bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ORAL FRAILTY INDEX-8 QUESTIONNAIRE’S VALIDITY & ASSOCIATION WITH SARCOPENIA & PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hernandez Herb Howard , Lim Celestine , Lim Jun Pei , Chia Jia Qian , Yeo Audrey , Tan Cai Ning , Lim Wee Shiong , Chew Justin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Oral frailty (OF) is the age-related decline in oral function, and is associated with negative outcomes, including aspiration, malnutrition, and physical frailty. Despite its importance, validated tools for OF assessment are limited, preventing early detection and intervention. The Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) is a questionnaire assessing tooth loss, chewing, swallowing and oral health behaviours. We aim to evaluate OFI-8’s construct validity and determine its associations with muscle strength, physical performance, sarcopenia, and functional outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 300 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.4+/-7.1years), using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine OFI-8’s factor structure. We assessed OFI-8’s correlations with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived appendicular lean mass corrected for height (ALM/ht2), maximum handgrip strength and usual gait speed. We then examined the associations of OFI-8 with outcomes of sarcopenia (self-reported questionnaire,SARC-F), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery,SPPB) and IADL function (Lawton scale) using multiple linear regression adjusted for age and sex. EFA revealed a 3-factor structure for OFI-8 (Factor-1:Oral and Swallowing Problems; Factor-2:Dental Care; Factor-3:Dietary and Social Habits). Higher OFI-8 scores, indicating OF, demonstrated weak but significant correlations with low lean mass(r=-0.119,P=0.038), impaired handgrip strength(r=-0.218,P=0.001), and slow gait speed(r=-0.203,P=0.004), and was associated with sarcopenia (Beta=0.044,95%CI 0.0012 to 0.089,P=0.044), impaired physical performance (Beta=-0.088,95%CI -0.156 to -0.021,P=0.011), and IADL impairment (Beta=-0.080,95%CI -0.15 to -0.010,P=0.026). Our results provide preliminary evidence for the factor structure and validity for the OFI-8, as well as its association with sarcopenia and functional impairment. Further research is required to evaluate its predictive validity for longitudinal outcomes.
PARTNERS IN CARE MODEL FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND MULTIMORBIDITY (PCM)
Authors: Testad Ingelin , Gjestsen Martha , Holteng Lise Birgitte 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The increasing prevalence of old age, multimorbidity and dementia over time suggest a pressing need for interventions which can help mitigate the health challenges associated with an aging population. One of the challenges adhere to the complexity and frequency of interactions with- and transitions between multiple health services, which further increases the vulnerability to coordination breakdowns, thus representing organisational challenges for the health system as well as to the care of this vulnerable group of people. This project represents a development of a Partner in Care Model (PCM) to meet the challenges persons with multimorbidity and dementia are met with. The Partner in Care Model will organize the care within the existing health care system, to increase the health care professionals expertise in involving carers to give high quality and cost effective care to persons with multimorbidity and dementia, to meet the major challenges this vulnerable group of people. Furthermore, PCM will have a holistic approach to meet all the challenges in this vulnerable group of people, on the management of medical-, lifestyle and psychosocial-health care needs. More specifically we aim to: • Identify the most common care models used in managing persons with multimorbidity with dementia • Describe the effectiveness of existing care models to develop a Partner in Care Model • Test the feasibility of a Partner in Care Model
PREDICTING SOCIAL ISOLATION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Kang Bada , Park Min Kyung , Kim Jennifer , Yoon Seolah , Heo Seok-Jae , Kang Chaeeun , Hong Dahye 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social isolation in older adults, which encompasses limited social interaction and loneliness, is a significant risk factor for dementia. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stages are considered focal points of preventive interventions, at which cognitive and physical functions can be restored. Thus, preventing social isolation via prompt identification of high-risk individuals is crucial. This study aimed to develop and validate machine learning models to predict social interaction and loneliness levels among older adults with SCD and MCI. This study included 99 community-dwelling older adults (n=67 SCD and 32 MCI). While demographic and health-related data were collected via survey, we applied a mobile Ecological Momentary Assessment approach for real-time measurement of social interaction and loneliness levels and wrist-worn actigraphy for sleep and activity data. While the Random Forest model was the most suitable for predicting social interaction level (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.935), the Gradient Boosting Machine model was the most suitable for predicting high levels of loneliness (AUC: 0.887). Time-specific analyses demonstrated the association between a low frequency of physical movement in the morning and a low level of social interaction, and decreased sleep quality during night time and high levels of loneliness. This study showed the potential of machine learning models to predict the social interaction and loneliness of older adults at risk for dementia. The algorithms can be applied to develop mobile preventive interventions that utilize real-time sleep and behavioral data to prevent social isolation in these at-risk individuals.
