bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A MOBILE CLINIC STUDY ON BRAIN HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS IN A RURAL, SOCIOECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED COUNTY
Authors: Chanti-Ketterl Marianne , Jones-Locklear Jennifer , Brooks Jada , Williams Cierra , Bullard Misty , Locklear Keenya , Davis Scott , Whitson Heather 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
This collaborative pilot project assessed the feasibility of enrolling 50 older adults from underrepresented populations in Robeson County, North Carolina (NC), considered a racially diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged area.

Methods
The study protocol, adapted from the Alzheimer’s Gut Microbiome Project, was modified to fit local cultural contexts with input from community and local academic partners. The Lumbee Tribe of NC, headquartered in Robeson County, and its Tribal IRB endorsed the project and community-informed recruitment materials. Participants were recruited through the NC Registry for Brain Health, community-based referrals, and local meetings. A mobile clinic facilitated study visits. After consenting, participants underwent immediate fasting glucose and cholesterol testing via finger prick and biomarker collection through venipuncture. They completed a Montreal cognitive assessment and answered demographics, lifestyle, medical conditions, environmental exposures, and diet questionnaires. Instructions for home stool sample collection and shipment were provided. A nurse then reviewed participants’ physical measures, offering health counseling and resources. Participants received a printed summary of most study results except those from venipuncture, which were sent to the lab. Compensation with merchant cards was provided after shipment of stool samples.

Results
Fifty-seven individuals expressed interest; nine declined participation, two were ineligible, and five are pending the visit. To date, we have 41 people enrolled, nearly all recruited through community outreach.

Discussion
This study demonstrated the feasibility of enrolling older adults in research from a rural, underserved area. The strong community-academic engagement, including endorsement from the Lumbee Tribe and using a local mobile clinic, was key to the recruitment process.
A NETWORK ANALYSIS OF HOW COMPONENTS OF WELL-BEING DIFFER ACCORDING TO EDUCATION ATTAINMENT
Authors: Khoo Shuna S , Ma Zhihao , Jia Lile 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Singapore is on the cusp of ushering in a new wave of older adults. As one of the Four Asian Tigers, the country underwent rapid industrialization in the 1950s - 90s and buttressed its development upon a foundation of high education attainment for its citizens. This has created a disparity in the educational profile of our current (low educational attainment) and future (high educational attainment) older adults. To future-proof our aging interventions and programs, there is an urgent need to understand how different factors define and affect individuals’ well-being based on their educational attainment. We surveyed a representative community sample (N = 5,224, Mage = 52.8 years) and, employing a network analysis, mapped out the relationships among the key elements of well-being. Machine learning techniques revealed distinct network patterns between low- and high-education adults (p &lt;.001). Low-education residents’ well-being revolves around factors relating to their present life conditions (e.g., chronic illnesses, eating habits, quality of life). By contrast, high-education residents’ well-being is centered around factors that relate to an overall sense of balance (e.g., feelings of harmony) and a future orientation (e.g., anticipated quality of life in ten years). Our findings can be used to assess well-being interventions based on how they impact the central factors for low- and high-education residents, respectively. The present methods and findings would be relevant to any fast-developing country; understanding the residents’ well-being profiles is critical to finetuning support for current older adults while anticipating future older adults’ needs regarding longevity.
A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF A PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION FOR LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Zubatsky Max , Berg-Weger Marla , Tziarli Dimitra , Livingston Rachel , Lauck Jen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Loneliness and social isolation is a public health epidemic in older adults. Although providers are exploring more psychosocial interventions to help curb this trend in the community and healthcare settings, very few evidence-based approaches have been able to deliver effective interventions and strategies for this population. Circle of Friends (CoF) is an emerging global intervention that has been implemented in a variety of settings for older adult socialization and improving overall mood. The CoF group consists of weekly one hour sessions over 12 weeks, targeting different themes around health and lifestyle, arts and hobbies, and theraeutic writting and activities. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of participants in their involvement of Circle of Friends from three different group settings (university, virtual, and primare care). A focus group format helped collect qualitative themes from 11 participants across three completed groups between 2022-2024. Overall, a consensus of main themes were found across all three groups regarding access to a social group, motivation to improve other health and lifestyle activities, and better coordination with other providers and resources in their area. Over 50% of the reports from these focus groups mentioned the lack of any social group options or resources given by their healthcare team (Geriatrics or Primary Care). This study highlights not only the impact that a psychosocial group has for older adult patients, but the need for more older adult group options in integrated care and community settings in the older adult population.
