bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RISKY DECISION-MAKING AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY
Authors: Cauble Heaven , Black Sheila 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease is associated with a decline in multiple cognitive domains including executive function (EF). This decline in EF often results in a decline in decision-making capacity (DMC). It can affect daily functioning in every aspect of life and oftentimes has extreme consequences related to healthcare and financial decisions. However, unlike other impairments of AD (e.g., memory and executive function), DMC has not been extensively researched as an early symptom. By studying people who are genetically at-risk of developing AD via family, we may be able to detect early differences in DMC as a possible result of genetic predisposition of AD. 60 middle-aged adults were recruited into groups based on family medical history of AD and completed the Game of Dice Task, a gambling task that measures risky decision-making. We found that family medical history of AD contributes to variances between scores, indicating that having an increased genetic predisposition to AD is associated with risky decision-making in mid-adulthood for those individuals. This research could support looking at decision-making capacity as a possible early symptom of AD, thus allowing for earlier intervention.
ROLE ENGAGEMENT IN VOLUNTEERING: IMPACTS ON SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING AND COGNITION IN MIDDLE AND LATER LIFE
Authors: Lu Shiyu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The existing literature predominantly emphasizes the quantitative aspect of volunteering, such as volunteer hours, overlooking the depth of role engagement and psychological dimensions of volunteer involvement and their impact on health. The study focused on the impacts of volunteer hours, role engagement, and engagement profiles on the well-being and health of midlife and older adults. The research encompassed 665 participants aged 55 and above in Hong Kong. Initially, participants were classified into three categories based on volunteer hours (non-volunteers, 1-49 hours annually, 50 hours or more annually). Subsequently, they were segmented into four levels of role engagement (non-volunteers, low, medium, high) and six volunteering profiles (non-volunteers, occasional, regular, engaged, active, dedicated volunteers) considering volunteer hours and engagement levels. Results from multivariate regression analyses indicated that individuals volunteering over 50 hours annually exhibited enhanced subjective well-being (β = 0.18, p &lt; 0.001) and self-rated health (β = 0.10, p &lt; 0.01) compared to non-volunteers. Those with medium and high engagement levels also reported improved subjective well-being (Medium: β = 0.13, p &lt; 0.001; High: β = 0.18, p &lt; 0.001) and self-rated health (Medium: β = 0.08, p &lt; 0.05; High: β = 0.07, p &lt; 0.05) compared to non-volunteers. Cognitive benefits were consistent across volunteer hours and engagement levels, with active and dedicated volunteers experiencing the most significant advantages in well-being, health, and cognition. The study underscores the importance of role engagement in volunteering for late-life well-being and health, suggesting implications for integrating volunteering into social prescribing for healthy aging.
SEX- AND AGE-SPECIFIC METABOLIC EFFECTS OF EARLY-LIFE RAPAMYCIN TREATMENT IN UM-HET3 MICE
Authors: Zhu Yun , Stockwell Robert , Medina David , Yuan Rong , Bartke Andrzej 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
UM-HET3 mice were treated with rapamycin (4 mg/kg, i.p., 3 times/week) from 15 to 56 days of age. At day 15, no significant differences in body weight (BW) between the treatment and control groups within each sex. During the treatment, males in the treated group consistently had lower BW than controls (pairwise-t test, P &lt; 0.01), while no differences were seen in females. Interestingly, the treatment significantly reduced the relative weights of fat pads (visceral, subcutaneous, and brown fat) in males, with a suggestive reduction in the relative pancreas weight and significant increases in heart, liver, and kidney relative weights. No significant organ weight changes were observed in females. At 2 months, rapamycin significantly raised fasting glucose in males (t test, P = 0.0002) but not in females. By 6 months, fasting glucose levels were significantly reduced in treated mice compared to controls, with a 26.7% reduction in males and 15.7% in females (t test, P = 0.0001 and 0.041, respectively). Glucose tolerance, assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of relative glucose levels, was significantly increased by rapamycin in both sexes at 2 and 6 months (t test, P &lt; 0.05), except in 6-month-old males. No significant effects or interactions were found in the insulin tolerance test. Indirect calorimetry showed no significant changes in heat production, but a suggestive increase in RQ was observed in treated males. These findings suggest that early-life rapamycin treatment may have long-term effects on metabolic parameters, and the effects are sex- and age-specific.