PRELIMINARY EFFICACY OF AN OT INTERVENTION TO PREVENT FUNCTIONAL DECLINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES
Authors: Arias Dalmina , Mirza Mansha , Fischer Heidi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Chronic disease affects 95% of older adults in the US, with 80% having two or more conditions. Poor management can lead to a decline in health, mobility, and ADL/IADL limitations, contributing to lower self-efficacy in disease management. Early identification and intervention of ADL/IADL limitations could help break the cycle of chronic disease and functional decline. This 2-arm parallel RCT explored the preliminary efficacy of an occupational therapy (OT) intervention for adults aged 55 and over with chronic conditions. The 12-week program included a comprehensive ADL assessment and ten intervention sessions focused on health management, physical deconditioning, and ADL/IADL limitations. Forty community-dwelling adults (mean age = 67 years) with diabetes or heart disease were recruited. Outcomes measured included physical functioning (Patient-Specific Functional Scale, Physical Performance Test, PROMIS Physical Functioning), self-efficacy for chronic disease management, health-related quality of life (PROMIS Global Health Measure), and ADL/IADL performance (Late-Life Functioning and Disability Index). ANCOVA was used for data analysis with baseline scores as covariates and Sidak correction for multiple comparisons. A significant effect favoring the intervention group was observed for the main outcome, the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (p =.04, d = 0.82, 95% CI [-1.5, -0.17]). Other outcomes showed promising trends with smaller effect sizes. These preliminary findings support the potential of OT interventions in managing chronic diseases among aging adults. Larger trials are needed to confirm these results.
PROBIOTICS AND NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS IN MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Elhassan Mohamed , Ahmed Linda , Adil Rawaa , Mohamed Leena , Mussaad Ahmed , Abdelrahman Nadir 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome marked by cognitive decline beyond normal expectations for age and education, without significantly disrupting daily activities. MCI is a recognized risk factor for dementia, and early detection may allow for secondary prevention. This study evaluates the impact of nutrient supplements and probiotics on MCI patients. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were searched for studies published between 2019 and 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving MCI patients treated with nutrient supplements or probiotics, with cognitive function assessed via the MMSE, were included. Studies with dementia patients were excluded. Data extraction was done independently by two reviewers. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool standardized mean differences (SMDs). Seven RCTs, totaling 523 participants, were included. Both probiotics and nutrient supplements significantly improved cognitive function, as measured by MMSE, compared to controls (SMD = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.21). Subgroup analysis revealed that nutrient supplements significantly enhanced MMSE scores compared to controls (SMD = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.14). MCI remains a complex issue in geriatric medicine due to ongoing debates over diagnosis and treatment. Currently, no FDA-approved medication exists for MCI. Most studies and guidelines advise against using Dementia drugs like Memantine and Donepezil for MCI due to limited efficacy and potential side effects. However, promising results from recent trials on nutrient supplements and probiotics suggest these could be integrated into future treatment protocols.
PROFILING THE ORAL MICROBIOME IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Jeong Sol-ah , Jung Bock-Young , Lee Insuk , Cha Jun Hyung , Choi Yejun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Early diagnosis and monitoring of clinical progression are crucial for managing dementia. While the relationship between oral health, brain health, and dementia has recently received increased attention, the oral microbiome in dementia patients remains uncharacterized. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the diversity and composition of the oral microbiome in older adults with dementia using next-generation sequencing, and compare it to healthy individuals without dementia to determine whether the oral microbiome could serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prevention of dementia. A total of 58 older adults aged 65 years and older participated in the study, 30 with dementia and 28 cognitively intact healthy individuals. All participants were screened and clinically diagnosed by a neurologist using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR), and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 1ml of unstimulated saliva was collected from each subject, the tongue was swabbed with a sterile swab for 20 seconds to collect samples, and full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed on all the samples. Statistical analysis was performed using MaAsLin2, and it was found that Fusobacteriota was more abundant in both the tongue and saliva of the dementia group compared to the healthy group, while Pseudomonadota is more dominant in the healthy group. Fusobacterium periodonticum was found to be more abundant as the K-MMSE scores decreased. Prevotella jejuni, Streptococcus anginosus, and Streptococcus gordonii are more enriched in the Dementia group compared to the healthy group.