ACCEPTABILITY OF A CHATBOT FOR INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON DEMENTIA CAREGIVING
Authors: Cheng Sheung-Tak , Ng Peter , Wakui Tomoko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Providing ongoing support to caregivers as their needs change in the long-term course of dementia is a serious challenge to any healthcare system. Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) operating 24/7 may help to tackle this problem. This presentation describes the development of a generative AI chatbot (called Chatbot-A) using the GPT-4o large language model, with a personality agent to constrain its behavior to providing advice on dementia caregiving based on a revised version of the Benefit-Finding Intervention manual (an intervention reported in JG:PS and other journals). The chatbot’s responses to 21 common questions were compared with those of another chatbot (called Chatbot-B) using a collection of authoritative sources (World Health Organization iSupport, By Us For Us Guides, and 185 webpages by Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging, and UK Alzheimer’s Society) as its knowledge base. Results showed highly context-sensitive and rather sophisticated answers by both chatbots, with Chatbot-A performing slightly better on mental health-related questions. Subsequently, 10 caregivers used Chatbot-A for two weeks and provided ratings and comments on its acceptability. They found Chatbot-A highly user-friendly, and its responses quite helpful and easy to understand. They were rather satisfied with it and would strongly recommend it to other caregivers. During the 2-week trial period, the majority used Chatbot-A more than once per day. Results supported conversational AI as a viable approach to improve support to caregivers. Due to space limitation, this poster will present the two chatbot’s answers to selected questions and the caregivers’ feedback on Chatbot-A in detail.
ADDRESSING CAREGIVER TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS TO ENHANCE HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Louis Renée St , Zanier Nicole , Zakrajsek Jennifer , Peterson Colleen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Providing transportation assistance to an aging family member who no longer drives remains a pivotal caregiving task. Caregiver challenges related to coordinating and providing this transportation can have an impact on the frequency and level of health care an older adult can access. Applying the social ecological model, this qualitative study aimed to gain a contemporary, in-depth understanding of caregiver experiences facilitating health care access for those who no longer drive to inform health care solutions across various levels of the system. Transcribed audio recordings of four focus groups divided between urban and rural areas (N=21 individuals providing transportation assistance to aging adults) were iteratively reviewed to draw out themes to meet this aim. Participants described their health care transportation burden and barriers to health care access for their care recipients as well as their visions for more viable options and services. Participants expressed the need for streamlined care services including, for example, organization-based policy changes to improve safe transference from a personal or service vehicle and into the hospital/clinic. Perceived inadequacy of community transportation options led to participants filling the gaps by providing rides, asking friends for help, or posting on social networking sites to ensure health care access for their care recipients. On an interpersonal level, participants highlighted the benefits of intangible yet critical support, such as compassionate employees. Findings underscore multifaceted challenges caregivers face in providing transportation assistance, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements and policy changes to enhance health care access and support services.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN OPEN-ENDED DECISION EVALUATIONS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION AVOIDANCE
Authors: Nolte Julia , Löckenhoff Corinna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Decision avoidance is more frequent with age, but associated mechanisms remain underexplored. To address this gap, a mixed-methods study captured decision makers’ subjective evaluation of choice options prior to making or avoiding choices. An adult lifespan sample (N = 227, 18-88 years, M = 50.71, SD = 19.22, 55% women) evaluated four health and consumer decision scenarios. Specifically, participants were asked to write down what they liked and disliked about the available choice options before making or avoiding a choice. Decision avoidance was positively associated with age. Open-ended responses were on average 33.08 words long (SD = 22.38) and contained a sum of 21.18 statements (SD = 16.42). The number of words or statements was unrelated to age. Responses were coded for remarks about positive (κ =.79-.88), negative (κ =.60-.74), and fixable/acceptable (κ =.32-.85) choice attributes, as well as choice preferences (κ =.34-.67). No significant findings emerged with respect to the latter two categories; among the former, the number of negative remarks dominated the positive ones. Decision makers who focused relatively more on negative attributes were older and reported poorer mental well-being. Among middle-aged and older adults, but not younger adults, a stronger focus on negative compared to positive attributes was associated with more pronounced decision avoidance tendencies. All findings remained significant after accounting for the number of words or statements. In combination, this may suggest that older age groups hold stricter decision standards or are less willing to trade-off between favorable and unfavorable choice attributes.