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FALLS AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: Yoshikawa Aya , Wu Horng-Shiuann 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Osteoarthritis elevates the risk of falling among older adults due to joint pain and stiffness. Research suggests that sleep problems, depression, and fatigue may also relate to falls among those with osteoarthritis, yet sex influences in these associations remain understudied. This study investigated factors associated with falls by sex (male vs. female). A sample of 3,895 community-dwelling older adults with osteoarthritis in the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (2,624 females; 1,271 males) were analyzed using survey-weighted logistic regression. All analyses were controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, including geographic residence, and health-related issues (e.g., balance problems, chronic diseases, and medication use). Most participants were female (64.5%), in their 70s (M = 73.74, SD = 6.4), White (89.0%), had a high school or higher education (89.3%), and non-rural residents (70.9%). For both men and women, balance problems, functional limitations, and cancer increased the risk of falling, while pain, sleep problems, depression, or fatigue were not associated with falls. Among women, being White (OR = 3.87, 95% CI; 1.86, 8.05 compared to Black), rural residence (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.01–2.50 compared to urban residence), and opioid use (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.54) increased the risk of falling. Among men, having heart problems (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.72) increased the risk of falling. Sex-tailored fall prevention strategies, such as providing rural programs and opioid education for women and increasing awareness and fall education for men with heart problems, are encouraged to support active living among older adults with osteoarthritis.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN LINKS BETWEEN AGING EXPECTATIONS, PURPOSE IN LIFE, AND HEALTHY BEHAVIORS IN MIDLIFE KOREANS
Authors: Shin Sun-ui , Yeom Hyun-E , Park Eunyoung , Jung Mi Sook 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Establishing a purpose in life and fostering healthy behaviors are critical for enhancing the quality of life in middle-aged populations. Negative perceptions of aging are closely linked to active self-care and overall well-being in aging individuals. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of purpose in life for the relationship between aging expectations and healthy behaviors and to explore sex-related differences in these associations among midlife Koreans. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 298 community-dwelling adults aged 50 to 64 (mean age: 56.1 years; 154 males, 144 females). Data were collected through self-administered surveys and analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and PROCESS macro in SPSS version 26.0. Results indicated that aging expectations were significantly associated with purpose in life (r = -0.335, p &lt; 0.001), and purpose in life was positively correlated with healthy behaviors (r = 0.276, p &lt; 0.001). The influence of aging expectations on purpose in life differed by sex (β = -0.047, p = 0.020), with a more pronounced impact observed in males compared to females. Aging expectations indirectly affected healthy behaviors through purpose in life across both sexes, confirming the mediating role of life purpose. These findings suggest that aging expectations significantly influence the purpose in life, which subsequently leads to healthy behaviors in midlife adults, especially in men. The study underscores the importance of fostering positive perceptions of aging and a sense of purpose in life to support healthy aging, emphasizing the need to consider sex-related differences in these associations.
SLEEP QUALITY, COGNITIVE AGING, AND MORTALITY AMONG MIDDLE TO OLDER AGED US ADULTS
Authors: Tate Rio , Beydoun May 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Sleep and dementia may interact with each other to determine mortality risk, perhaps differentially by sex and by race.

Methods
The study examined bi-directional associations of dementia, sleep and mortality, while testing both interactions and mediating effects in a large sample of older US adults using the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS) dataset, and middle-aged US adults using the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) dataset. 6,911 older participants and 1,364 middle-aged participants were included for analysis.

Results
Regarding HRS, poor sleep quality was associated with higher mortality risk with a dose response relationship, and a strong association between dementia status and mortality risk was found. Dementia status’ positive association with mortality risk was stronger in the “better sleep” group (lowest tertile of “poor sleep” variable), with significant interaction between dementia status and poor sleep tertile. Regarding HANDLS, poorer sleep was associated with lower survival probability over time compared to better sleep, particularly among individuals with above median global mental status.

Conclusions
Poor cognition was positively associated with mortality risk, particularly among males and among White older adults, and individuals with better sleep quality in both HANDLS and HRS studies. Future studies should uncover some of the underlying mechanisms behind the dementia-sleep antagonistic interactions.
