bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TRANSITIONS INTO DEMENTIA: REFLECTIONS ON WALKING INTERVIEWS AND THE PHOTO-ELICITATION METHOD IN DEMENTIA STUDIES
Authors: Niedoba Simone , Oswald Frank 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Environmental gerontology highlights behavioral and experiential processes between a person and the environment in relation to different outcomes. However, how people living with early dementia experience and shape their environment is still poorly understood and how these processes could be best assessed is still being debated. Walking interviews promise to combine observation of everyday interactions, and discussion of meanings of environments. Pictures taken by participants along the way may give further insights into personal relevant environments. During nine walking interviews people living with early dementia were accompanied on a routine walk through their local environment. Participants decided where to go and were invited to take pictures of their environment, which were discussed at the end of the interview. The interviews highlight the importance of environments for the experience of living with dementia. During the interviews real-time interactions with places, objects, and people were observed and functioned as prompts for discussion, highlighting not only how people living with dementia shape their environment, thus conducting subtle forms of participation, but also how environments were connected to memories and identity. The combination of walking interviews and the photo-elicitation method allows to assess relevant person-environment exchange processes, such as agency and belonging, in early dementia. Moving through familiar environments can enhance a comfortable and trustful atmosphere in which personal reflections on living with dementia are shared. In the talk we will critically reflect on the experiences with these methods, including challenges, limitations and ethical considerations, and discuss how these methods could benefit future research.
INTERPERSONAL STRESSORS, AWARENESS OF AGE-RELATED CHANGES, AND ARTHRITIS ON DAILY MEMORY FUNCTION
Authors: Mukherjee Shalini , Neupert Shevaun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The current study examined the interaction between daily awareness of age-related changes (AARC) losses and daily interpersonal stressors in predicting daily memory failures among 440 older adults in the U.S. (50-85 years) with and without arthritis. Participants reported their arthritis diagnosis on the first day of the study and then completed daily AARC and stressor questionnaires for the subsequent 13 days. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed a 3-way interaction for Daily Interpersonal Stressors X Daily AARC Losses X Arthritis. Among people with arthritis, high daily AARC losses were consistently associated with a high level of memory failures, irrespective of exposure to interpersonal stressors. However, individuals with arthritis who experienced low levels of AARC losses showed a significant increase in daily memory failures when exposed to interpersonal stressors. The findings suggest that interpersonal stressors are particularly powerful for individuals with arthritis when they experience low levels of AARC losses. Conversely, for those without arthritis, interpersonal stressors are linked to an increase in memory failures, regardless of AARC losses. Further research is recommended to understand the underlying mechanisms of the interaction and develop targeted interventions to improve memory function in individuals with arthritis, as well as those without the condition who are experiencing stress. Overall, the study’s findings have significant implications for clinical practice and highlight the importance of addressing psychosocial factors in the management of arthritis and other age-related conditions.
SPOUSAL COMBINATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND SHARED HEALTH RISKS AMONG OLDER MARRIED COUPLES
Authors: Choi Ha Young , Mejia Shannon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Continuing employment has been shown to protect health into old age. However, within marriages, the decision to retire or work is jointly negotiated which may be differentiated by socioeconomic resources. This study explores how spousal combinations of employment status differentiate individual and shared manifestations of cumulative health risk. Utilizing data of 3,143 older couples (aged 51-79) from the 2008/2010 Health and Retirement Study, we first conducted latent class analysis of husbands’ and wives’ combined employment statuses (age range fully/partially working: 51-79). We identified five classes of spouses’ combined statuses: (1) one unemployed, another not fully working (8.15%), (2) retiree couples (34.36%), (3) one unemployed, another fully working (3.63%), (4) one fully working, another partially working (45.28%), and (5) fully working couples (8.59%). Latent dyadic models parsed the outcome variables, cumulative indicators of physiologic reserve and metabolic syndrome, into individual and shared components, which were then regressed on predicted cluster membership, and adjusted by age and functional limitations. Physiologic reserve was lowest in the one underemployed/other fully working class and highest in both fully working class. Meanwhile, systematic differences in metabolic syndrome across classes were only observed in couples where neither spouse had attended some college. In these couples, metabolic syndrome was highest in the two classes where either spouse was partly or fully working. Our findings imply that the effects of extended work life on health risks are contextualized within marriage and socioeconomic resources, where the shared health of couples in lower socioeconomic status rely more on combined employment status.