BARRIERS AND SOLUTIONS TO VOLUNTEERING FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Nickrent Megan , Rehman Haseeb , Sharp Bethanie , Koon Lyndsie , Rogers Wendy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Volunteering is associated with improved health, decreased symptoms of depression, and increased companionship for older adults. Volunteering can empower people with disabilities, and both the volunteer and the recipient of services experience benefits. Unfortunately, older adults with disabilities often experience barriers to participating in volunteering. Understanding those barriers can highlight areas wherein we can facilitate volunteerism for older adults with disabilities and enable their participation in community activities. We performed an archival analysis of data from Aging Concerns, Challenges, and Everyday Solution Strategies study. Older adults aged 60-79 with vision, hearing, or mobility disabilities were asked about challenges they faced and their responses to those challenges. They provided detailed information in an interview across a range of daily activities, discussing in-depth those that were most difficult. Across the three disability groups, 17 participants discussed difficulty volunteering. Common challenges included organizers of the event not providing accommodations, supervisors not knowing what tasks to assign to persons with disabilities, and other people doubting the abilities of persons with disabilities. Participants expressed frustration with these barriers to volunteering. We explored their responses to these barriers as well. Many participants reportedly used tools or sought assistance from others, but some responded by simply not participating in the activity. Understanding the range of challenges experienced by older adults with disabilities when engaging in the community and exploring their current solutions can help determine ways to increase volunteer engagement for this population. In turn, this can help improve quality of life for older adults with disabilities.
BEDROOM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH OLDER ADULTS’ BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
Authors: Au-Yeung Wan-Tai , Beattie Zachary , Kaye Jeffrey 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Behavioral and psychological symptoms are common among older adults with apathy, depression and anxiety being the most prevalent. Identifying factors associated with such symptoms may help mitigate them. The study, Monitoring Apathy, Depression and Anxiety Using Technology Evaluations, aimed to identify indoor environmental quality factors that may trigger these symptoms. The study was a 9-month observational study in 12 participants’ personal residences. Participant mean age was 79.0 (6.4) years, 7 were males (58.3%), 7 had normal cognition, 4 had MCI and 1 had early-stage AD. The participants self-reported the severity of their apathy, depression and anxiety weekly online by answering standard surveys sent via email, which consisted of the 6-item Withdrawal-Apathy-Vigor subscale from the Geriatric Depression Scale for assessing apathy, and depression, and anxiety subscales from Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for assessing depression and anxiety respectively. Bedroom environments were assessed with environmental sensors (Awair Omni, San Francisco) which measured light level, noise level, temperature, humidity and air quality every 5 minutes. Individual mixed-effect models were built with each symptom severity being the outcome, and each weekly mean bedroom environmental quality factor being the predictor, while controlling for age, sex and the week the data was collected. Lower light level in the bedroom was significantly associated with more severe depression scores (p&lt; 0.01) and higher temperature was associated with more severe apathy scores (p&lt; 0.05). Optimizing specific aspects of indoor environmental quality in older adults’ personal homes can potentially assist in improving management of behavioral and psychological symptoms.
BODY MASS INDEX AND OLDER WOMEN AND FEMMES EXPERIENCES WITH DISCRIMINATION IN THE HEALTHCARE SETTING
Authors: Roache Tavia , Brown Lauren , Mathershed Amor , Stewart Heaven , Benton Leilani , Singleton Mekiayla 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
BMI is used widely both within and outside of healthcare settings to understand health despite the contradictory evidence around the impact of obesity on mortality in middle age and older adulthood. We examine how BMI impacts reports of older white, Black and Latine women and femmes’ self-reports of ever experiencing discrimination in the health care setting over their lifetime using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) leave behind questionnaire (n=7,614). We also examine if experiencing this type of discrimination in the healthcare setting impacts these women’s mental health. Having ever been unfairly denied health care or treatment was more commonly reported by older Black (n=1,059) and Latine (n=588) women/femmes relative to older white women. Regardless of race/ethnicity, women and femmes with a higher BMI have an increased likelihood of reporting being unfairly denied health care (OR=1.03, p=0.01). Women who report being unfairly denied treatment in the doctor’s office also report more depressive symptoms (ℬ=0.93; p&lt; 0.001). Findings demonstrate that women with higher BMI are at increased risk of experiencing discrimination in a health care setting over their lifetime. This is especially true for Black and Latine women/femmes who are more likely to report discrimination. Anti-racist efforts in healthcare must also address unfair treatment of women and femmes based on their BMI.
