bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A STEPPED-CARE SOCIAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ENGAGEMENT INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES CLIENTS
Authors: Burnett Jason , Wasik Sophia , Hernandez-Tejada Melba , Acierno Ron 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Adult Protective Services (APS) clients are commonly characterized as socially isolated and depressed, and recently, lonely. The only evidence-based interventions for this population target depression and none have focused on social isolation and loneliness (SIL). This study is the first to provide a formal assessment of loneliness in a large sample of APS clients and the first to test an intervention to address SIL in this population. Our study uses a randomized waitlist control design to test whether an intergenerational stepped-care social and mental health engagement approach reduces SIL and increases the likelihood of depression treatment for N = 200 older adult APS clients across Texas. We paired one pre-professional health student or criminal justice student (students) with each client to engage in 8 weekly friendly phone calls. The primary intervention targets are SIL and the secondary targets are depression treatment and reduction. At the end of each call students complete a brief mental health screen to assess for higher-level mental health treatment needs. If mental health needs were detected, participants were offered to be contacted by the UTHealth Trauma and Resilience Center. Prior to participant engagement, students received training on empathy-based communication, abuse, neglect, and exploitation and addressing objective or subjective indications of suicidal ideation. To date, we have enrolled 65 participants. In the intervention group, among those needing higher level mental health treatment, 73% agreed to being contacted. In this session we discuss preliminary findings on SIL and depression, and review intervention successes, challenges, solutions, and student perspectives.
SENSORY LOSS IN AGING: SPOTLIGHTING JUNIOR INVESTIGATORS AND NEW DIRECTIONS IN THE SENSORY HEALTH INTEREST GROUP
Authors: Deal Jennifer , Mahoney Jeannette , Ehrlich Joshua 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Our senses (hearing, vision, touch, taste, smell) are the means by which our brains perceive our environment, allowing us to engage and connect with our world. Recommendations for maintaining health and function with age include maintaining strong social connections and participating in intellectually stimulating mental and physical activities. However, our senses are what allow us to engage in these activities. Sensory loss is common in older adults, with over 2/3 of adults over age 55 experiencing loss in multiple senses. The goal of the Sensory Health Special Interest Group (SIG) is to foster collaboration and dissemination of research and clinical/educational resources for professionals interested in sensory health and the effects of sensory impairments on the overall health and well-being of older adults. This session will meet this goal by highlighting work that demonstrates the importance of sensory health with age conducted by outstanding Sensory Health SIG investigators who are early in their career path or new to the interest group leadership. As part of this symposium, we will discuss the impact of age-related hearing loss on functional brain connectivity, physical activity and disability. We will also discuss how olfaction is related to coronary heart disease and conclude with a discussion on multisensory integration and mobility. Sensory Health Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
THE ASSOCIATION OF POOR OLFACTION WITH RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE: THE ARIC NEUROCOGNITIVE STUDY
Authors: Chamberlin Keran , Li Chenxi , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Luo Zhehui , Reeves Mathew , Shrestha Srishti , Couper David , Chen Honglei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Poor olfaction may be associated with cardiovascular health in older adults, but empirical evidence is limited. We evaluated the association of olfactory status with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) among 5142 participants free of CHD from the ARIC Neurocognitive Study (75.4±5.1 years, 62.9% female, and 23.9% Black participants). Olfaction was assessed in 2011-2013 using the 12-item Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test, and defined as good (score 11-12), moderate (9-10), and poor (0-8). At-risk participants were followed from baseline to the date of the first outcome of interest, death, last contact, or December 31, 2020, whichever occurred first. We used the discrete-time sub-distribution hazard model to estimate the cumulative incidence of CHD across olfaction groups and adjusted risk ratio (aRR), accounting for covariates, attrition, and the competing risk of death. After up to 9.6 years of follow-up, we identified 280 (5.4%) incident CHD events. Compared with good olfaction, poor olfaction was associated with a higher CHD risk during the first 6 years of follow-up, though the strength of the association gradually attenuated from aRR of 2.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 4.48) at 2-year follow-up to 1.58 (1.12, 2.34) at 6-year. After 6 years of follow-up, the association continued to diminish until it reached the aRR of 1.07 (0.77, 1.43) at 9.6-year follow-up. Our study suggests that poor olfaction is associated with an elevated CHD risk in older adults, but the association may be lost with extended follow-up.