PREDICTING MORTALITY IN ADULTS USING TRANSFORMERS: INSIGHTS FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Weiss Jordan , Azhir Alaleh , Ram Nilam , Rehkopf David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We introduce a natural language processing (NLP)-based prediction model to predict next-wave mortality in respondents from the US-based Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Akin to how NLP models can be used to predict future words in a sentence, we use a transformer architecture to build embeddings of a respondent’s demographic, social, behavioral, and health histories which we then use to predict their probability of death at subsequent waves. Our model surpasses performance metrics established by conventional statistical models (average precision score = 0.900 versus 0.395), and provides new avenues for personalized healthcare in an observational setting.
THIS IS THE YEAR THAT WAS: THE BEST OF THE JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Authors: Duque Gustavo , Haynes Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This session features the authors of the most influential papers published in the Journal of Gerontology, Biological Sciences, based on the highest impact in 2023. The authors will present the most exciting findings of the year on aging biology. Six authors of Editor’s Choice papers will be invited to summarize their paper and the future implications of their discoveries for 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A from the audience.
WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR PERSON-CENTERED DEMENTIA CARE: PERSPECTIVES FROM STAKEHOLDERS IN LOW-RESOURCE LONG-TERM CARE
Authors: Wang Jing , Lepore Michael , Kusmaul Nancy , Holmes Sarah , Davie Laura , Rataj Alison , Kim Yoon Chung , Corazzini Kirsten 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
One of the initial steps in supporting quality dementia care for residents living with dementia (RLWD) in low-resource long-term care (LTC) settings is to elucidate stakeholder perspectives on what matters most for providing person-centered dementia care in such settings. We conducted community-based, participatory research across four LTC facilities situated in federally designated medically underserved areas (two rural and two urban) to describe what matters most to key stakeholders in achieving person-centered dementia care in low-resource LTC settings through their own journeys. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with administrative leaders (n=7), direct care staff (n=20), RLWD (n=16), and family/care partners (n=16), with transcripts thematically analyzed using NVivo14 software. Administrators and staff members acquaint themselves with dementia care principles, participate in daily huddles, and establish rapport with residents and families. As they progress, they acquire skills to observe residents’ behaviors, empathize with their experiences, cultivate trust, delivering intuitive care that honors individual preferences, routines, and past experiences. RLWD transitioning to LTC settings seek environments resembling private homes that foster self-advocacy and rely on staff members who understand their needs and promote a sense of belonging. For family members, the journey involves supporting their loved ones’ transition, advocating for their preferences, and maintaining open communication with staff. They play a crucial role in reinforcing resident preferences and ensuring the delivery of quality care. Throughout these journeys, stakeholders identify key quality measures, including odor, cleanliness, resident happiness, and the quality of relationships, as benchmarks for assessing person-centered care.
CO-DESIGNING DATA COLLECTION AND USE PROTOCOLS FOR PROVIDING PERSON-CENTERED DEMENTIA CARE
Authors: Corazzini Kirsten , McConnell Eleanor , Kusmaul Nancy , Holmes Sarah , Wang Jing 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Considerable gaps remain in delivering person-centered dementia care in residential long-term care (LTC) settings, despite gains in instrument development, and the addition of person-centered care-related items in the Minimum Data Set (MDS). The paucity of pragmatic measures and care processes to support person-centered dementia LTC has been identified as significantly contributing to this gap. Further, this gap is exacerbated in medically underserved and health professional shortage (MUHPS) communities, which are less likely to have the professional development and technical capacity to support robust data collection and use of person-centered care measures among front-line care staff. This multi-method, participatory research study aimed to address this gap by co-designing, with residential long-term care residents who are living with dementia, their families, and care staff in MUHPS communities, pragmatic data collection and use protocols. This paper describes the development of co-design workshops through the data analysis of qualitative interviews (N=68 residents, family members, and staff from 4 LTC communities), and results from co-design workshops of identified strategies following review of journey maps (N=8 workshops). Results provided low-resource strategies in multiple domains over time for staff members (onboarding, developing expertise, and becoming an expert); residents (moving into your new home, being who you are and living, and feeling like you are settled); and families (supporting a family member’s move, supporting good care, and overall assessment of care). Findings advance our methodological and substantive capacity for inclusive and low-resource strategies to improve person-centered dementia care practice in LTC.