SOCIOEMOTIONAL FACTORS DRIVING SEXUAL INTEREST AND SATISFACTION IN OLDER ADULTHOOD
Authors: Nguyen Annie , Neelamegam Malinee , Smith Matthew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research shows that sexual interest declines with age, while sexual satisfaction remains relatively stable in later life. Declines in sexual interest can result from health deficits that pose barriers to sex; however, for older adults who are healthy and able to have sex, socioemotional factors may influence sexual satisfaction. This study examined the associations between socioemotional variables, sexual interest, and sexual satisfaction among older adults. Data were drawn from the subset of adults ages 60+ in UCSD SAGE study (n=359). A series of linear regression models were fitted to examine sexual interest and sexual satisfaction as separate outcomes while accounting for demographics (age, gender, marital status, race/ethnicity), socioemotional variables (morale, self-compassion, satisfaction with life), and health indicators (physical function, general health). Older adults who were younger ages (B=-.172, p=.001), men compared to women (B=.283, p&lt;.001), married/partnered compared to single (B=.213, p&lt;.001), and had better physical functioning (B=.214, p&lt;.001) reported higher sexual interest. In the model for sexual satisfaction among sexually active older adults (n=148), those with greater morale (B=-.027, p=.03) and better physical function (B=.271, p=.003) reported higher sexual satisfaction. Findings reinforce the importance of physical function for sexual interest and satisfaction among older adults. Socioemotional factors, such as morale, are more strongly associated with sexual satisfaction. However, these relationships may be bidirectional or recursive in nature (i.e., those with higher morale are satisfied with sexual encounters, and that sexual satisfaction may lead to higher morale), requiring additional longitudinal studies.
SPATIAL NAVIGATION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE - A META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Kossowska-Kuhn Dorota , Gouveia Gillian , Charness Neil , Wagner Richard 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The global population of individuals aged 65 and over is projected to nearly double by 2050, reaching 1.6 billion. This demographic shift is expected to drive a significant increase in dementia cases, with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounting for 60-80% of these cases. While episodic memory loss is a hallmark of AD, spatial disorientation is often one of the earliest symptoms (Coughlan et al. 2018).This meta-analysis investigates the differences in spatial navigation performance between cognitively healthy older adults and those with AD. The effect size is measured using Hedge’s g. The analysis considers various moderators, including the mode of test administration (real-world, virtual reality, computer screen), the type of measure (time, accuracy), and the nature of the task (maze navigation, environmental navigation), alongside basic study characteristics such as publication year, study location, participant age, gender, and education.The analysis includes 124 effect sizes from 42 studies, involving 2409 participants, of which 941 were diagnosed with AD and 1468 were cognitively healthy older adults. The results show that cognitively healthy older adults have significantly better navigation abilities (p &lt; 0.05) compared to those with AD, as indicated by a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 1.97.This study shows a significant decline in spatial navigation abilities in individuals with AD compared to healthy older adults, consistent across various test methods and tasks. Addressing these deficits is vital to reduce the growing impact of dementia.
SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE AND RISK OF MORTALITY AMONG BEREAVED PARENTS IN OLD AGE
Authors: Song Jieun , Cha Seung Eun , Ryff Carol 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The death of a child is a highly traumatic event that may impact the subsequent health of parents. Prior research shows greater risk of early deaths in bereaved parents relative to non-bereaved parents. This study examined whether the associations between the death of a child and parents’ mortality risk are mediated by subjective cognitive decline (SCD), known to be predictive of mortality and Alzheimer’s disease, contingent on parents’ age. The analytic sample consists of participants in Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS) waves II and III (2004-2005, 2013-2014, respectively); parents who experienced the death of a child prior to MIDUS II (n=341) and non-bereaved parents who did not experience the death of a child (n=2,219). SCD was assessed at MIDUS III and mortality data were obtained via National Death Index 2022 files. Results of moderated mediation analysis revealed significant mediation effects of SCD between death of a child and parental mortality risks over time among parents who were aged 65 and older at SCD assessment, but not among parents who were younger than 65. Bereaved parents who reported a decline in memory at age 65 or older had greater risks of mortality over 8-9 years relative to their counterparts. Findings suggest that increased risks of mortality in bereaved parents during old age can be detected by a relatively simple assessment of SCD, which can be utilized to screen vulnerable bereaved parent groups who may benefit from interventions to mitigate detrimental impacts of bereavement on mortality risks.
TARGETING SOCIALLY ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS: THE INTERNET-BASED CONVERSATIONAL ENGAGEMENT TRIAL (I-CONECT)
Authors: Dodge Hiroko , Wu Chao-Yi , Chen Liu , Yu Kexin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social isolation is a risk factor for dementia. In the recently completed randomized controlled trial named I-CONECT (www.i-conect.org; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02871921), we investigated the impact of frequent social interactions via webcam/internet on the cognitive function and emotional well-being, recruiting socially isolated older adults aged 75 and above. Participants in the experimental group engaged in semi-structured conversations with interviewers, prompted by daily themes and associated pictures, 4 times per week (30 minutes/session) for 6 months. The control group received only brief weekly phone check-ins. A total of 186 subjects (86 with normal cognition, 100 with mild cognitive impairment [MCI]) were randomized. We earlier reported that global cognitive function (the primary outcome), as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), improved by nearly 2 points in the MCI experimental group compared to the control group at 6 months (effect size: Cohen’s d = 0.73) (Dodge et al., 2024, doi: 10.1093/geront/gnad147). Functional MRI data suggested a trend toward increased connectivity in the dorsal attention network favoring the experimental group. Social satisfaction improved in both groups. Our new results not reported in the topline results paper include: (1) Participants in the experimental group increased the frequency of their social interactions over time compared to the control group, and (2) Individual Treatment Response analysis showed that participants in the top 30% of responders could delay cognitive decline by 6 months or more. We will summarize all findings from this trial thus far and discuss future directions.