HEARING LOSS, HEARING AIDS, AND CHANGE IN FUNCTIONAL STATUS: THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY
Authors: Amezcua Pablo Martinez , Assi Sahar , Twardzik Erica , Reed Nicholas , Scow Laura , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Windham B Gwen , Palta Priya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hearing loss is common among older adults and is linked to poor physical function, but whether hearing aid use may slow physical function declines remains unknown. We investigated the association between hearing loss and functional status in older adults and modifying effects of hearing aid use. We used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort study to examine cross-sectional (2016-2017) and longitudinal relationships (2016-2022) after adjustment for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Hearing loss (none, mild, moderate/severe) was based on the better-hearing ear’s pure tone average at speech frequencies. Hearing aid use was self-reported. Participants self-reported (any difficulty, regardless of level, vs. none) difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and heavier tasks (lifting heavy objects, kneeling, going up stairs without stopping). Cross-sectionally, among 3,142 community-dwelling older adults (mean age=79, 58% female, 21% Black), moderate or greater hearing loss was associated with increased difficulties in ADLs (odds ratio [OR]=1.27, 95% CI 1.02, 1.58), IADLs (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.05, 1.71), and heavier tasks (OR=1.29, 95% CI 1.04, 1.62) relative to no hearing loss. Longitudinally, over an average follow-up of 1.9 years, moderate or greater hearing loss was associated with higher odds of reporting any functional difficulty (OR=1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.24). Hearing aid use did not modify the associations. These findings emphasize the importance of hearing loss, its adverse effects on physical function in aging populations, and the need for comprehensive interventions beyond hearing aids for adults with hearing loss.
OLDER ADULTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS OF AGING
Authors: Leutwyler Heather , Chui M K Kirsten , Schneider Kevin , LaHue Sara , Furman David , Newman John 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Schizophrenia is associated with accelerated aging, evidenced by earlier onset of aging-related diseases such as hypertension and geriatric syndromes. Inflammaging is a state of dysfunctional systemic chronic inflammation that accelerates a negative feedback loop with other biological aging mechanisms and increases risk for aging-related chronic diseases. Inflammaging is driven in part by discrete cellular and molecular processes such as the accumulation of senescent cells and their resulting pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We report the results of a cross-sectional analysis from older adults with schizophrenia (OAS) to describe the relationships between health and inflammaging biomarkers. We analyzed plasma from 24 OAS (mean age 59.5). Neurocognition was assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and schizophrenia symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Physical health was assessed via the physical function subscore of SF-12. We obtained quantitative measurements of 112 cytokines and other factors using the Millipore Milliplex platform (Eve Technologies). We also derived from these data composite measurements of SASP via lists published by Diniz et al. (11 components), SenMayo (35 components) and the Translational Geroscience Network (36 components). Specific inflammatory cytokines (eotaxin, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IFNα) were associated with worse cognition and physical health, while no significant associations were observed with SASP composite scores. These results suggest that specific pathways of inflammaging, which may be driven by biological mechanisms other than cellular senescence, associate with important clinical outcomes in OAS. Larger studies could better characterize aging mechanisms that contribute to inflammaging in the accelerated aging state of OAS.
CO-CREATING A VIRTUAL REALITY PROGRAM WITH PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN LONG-TERM CARE
Authors: Hung Lillian , Mortenson Ben , Lim Angelica , Boger Jennifer , Wong Joey , Wallsworth Christine , Mann Jim , Wong Lily 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
People living with dementia in long-term care (LTC) are a diverse group with varied physical and cognitive abilities and backgrounds. Previous research has shown that virtual reality experiences can bring joy and foster the health and well-being of people living with dementia. A tailored approach based on cultural preferences, needs, abilities, disabilities, and contextual limitations is needed to foster practical implementation, uptake, and sustainability. This qualitative study harnessed the experiential knowledge of people with dementia, care partners and frontline staff to co-build a novel Virtual Reality Program in two Canadian LTC homes. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 10 residents living with dementia, 10 family care partners and 12 staff to explore their preferences on the video content and delivery methods. We also explored participants’ experiences in the co-creation process. Our interdisciplinary team, including people with dementia and family partners, researchers, clinicians, and trainees, analyzed the data thematically. We identified four themes: 1) Significance of culturally relevant and diverse videos to address heterogeneous population, 2) Acknowledgement of residents’ autonomy and choice in the co-creation process, 3) Feelings of satisfaction and motivation through contributing and learning, and 4) Appreciation of a respectful co-design environment. The results offer useful insights to inform future directions in co-designing safe and accessible virtual programs with people living with dementia in LTC research.