LIFETIME ABUSE VICTIMIZATION AND PROSPECTIVE HEALTH OUTCOMES IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kong Jooyoung , Moorman Sara , Qin Yue 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Lifetime abuse victimization indicates cumulative violence exposures or repeated victimizations within and/or across different life stages. The current study aims to examine the patterns of lifetime abuse victimization that span childhood to older adulthood and evaluate the associations between lifetime abuse victimization and prospective health outcomes in late adulthood. Data were drawn from 4907 older adults (mean age = 80) from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. We assessed the exposure to interpersonal violence including childhood abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse until the respondents’ age of early 70s. A series of multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the associations of a cumulative score of lifetime abuse victimization with depression, physical health status, and memory in respondents’ age of early 80s. On average, respondents experienced 1.1 exposure to lifetime abuse victimization (SD = 1.53). Greater exposure to lifetime abuse was associated with a significantly higher risk of depression and a greater number of limitations in physical functioning, but not with memory performance. When examined separately by abuse type, childhood abuse was associated with more health limitations and elder abuse was associated with a higher risk of depression and more health limitations. Our results support the interrelations of interpersonal violence across the life course and the lasting health effects of exposure to lifetime abuse, which can lead researchers and practitioners to adopt a more comprehensive conceptualization of interpersonal violence victimization. Findings also highlight the need for a life course-based, trauma-informed approach in prevention and intervention programs for older adults.
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION AMONG HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS: EVIDENCE FOR VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE
Authors: Weissberger Gali , Bensimon Moshe , Shrira Amit 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Late-life adverse events may be particularly impactful in Holocaust survivors (HS) as they may be reminiscent of certain conditions that existed during the Holocaust. Financial exploitation (FE) is one such adverse event that may lead to losses reminiscent of Holocaust conditions. Research has demonstrated that the experience of FE has devastating consequences on the mental health of older adults. However, few research studies have examined the consequences of FE in older adults with a traumatic past. In a quantitative study, we showed that anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with an FE experience were significantly greater in HS with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms relative to comparisons (HS without PTSD symptoms who experienced FE and HS without an FE experience). However, research of HS has also shown that they exhibit certain resiliencies vis-à-vis stress. Accordingly, we used a qualitative approach to further examine vulnerability and resilience among HS who experience FE. The following questions guided our inquiry: What are the feelings and perceptions of HS following an experience of FE? How did they cope with FE? What are their perceptions of protective and risk factors for FE? Fifteen HS (10 females, M age = 84.66) living in Israel underwent semi-structured interviews. A four-stage content analysis revealed several core themes of meaning: 1) negative emotional reactions towards FE; 2) coping mechanisms; 3) positive life motto; 4) protective and risk factors for FE. Taken together, the qualitative analyses produced novel insights with regards to vulnerabilities and resiliencies amongst HS who have experienced FE.
SLEEP: A GEROSCIENCE TARGET
Authors: Carroll Judith 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Obtaining healthy quantity and quality of sleep is important in maintaining good mental and physical health, and cumulative evidence points to a role of sleep loss and sleep disturbances as a factor increasing age-related disease risk and progression. Many older adults experience less sleep on average per night than they obtained in earlier decades. Despite convincing epidemiologic data linking poor sleep and diseases of aging, the molecular pathways accounting for these links are not well delineated. Our work has begun to tackle these questions by examining how poor sleep may accelerate the biological aging process, while intervening to improve sleep may slow aging. We have shown that insomnia is related to biomarkers of aging including shortened telomere length, older epigenetic age, and a pro-inflammatory signal. Experimentally restricting sleep in older adults led to acute changes in gene expression indicating increased DNA damage response and senescence related inflammatory activation. Treating insomnia in older adults led to lower transcripts for cellular senescence and slowing of the pace of aging (DunedinPACE). Healthy sleep may provide biological advantage for increasing restoration and repair, while poor sleep may reduce the time the system can dedicate energy to repair of insults experienced during waking hours. Parallel to clearance of waste from the brain, we hypothesize that sleep is also important for physiological restoration throughout the body. Many unknowns still exist and future research will be needed to disentangle the mechanisms through which sleep alters biological aging.