TECHNOLOGY AND PROSPECTIVE MEMORY: ATTITUDES AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Sanders Edie , Boot Walter 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prospective memory (PM), the ability to remember to execute an intention in the future, is critical for the performance of everyday tasks important for independence and quality of life. PM failures are more frequent with increased age and can be even greater for older adults with a cognitive impairment such as subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Technology holds promise for providing everyday PM support for older adults with SCD, but little is known regarding their attitudes and preferences toward technology-based PM support. The present work utilized an online survey and focus groups to examine these attitudes. 188 older adults with SCD and 190 older adults without SCD completed an online survey on a variety of technologies to support PM in different areas of activities. A separate sample of 24 older adults with SCD participated in online focus groups and were probed about their perception of the use of technology devices for supporting PM. Results show that the attitudes of older adults with SCD 1) differed based on the type of device and the type of activity the technology is meant to support, 2) were more positive than attitudes of older adults without SCD, and 3) were associated with a variety of individual difference factors. Results indicate that older adults with SCD may be a promising population to target using technology-based solutions, and the type of device and type of activity being supported are important to consider in the development of technology solutions to enhance independence and well-being.
TECHNOLOGY PREFERENCES AMONG MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (MCI) DYADS LIVING IN A MEMORY CARE DESERT
Authors: McCarthy Michael , Cerino Eric , McCoy Megan , Martinez Margarita , Seaton Thomasina , Goldtooth Amanda , Livingston Raechel , Dopson Rasheera 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Digital health technologies hold promise for early detection and support of individuals and family members contending with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which may be an early step in the progression toward dementia. These technologies may be especially relevant for care dyads living in “memory care deserts” who are often isolated, under-resourced, experience geographic barriers to care, and lack access to health information and services. The aim of this study is to explore technology preferences of MCI care dyads participating in the Northern Arizona Memory Study in order to better understand the feasibility and acceptability of these technologies for intervention development and delivery. We used a mixed methods approach with semi-structured interviews conducted with 11 dyads comprised of an older adult with MCI and their caregiver (n=22). These data were combined with survey data about participant knowledge and use of technologies, as well as their preferences for mode of delivery for interventions (e.g., interactive website with professional coaching, text messages with peers dealing with memory loss). Qualitative data suggest that there is general interest in technology among MCI care dyads. However, comfort levels with specific technologies vary due to demographic, social, economic, personal, and structural factors. Survey data corroborate these findings with most participants indicating agreement about the usefulness of technologies for MCI detection and support, as well as access to and knowledge of these technologies. Researchers may benefit from these insights as they develop technology-based supportive interventions and resources for underserved MCI care dyads.
TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF THE NIH TOOLBOX - COGNITION BATTERY OVER SHORT RETEST INTERVALS
Authors: Bowes Aaron , Giordani Bruno , Kavcic Voyko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The NIH Toolbox-Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) is a commonly used computerized cognitive assessment tool in clinical research, but its reliability over short retest intervals has not been thoroughly assessed. This study evaluates the reliability of NIHTB-CB subtests over a 3-week retest interval in participants from an ongoing longitudinal study with biannual NIHTB-CB assessment. Thirteen community-dwelling African American/Black adults aged 65 or older (M = 70.61/SD = 3.36), recruited from the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University (R01AG054484; Kavcic, PI) and the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (MADRC, P30AG072931; Paulson, PI), participated. Participants had previously completed NIHTB-CBv2 on iPad tablets every six months for approximately 18 months (M = 17.46/SD = 7.52). The distribution of diagnoses was: 9 normal cognition, 2 non-amnestic MCI and 3 Cognitively Impaired, not MCI. For this study, they now completed the NIHTB-CB twice over a 3-week interval. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlations (ICCs). Paired t-tests were used to assess overall change in scores over time. All NIHTB-CB ICCs ranged from 0.75 to 0.90, indicating good reliability, except List Sorting Working Memory that had an ICC in the moderate range (0.55). No significant differences were found for any paired t-tests. As clinical trials increasingly use computer-based testing measures, understanding their reliability over short intervals is crucial. Our findings indicate that the NIHTB-CB, when participants are familiar with the test, still shows acceptable retest reliability for both summary indices and subtests over even short retest intervals.