PROLONGED EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FRAILTY TRENDS IN A VETERAN SUBPOPULATION
Authors: Bhalla Nalini , Fawcett Janet 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The first year of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in frailty when compared to a recovering trend the prior year in our previously studied subpopulation of 3532 older veterans. We used an automatically generated Veterans Affairs (VA) Metrics computed assessment score to monitor frailty trends for an additional two years to see if this increase persists. We studied the one year difference in mortality Care Assessment Need (CAN) scores in 2652 veterans (mean(SD) age 71.7(1.3) years, 98.8% Male) from 2019 to 2023. Inclusion criteria were age 70-75 and CAN score &gt;=75 as of 2/8/19. Veterans who died during the study period or did not have a 1-year mortality CAN score for any of the years were excluded. The year to year difference between the mortality CAN scores was compared with a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction and found to be significant for increasing frailty (p&lt; 0.001). We also compared the last mean (SD) CAN score from the 2652 patients alive on 2/10/23 with the 735 patients deceased between 2/12/21 and 2/10/23 and found a significantly higher CAN score in the patients who died (p&lt; 0.001). The sequelae of repeated Covid infections involve a broad array of organ systems with an unclear duration of excess risk. Additionally, an uneven post pandemic recovery in the diagnosis and management of chronic conditions may explain the persistent increase in frailty in our studied veterans up to 3 years after the pandemic was declared.
RACIAL AND RURAL-URBAN DISPARITIES IN DISCHARGE AMONG MEDICARE PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR ISCHEMIC STROKE
Authors: Cheng Mengyuan , Kennedy Winston , Ferdows Nasim 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Disparities in post-acute stroke care are a critical public health issue, as they can profoundly affect patient outcomes and long-term recovery. Understanding how race and rurality shape discharge destination patterns is essential for addressing these inequities. This study explores these disparities among Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for ischemic stroke in 2021, using data from the 5% Medicare Fee-For-Service sample. We conducted multinomial logistic regression, stratifying by survival status and adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, comorbidity, dual-eligibility status, depression, hospital length of stay, and state Medicaid expansion status. Rurality was categorized using Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes into urban, rural-adjacent, and rural non-adjacent areas. Significant disparities emerged among patients who died during or shortly after hospitalization. Hispanic and Black patients had 62% lower odds of being discharged to hospice, another hospital, or other settings compared to White patients (OR=0.38, 95% CI 0.20-0.73). Patients classified as ‘Others’ (Asian, Native American, etc.) had 74% lower odds of being discharged to such settings (OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.62). Rural-adjacent patients had 44% lower odds of being discharged to hospice or other settings compared to urban patients (OR=0.56, 95% CI 0.31-1.01), while rural non-adjacent patients showed a 36% reduction in odds, though this was not statistically significant. Our findings highlight the critical need for tailored interventions to address racial and rural-urban disparities in post-stroke care, particularly for patients who die during or shortly after hospitalization, to promote equitable care.
RED BLOOD CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH: FURTHER INSIGHTS
Authors: Oberdier Matt , Zampino Marta , Shardell Michelle , AlGhatrif Majd , Lakatta Edward , Simonsick Eleanor , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) measures erythrocyte size variability and strongly predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Our prior cross-sectional analysis showed that inflammation, metabolic rate, and body habitus are independently associated with RDW. To better understand determinants of RDW, we performed a longitudinal analysis associating changes in RDW within the normal range (11.5 - 15.0%) with age, sex, race, and changes in other erythrocyte properties, major CVD risk factors, and other physiologic measures. Data were from 452 men and 482 women, aged 50 to 94 years enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. For each participant and each predictor, change was the regression coefficient of time from a linear model. Coefficients of candidate correlates were then used to predict change in RDW in multiple linear regression models that were reduced by backward selection. In the final model, increasing erythrocyte number (STβ=1.4980, P&lt; 0.001), mean platelet volume (STβ=0.2019, P&lt; 0.001), anion gap (STβ=0.1754, P&lt; 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (STβ=0.0684, P=0.0395), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (STβ=0.1007, P=0.0015), alanine transaminase (STβ=0.1580, P&lt; 0.001), interleukin-6 (STβ=0.2338, P&lt; 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (STβ=0.0769, P=0.0107) and decreasing glucose (STβ=-0.2425, P&lt; 0.001), vitamin B12 (STβ=-0.1310, P&lt; 0.001), and C-reactive protein (STβ=-0.1801, P&lt; 0.001) were associated with increasing RDW. The association of age with increasing RDW was independently explained by decreasing glucose (STβ=-0.2310, P&lt; 0.001). Taken together, these findings suggest that rising RDW may reflect accelerated aging. Studies in larger, more diverse populations are necessary to confirm these findings and determine their role in mechanisms leading to age-associated increases in RDW.