CAPABLE FAMILY FOR THE CAREGIVER–CARE RECIPIENT DYAD WITH DEMENTIA AND DISABILITY
Authors: Jenkins Emerald 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Co-occurring physical and cognitive impairments in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/early dementia lead to decreased functional independence and increased mortality. The purpose of this study is to address the needs of older adults with co-occurring physical disability and MCI/early dementia and their caregivers by adapting the Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program to become CAPABLE-Family. To adapt CAPABLE, we performed a two-part multi-method study, part included: (1) semi-structured interviews with clinicians (n= 15) and (2) photovoice/semi-structured interviews (n= 12) of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/early dementia and their care partners (dyads). The second part of the study was an open label pilot to (1) adapt CAPABLE for persons with co-occurring physical disabilities and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/early dementia (n= 7) and their care partners (n= 6) (dyads), and (2) evaluate acceptability/feasibility of the CAPABLE-Family intervention. The pilot included both qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. Findings from clinician interviews include, for example: incorporate a greater emphasis on safety, memory, nutrition and advanced care planning. Findings from the photovoice were categorized into 3 major themes. From the pilot, difficulty with ADLs and IADLs improved in older adults. Depression and pain interference improved in care partners. Qualitative feedback from the dyads in the open label pilot included, for example: the importance of written/tangible items. There are multiple methods for mood mitigation, self-esteem, and memory. Evidence from this research points to the importance of individualized intervention/care elements for this population.
EFFECTS OF MINORITY AND CAREGIVING STRESS ON THE HEALTH OF BI+ INFORMAL DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Kittle Krystal , Cicero Ethan , Pelkmans Jordan , Flatt Jason , Anderson Joel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Bi+ people (e.g., bisexual, pansexual) are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health compared with monosexual minority (i.e., gay[G], lesbian[L]) people. These poor health outcomes stem from minority stress related to sexual minority status. Due to minority and caregiver stress, LGB+ people providing care to someone with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are more likely to have worse health than their straight counterparts. Little is known about how minority and caregiver stress affect the health of bi+ ADRD caregivers versus monosexual minority ADRD caregivers. Data from ADRD caregivers (bi+, n=125; gay/lesbian, n=161) were used to examine associations between minority stress, caregiver stress and overall health and if associations differed among bi+ and gay/lesbian ADRD caregivers. Multivariable regression, adjusting for demographics, was used to investigate if sexual orientation moderated the association between minority/caregiver stress variables and overall health. All minority stressors and two caregiving stressors (caring for spouse/care recipient’s level of independence) were associated with health. In our adjusted model, lifetime victimization, day-to-day discrimination, and caring for spouse/partner, moderated the association between sexual orientation and overall health. As lifetime victimization scores increased, bi+ health decreased while monosexual minority health increased. Caring for a spouse/partner, protective for both groups, had a greater effect on health for monosexual minorities. Higher day-to-day discrimination scores predicted worse health for both groups, but the magnitude was greater for monosexual minorities. Qualitative inquiries can illuminate underlying mechanisms for this phenomenon, informing interventions and policy aimed at supporting health and well-being of bi+ ADRD caregivers.
RACE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN UNMET NEEDS OF NONSPOUSAL CARE PARTNERS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Tucker Gretchen , Gruber-Baldini Ann , Samus Quincy , Girling Laura , Orwig Denise 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research on unmet care needs of non-spousal informal care partners (ICPs) for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (P-ADRD) is limited. A secondary data analysis using linear and logistic regressions was employed to explore non-spousal ICPs’ unmet needs by gender and race using the Johns Hopkins Dementia Care Needs Assessment (JHDCNA 2.0©). The JHDCNA 2.0© includes six domains and 18 items assessing ICPs’ needs. Data included 413 ICPs of P-ADRD from two community-based studies: Maximizing Independence at Home Randomized Control Trial and Maximizing Independence at Home-Health Care Innovation Award, which enrolled dyads of P-ADRD and their ICPs. Of the 413 ICPs, 143 (34.6%) were White, 270 (65.4%) Black, with 343 (83.1%) female, and 70 (16.9%) male. Gender was not significantly associated with overall percentage of unmet dementia-related care needs. However, there was a race by sex interaction (p &lt;.001); Black male non-spousal ICPs had the highest mean total percent unmet needs (33.48±13.87) while White female non-spousal ICPs had the lowest mean total percent of unmet needs (28.03±13.75). Being a Black non-spousal ICPs was associated with having higher odds of having unmet needs in specific categories such as behaviors 73% vs 61% (p =.015), substitute decision-making 29% vs 8% (p &lt;.001), and decision-making documents 84% vs 71% (p =.002) compared to White non-spousal ICPs.This study highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of non-spousal ICPs, particularly differences by race, to ensure access to resources and assistance for persons providing care to individuals living with ADRD.