BUILDING THE OLDER ADULT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE: OREGON’S CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & AGING
Authors: Brandis Leah , Dawson Walter , Stodola Allyson , Himes Dani , Dhar Nirmala , Smith Lindsey , Carder Paula 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The need for behavioral health workforce support is prevalent nationwide. Older adult Oregonians have a 26% prevalence of anxiety disorders, 12% prevalence of serious mental illness and Oregon has the 4th highest rate in the nation for older adult deaths due to intentional self-harm. The newly established Oregon Center of Excellence for Behavioral & Aging (OCEBHA) is designed to support the behavioral health needs of older adults. A primary objective is to boost the capacity of the workforce to support older adults living with behavioral health needs. The workforce is defined broadly and includes behavioral health and aging subject matter experts, clinical and administrative health care workers, direct care workers in long-term care settings, first responders, care managers, and older adults themselves. There are already workforce training efforts happening across Oregon, therefore, in order to collaborate and align efforts, OCEBHA has launched a coalition of organizations (n= 15) who already train this workforce. This coalition will meet quarterly to share upcoming training opportunities in order to support the sectors’ efforts, identify gaps, as well as brainstorm future collaborations. In addition, Oregon has recently received the state’s first Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) award and OCEBHA is already working closely with the Oregon GWEP to collaborate on future training endeavors. Based on identified gaps, a comprehensive workforce training plan for the next four years is in development. The intention is to collaborate with partners across the state to ensure training is available to meet basic older adult behavioral health competencies.
CLOSED-INCISION NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY (NPWT) IN OLDER PATIENTS FOLLOWING PRESSURE SORE RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Jee Young Min , Lee Seungkeun , Park Jun Ho 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pressure sores significantly affect older patients, with the sacrum being especially vulnerable due to its proximity to the anus and potential for fecal contamination. Despite preventive measures, some sores still require surgical intervention. Postoperative care focuses on monitoring, hygiene, and pressure alleviation. This study assessed the efficacy of Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (CI-NPWT) for postoperative wound management in patients with sacral pressure sores treated with local flaps. A retrospective analysis was performed on sacral sore patients who underwent reconstructive surgery from March 2019 through April 2023. Surgical procedures involved debridement and wound coverage using gluteal artery perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps, followed by postoperative monitoring. Patients were grouped into either conventional monitoring or NPWT management using the INFOV.A.C. Data on patient demographics, flap metrics, fluid drainage amounts, and six-month postoperative outcomes were collected, and then analyzed with SPSS Statistics. In this study of 52 patients, 25 received NPWT and 27 received conventional dressing after surgery. While flap survival rates were 100% in both groups, the NPWT group demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of flap complication and reduced drainage amounts on the seventh postoperative day (17.2 vs. 27.8 cc, P&lt; 0.05). The conventional dressing group exhibited one case of wound infection and three cases of dehiscence, while the NPWT group had no complications. Closed-incision NPWT may outperform conventional monitoring in treating immobilized sacral pressure sore patients following local flaps. This technique holds promise as a potential gold standard in sacral sore flap care in older patients.
COMMUNICATING DEMENTIA ACROSS THREE GENERATIONS WITHIN CHINESE FAMILIES
Authors: Xu Shicheng , Lou Vivian Weiqun , Gonzales Ernest 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the benefit of early detection and diagnosis of dementia, globally, nearly 75% of people living with dementia are not diagnosed, indicating the barriers to help-seeking behaviors in the early stages. While in individualistic culture, help-seeking is subject to self-determination, in collectivist culture like China, help-seeking is subject to family determination that requires communication among multigenerational family members, including adult grandchildren. Research focusing on pre-diagnostic family communication is scarce. We aimed to understand how the family communicated to get the initial screening, disclose the diagnostic result, address the uncertainties, and manage emotions across three generations. Guided by constructivist grounded theory, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 Chinese participants (6 adult grandchildren, 5 adult children, 9 people with early-stage dementia, and 7 spouses). The results revealed “disconnected” and “connected” family communication patterns between the message sender and receiver. Barriers to connected communication include hierarchical family relationships, limited emotional expression, preference for implicit and crisis-induced communication. Family members tend to put an invisibility clock on dementia symptoms, the diagnostic result, and even the self-consciousness of people living with dementia. Nonetheless, older adults who received an early-stage dementia diagnosis expressed a strong desire to engage in family communication. Adult grandchildren also exerted a key role in family communication and decision-making processes. Social workers should empower intergenerational family members with communication and persuasion strategies to enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and emotional communication. This study underscores the fundamental role of family communication in early-stage dementia to increase screening and facilitate the subsequent care arrangement.