REDUCING AVOIDABLE ED VISITS IN OLDER ADULTS—A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH BETWEEN ED AND NURSING HOMES
Authors: Xu Hanzhang , Ong Chong Yau , Ng Angus Jun Jie , Nadarajan Gayathri Devi D/O , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Lee Jean Mui Hua 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Singapore has one of the fastest aging populations in the world. As the number of older adults increases, so does the number of older adults living in nursing homes (NH). Prior research has found that NH residents have a high rate of emergency department (ED) visits and close to half of these visits might be avoidable. To promote high-quality care for NH residents and to address the overcrowding in the ED, we developed a telehealth-based care coordination program named EAGLEcare ACT (Enhancing Advance care planning, Geriatric and end-of-Life care - Acute Care Team). In brief, a public health institution - Sengkang General Hospital has partnered with NHs in their catchment area and delivered telehealth consultations to help NH staff manage acutely-ill NH residents on-site instead of transporting them to the ED. Between Aug 2020 – Dec 2023, we engaged 11 out of the 35 NHs in the catchment area, 7 of which have come on board, and 1166 telehealth consultations were delivered. After the implementation of EAGLEcare ACT, there was a significant decrease (pre: 51/9%, post: 40.5%, P&lt;.001) in the proportion of ED visits from partnering NHs. The impact largely remained throughout the program period. We also found that the effect of EAGLEcare ACT varies by NHs and might be related to differences in the characteristics of NH residents and experiences of NH staff. Findings from this project provided much-needed evidence to enhance care transitions, improve high-quality tele-ED care, and promote health and well-being for older adults residing in NHs.
REFINING BP MONITORING: IMPACT OF HYPERTENSION AND VARIABILITY ON COGNITIVE TEST PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Roberts Mitchell , Sappington Erica , Venkata Pruthvinath Jeripity , Tremblay Roma , VandeWeerd Carla 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Blood pressure (BP) management is crucial in mitigating cognitive decline, yet the relationship between hypertension and cognitive function is complex. To further explore this, data were collected on cognitive function (via MoCA), demographics, hypertension, and BP (measured 3 times concurrently) from older adults 50-89 between 5/27-7/19/24 at the UFHealth PHRC in The Villages (UFIRB202400472) as part of a broader study to test and refine Casana’s Heart Seat (THS) algorithm for passive in-home BP monitoring. MoCA scores as the dependent variable, were examined using multiple regression. Predictors included age, gender, hypertension (self-reported diagnosis, systolic &gt;160mmHg), BP variability (standard deviation of 3 BP’s), and pulse pressure, adjusted for interaction effects and confounding variables. A cross-sectional analysis of 502 older adults (M=71.98, SD=6.77) revealed that 54.2% (n=272) self-reported hypertension, with 95% of this subgroup reporting antihypertensive medication use. The mean MoCA score for all participants was 25.7 (SD=2.4). Regression analyses identified age and hypertension as significant predictors of lower MoCA scores (β = -0.621, p =.004). Higher mean systolic pressure was linked to lower MoCA scores (β = -0.193, p &lt;.001). Older age (80+) correlated with greater BP variability (β = 0.067, p &lt;.001) however, variability in systolic (p=.569) and diastolic (p=.280) BP was not significantly associated with MoCA scores. These findings highlight the importance of managing hypertension to preserve cognitive health in older adults. Implications will be discussed in terms of policy and practice.
SEABIRD: RECRUITING A DIVERSE COMMUNITY-BASED POPULATION FOR AN ALZHEIMER’S BLOOD TEST STUDY
Authors: Larsen Matthew , Li Melody , Burton Melanie , Soke Lisa , George Rickey , Bateman Randall 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults, often isolated and facing health challenges, are less integrated into society and research, making it crucial for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) studies to effectively recruit them. The Study to Evaluate Amyloid in Blood and Imaging Related to Dementia (SEABIRD) enrolled 1,122 participants to determine the participant acceptability and accuracy (relative to amyloid PET) of a plasma amyloid-β 42/40 assay in a diverse, community-based sample of older adults. Participants completed a blood collection, cognitive screening, and a survey about their study experience and perceptions of the blood test. A subset of participants completed additional blood collection for reproducibility, amyloid PET and MRI for validation of the blood test, and the Clinical Dementia Rating® for validation of the cognitive screening measures. To ensure a diverse sample of participants, demographic factors such as race and education were prioritized during the recruitment process. Participants were recruited through existing study registries, electronic medical record chart reviews, newspaper postings, flyers, and community events. Of the participants enrolled, 23.5% self-identified as Black or African American, exceeding the study’s goal of 14% for the US population and 5.2% for a large AD research cohort (the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative [ADNI] study in 2022). Additionally, SEABIRD participants were more likely to have a high school education or less (25.3%) compared to those in ADNI (15.5%). SEABIRD achieved broader diversity than typical AD cohorts and may help inform practices to recruit underrepresented populations. These results demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting a diverse, community-based population for AD blood collection studies.