SPEED IN GERIATRICS EDUCATION: IDENTIFYING AND IMPLEMENTING MICROLEARNING TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND RETENTION
Authors: Henricks Evan , Gangupantula Pratima 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This session aims to explore what microlearning is and how it can be utilized by geriatrics educators to reinforce and incorporate age-friendly health elements across the spectrum of learners. Microlearning is obtaining knowledge or skills via small units and is increasingly endorsed by health professions educators as a means of facilitating learning, training, and continuing education. The positive impact of microlearning on learner knowledge and confidence has been shown. Microlearning can be integrated with mobile learning (M-Learning) to create learning material that is quick, interactive, and easily accessible from a mobile device. This is in contrast to electronic learning (E-learning) which allows online access to traditional resources like textbooks, journals, and lectures, but is in-depth, cumbersome, and may lack open access. This session will explore examples of situations which utilize various microlearning modalities for geriatrics education, such as social media platforms, podcasts, mobile applications, and point of care websites. M-learning utilization will be shown by exploring usage data from a point of care website. This session will further explore advantages and disadvantages of microlearning platforms and methods of incorporating the platforms into more traditional learning methods. Broadening educator knowledge of microlearning tools will enable them to utilize a variety of teaching modalities and reinforce geriatrics curricula for learners. It also provides learners with resources to utilize independently when future knowledge gaps are identified.
LEVERAGING SOURCES TO ENHANCE INTERPROFESSIONAL GERIATRIC EDUCATION
Authors: Tucker-Roghi Gina , Cooney Alissa , Moone Rajean , Cauble Christina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Geriatrics is a highly interdisciplinary field, and methods to enhance geriatric education need to be equally interdisciplinary. A critical step is identifying, engaging, and mobilizing a wide array of stakeholders and educational resources to enhance geriatrics integration across various medical disciplines. This session will delve into methodologies used for discovering stakeholders in geriatrics within a local institution and the community at large, emphasizing the creation of collaborative networks that promote geriatrics principles in educational and clinical settings. Participants will explore the experiences of geriatricians and interprofessional geriatrics specialists at academic institutions leveraging their knowledge and resources at their institutions and local communities. This session aims to provide insights into effective strategies for recognizing and collaborating with contributors to geriatric care, even those who may not see themselves as specialists. We will explore how geriatric educational leaders can reduce stigma and utilize stealth and speed to maximize local resources and age-friendly initiatives.Through engaging with and mobilizing a diverse network of stakeholders, educators can foster a more robust integration of geriatric principles, ensuring that healthcare professionals across specialties are well-prepared to meet the unique needs of the aging population. The session will offer actionable steps for attendees to engage with institutional and community stakeholders, turning them into vital sources of geriatric expertise and fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to geriatric education and practice.
THE HERO CARE SURVEY: MEASURING THE UNMET NEEDS OF AMERICAN MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
Authors: Dang Stuti , Trivedi Ranak , Leykum Luci 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Success in delaying long term institutional care (LTIC) depends on identifying unmet needs of Veteran-caregiver dyads and creating strategies to adequately support those needs. This symposium aims to enhance the understanding of the needs of Veterans and caregivers at high LTIC risk, to inform better planning of services and policy for Veterans and their caregivers. Our interdisciplinary group of researchers will use data from our prospective HERO CARE survey, fielded to 20,000 community-dwelling high-need, high-risk Veterans and their caregivers, to report on the epidemiology of their needs over time. We will review the survey’s socio-ecological framework; summarize survey responses from Veterans and caregivers (Dang, Chair), followed by an overview of the VA-funded Elizabeth Dole National Center for Veteran and Caregiver Research (EDCoE), under whose umbrella this survey was conducted. (Co-chair-Trivedi). We will describe unmet needs stratified by LTIC risk and compare racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of unmet needs. (Garcia) The next speaker will describe the process of analysis of HERO CARE caregivers’ self-perceived preparedness for caregiving, awareness of resources and desire to institutionalize. (Desir) We will then describe key characteristics and preliminary findings for Veterans who report having a caregiver younger than age 25, an often-overlooked demographic of caregivers. (Kalvesmaki) Our last speaker will report on unmet needs and physical and emotional health of caregivers as they transition to survivors after the death of their care-recipient. (Bouldin) Finally, the discussant will synthesize the presentations and potential policy implications of the findings. (Leykum)
SELF-PERCEIVED PREPAREDNESS, AWARENESS OF RESOURCES, AND DESIRE TO INSTITUTIONALIZE AMONG CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS
Authors: Desir Marianne , Garcia-Davis Sandra , Munoz Richard , Pugh Mary Jo , Trivedi Ranak , Leykum Luci , Dang Stuti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We analyzed the HERO CARE survey responses of 2,925 caregiver/Veteran dyads to: 1) describe the extent to which caregivers of older Veterans feel prepared for their caregiving tasks; 2) assess whether caregiver awareness of VA caregiver support resources was associated with feelings of preparedness; and 3) identify impact of caregiver feelings of preparedness and odds of caregiver interest in institutionalization of Veterans care recipients. Caregivers described themselves as, “Not at all prepared,” Somewhat prepared,” or “Very prepared” for their caregiving tasks. We calculated descriptive statistics for Veterans and caregivers and compared them by levels of caregiver preparedness using chi-square tests and t-tests. We then conducted adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess the association between caregiver preparedness and awareness of VA caregiver support services, and between desire to institutionalize and caregiver preparedness. Caregivers were mostly non-Hispanic white (73.3%), female (83.3%), and ≥ 65 years old (72.8%); 62.6% of caregivers felt very prepared, 34.7% felt somewhat prepared and 2.7% felt not at all prepared. Caregivers who were aware of at least one VA caregiver support resource were 33% more likely to feel very prepared compared to caregivers who were not aware of at least one resource (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6; p&lt;0.01). Caregivers who felt very prepared for caregiving were 39% less likely to have desire to institutionalize compared to caregivers who did not feel very prepared (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5-0.8; p &lt;0.001). Veteran-caregiver dyads may benefit from increased awareness of VA resources, including ones that support caregivers.
THE PMDC AS A FRAMEWORK FOR IDENTIFYING AND ORGANIZING PERSON-CENTERED CARE INTERVENTIONS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Authors: Buron Bill , Killian Tim 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Residents living with dementia (RLWD) in nursing homes (NHs) have cognitive and communication deficits. Person-centered care (PCC) practices ranging from improving bathing experiences to supporting communication skills have been the mainstay of non-pharmacologic dementia care treatment, although there are considerable variations in how PCC practices are conceptualized and implemented. In efforts to meet Kitwood’s (1997) challenge to promote personhood among RLWD, Buron (2008) developed the Personhood Model for Dementia Care (PMDC) to identify and categorize three levels of personhood: biologic, individual, and sociologic. Through this integrative review, the researchers use Buron’s PMDC as a framework to intuitively identify, organize and analyze recent literature on PCC interventions. The study leveraged new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify relevant studies published in the past 5 years (2019-present). The researchers used AI tools to identify over 100 qualifying studies. Through a second phase manual review of the abstracts, the researchers applied the inclusion criteria; reducing the number of papers to approximately 35. Most interventions focused on individual personhood, followed respectively by sociologic and biologic interventions, although there was overlap, with some papers addressing more than one dimension of personhood as defined by the PMDC. In the third phase, the researchers focused on downloading PDF versions of these studies and utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools to characterize and describe the current landscape of PCC interventions in NHs, using the PMDC as a model to promote additional research and advance the provision of targeted PCC interventions for RLWD in NH settings.
EXPLORING HOW INTERPERSONAL FACTORS SHAPE HEALTH BEHAVIORS AMONG HISPANIC OLDER ADULTS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Campos Barbara Mendez , Lyons Karen , Lopez Bruna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As the U.S. experiences a significant demographic shift, particularly among older adults, this scoping review focuses on the Hispanic population, one of the largest segments of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in this age cohort. An in-depth exploration of health behaviors becomes imperative with this demographic surge and an accompanying higher chronic illness profile. A noteworthy gap exists in understanding the influence of interpersonal factors on health behaviors, particularly among older Hispanic adults. This review systematically examines the existing literature on the roles of interpersonal factors within family and friends in shaping health behaviors among Hispanic older adults. Beyond the conventional categorization of cultural values like familismo, acculturation, fatalism, marianismo, machismo, collectivism, respeto, and religious beliefs as intrapersonal influences, the study emphasizes unraveling these factors within their relational context. It acknowledges the heterogeneity in adherence to these values and assesses their subsequent impact on health behaviors. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, the review identifies 39 relevant articles from six distinct databases. The findings underscore the urgency for future research utilizing mixed methods, multi-source, dyadic, and longitudinal approaches. Affirming the central role of interpersonal factors, predominantly involving daughters and wives, the study signals a gendered lens in relational dynamics within this community. Uncovering the roles of interpersonal factors significantly influencing various health behaviors, including physician visits, treatment choices, medication adherence, healthcare service use, and vaccinations, the review highlights the need for tailored interventions and further nuanced research in this critical area.