VHA fellowship, encompassing clinical rotations, research endeavors, educational initiatives, and quality improvement projects tailored to the unique needs of older adults and older veterans. By highlighting their collaborative endeavors and interdisciplinary interactions, the discussion will underscore the significance of a holistic approach in addressing the complex healthcare challenges faced by aging populations. Additionally, the panel will illuminate the instrumental role of the fellowship in enhancing healthcare delivery within the VHA, fostering innovation, and optimizing geriatric care practices to meet the evolving demands of veterans.
PREPARING LEADERS IN GERIATRICS HEALTH CARE THROUGH THE VA’S ADVANCED FELLOWSHIP IN GERIATRICS
Authors: Hawley Chelsea , Martinchek Michelle , Hursh Colleen , Moye Jennifer , Pruskowski Jennifer , Congedo Benjamin , Dunlap Shawn , Jump Robin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The VA Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics (AFiG) prepares leaders in geriatric research, education, and clinical innovation, to meet the complex needs of the rapidly growing older Veteran population. This interprofessional, two-year fellowship welcomes physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other associated health fellows, including but not limited to pharmacists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and non-clinician scientists. AFiG is funded by VA’s OAA, and fellows are hosted by the 20 GRECCs, which are VA Centers of Excellence focused on aging. Fellows devote 75-80 percent of time to scholarly pursuits and 20-25 percent to clinical work (or activities supporting clinical care for non-clinician scientists), working closely with mentors to develop an individualized training experience. AFiG began in 2001 with seven sites and has grown to 20 sites as of 2024. In 2022, a new national Coordinating Center (CC) for AFiG was established to support and empower all fellowship sites to align their training with the fellowship mission and strengths of their individual sites. This presentation will describe efforts to foster a community of practice and increased collaboration, including national curriculum development, facilitation of networking and professional events, and curation of educational opportunities. The CC is also prioritizing a new national recruitment initiative to increase the number and diversity of applicants and to facilitate hiring fellowship graduates into VA positions, which will be discussed. With these such efforts, the CC is further strengthening AFiG as a nationally recognized leader in training future leaders in geriatric healthcare.
JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Authors: Duque Gustavo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The “Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences” is a peer-reviewed academic journal that focuses on research related to the biology of aging. It covers a broad range of topics within this field, including genetics, cellular aging, molecular mechanisms of aging, age-related diseases, and interventions to promote healthy aging. More recently, we have participated in the creation of a Translational Geroscience Section, which integrates the growing subject of geroscience into both the medical and biological sections of the journal with an emphasis on the translation of discoveries into clinical practice. Our journal serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers interested in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population. In this session, the editorial criteria for selecting the highest-quality manuscripts will be discussed. In addition, practical tips for preparing manuscripts reporting biomedical research will be provided.
CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT WITH AI: MAPPING ETHICAL PRINCIPLES TO APPLICATIONS IN AGING
Authors: Berridge Clara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Navigating the algorithmic age is difficult because of many unresolved ethical issues and policy gaps. A significant barrier to addressing ethical problems in AI and aging is that their scope is often restricted, leaving questions of power and social impact ill-defined. A contributing phenomenon is that people tend to take algorithmic output as objective, authoritative, and fair. In this way, ideas about objective data-based truth can convert questions that are ethical in nature into technical questions. Examples of questions with ethical aspects that are often not treated as such include which problems are prioritized for datification and how they are defined, which data are mobilized and sidelined, how data are collected and monetized, how representative data are, how older adults are involved in data collection, and how algorithmically mediated decision-making plays out with what differential impacts. Further, as technologies incorporate socially persuasive techniques, it is important to examine the ethical issues, such as implications for autonomy of misplaced trust with low awareness of these techniques. Recently, the broader discourse about ethics in AI that includes questions of power and societal impact has sharpened. The White House’s Blueprint for An AI Bill of Rights operationalized core principles that design, policy, and practice should uphold to protect people from potential harms. These principles are safe and effective systems, algorithmic discrimination protections, data privacy, notice and explanation of use of AI, and meaningful human alternatives. This presentation will discuss principles to promote ethical use of AI in tools and services for older adults.
ASSISTING DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS WITH INTERACTIVE AI TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Jiang Lin , Sun Fei , Chen Xiayu , Feng Yali 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The escalating prevalence of Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) presents a global health crisis, straining family caregivers. This study, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in assisting ADRD family caregivers through a mixed-methods approach. It involves qualitative analysis of marginalized dementia caregivers’ experiences in the technology era and a systematic review of interactive AI evidence in dementia care. Qualitative insights from six focus groups and 24 individual interviews highlight the need for adaptable AI solutions, particularly for emotional and social support. Systematic review results underscore various AI applications, their acceptance, benefits, and challenges, including technological literacy, trust issues, limited access, and cultural considerations. The discussion emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and caregiver involvement in AI development. The study concludes by emphasizing AI’s transformative potential in dementia care, advocating for collaborative research efforts and innovative services to support diverse caregiver groups and their ADRD care recipients.
OVERCOMING APATHY AMONG OLDER COMMUNITY DWELLERS IN RURAL NORTHERN BC: THE BENEFITS OF ENGAGING IN AN EBOOK CLUB
Authors: Agboji Aderonke , Freeman Shannon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the impact of an eBook Club on the apathy and overall well-being of older adults dwelling in rural community settings. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research gathered data through surveys and interviews both before and after the program implementation. We recruited twenty-eight older adults, aged between 60 and 86 years, predominantly female (23 out of 28) from three communities in Northern British Columbia, Canada. Each participant was provided with a Kobo eReader loaded with books tailored to their interests, alongside a tutorial for using the device. Each eReader was linked to the public library, facilitating easy access to a broader range of books. The eBook Club convened weekly for sessions lasting 45 minutes to an hour, with groups capped at four members, over a span of 4 to 6 weeks. Initially, about half of the participants (10 out of 28) reported apathy. Remarkably, by the program’s conclusion, these individuals unanimously reported a decrease in apathetic feelings. Additional benefits noted by participants included enhanced mood, improved social connections, and sustained engagement with reading activities beyond the club meetings. We concluded that a relatively straightforward intervention like the eBook Club can significantly ameliorate symptoms of apathy and bolster the overall well-being of older individuals in rural community settings. While initial challenges with the Kobo eReader were reported, the collective support and encouragement within the group played a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles, underscoring the value of peer support in facilitating the adoption of new technologies.
INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Gessa Giorgio Di , Beach Brian , Prina Matthew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Good mental health and psychosocial wellbeing are important factors for older individuals’ fortitude as they move through later life. Attention to mental health and wellbeing has continued to grow in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic playing a key role in raising the profile of psychosocial experiences across societies. However, many countries face ongoing challenges to provide support services that meet existing and projected needs. While these issues are not limited to older adults, people in later life may face vulnerabilities that make them more susceptible to negative outcomes in mental health and wellbeing or that introduce additional barriers to accessing adequate supports. This symposium highlights international investigations into mental health and wellbeing that enrich our understanding of these issues and some of the dynamics for identifying potential solutions to enhance support. The first presentation highlights the experience of older people’s psychosocial wellbeing across the pandemic using the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), with measures before, during, and in the years after the pandemic. The second presentation explores the concept of resilience in later life drawing on qualitative interviews among older people with long COVID from other longitudinal UK studies. The third presentation examines the role that mental health diagnoses play in shaping labor market exit among adults aged 65+ in paid work, drawing on Swedish register data. The final presentation investigates joint trajectories in depression scores and various blood-based biomarkers using ELSA data, exploring the potential for such measures to be useful in identifying risk for depression. International Comparisons of Healthy Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium