bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HOW CLINICIANS INVOLVE CARE PARTNERS IN THE HEALTH PRIORITIES IDENTIFICATION PROCESS IN DYADS AFFECTED BY DEMENTIA
Authors: Monin Joan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Care partners play a crucial role in supporting their kin and friends who are living with dementia and multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) in decision making; yet, we know little about how clinicians include care partners in the Health Priorities Identification Process (HPIP) when they are present at clinic visits. We conducted an online survey with 34 clinicians who currently use HPIP with patients living with dementia with MCCs. On average, clinicians reported that at 53% of sessions, a care partner was present. When care partners are present, clinicians reported the extent to which care partners are involved in the following ways: (1) the patient responds to the HPIP questions on their own or with minor support from their care partner (80% of clinicians said sometimes, often, or always); (2) the patient and the care partner work together to respond to the questions (93% said sometimes, often, or always), and (3) the patient almost fully defer to the care partner to answer the questions (70% said sometimes, often, or always). About 87% of clinicians agreed that patients could successfully complete HPIP with a care partner involved; 84% of clinicians said it is easier for them to complete HPIP when a care partner is involved; and 87% said if care partners had more guidance about how to serve as active listener when patients complete HPIP, they believe care partners would be better prepared to make decisions for the patient if the care partner had to serve as a proxy-decision maker.
“I BELIEVE I CAN WORK, BUT THEY THOUGHT I CAN’T WORK”: THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF PEOPLE WITH YOUNG ONSET DEMENTIA
Authors: Wang Zih-Ling 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
“Young-onset dementia” is a medical condition where a person is diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65. Experiencing behavioral changes and committing mistakes in the workplace due to dementia can lead to issues with employers, pension funds, and financial matters. However, there have been few studies on individuals with young-onset dementia or their working conditions in Taiwan. A qualitative research design was utilized to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews from three perspectives: people with young-onset dementia, family care partners, and employment specialists. This approach aimed to gain insights into whether and how reasonable accommodation could be implemented in the workplace before COVID-19, how affected individuals adapt to work, and how family care partners and employment specialists assist them in continuing their employment. The research identified three main themes: (1) adaptive strategies and resilience in the workplace among young onset dementia, (2) advocating for supportive environments, and (3) empowering individuals with young onset dementia through tailored career support. This study highlighted areas for improvement in protecting the right to work and ensuring reasonable accommodation for young onset dementia, emphasizing the need for appropriate adjustments in their work environment. The goal is for the public to recognize the capabilities of such individuals and to safeguard their right to work.
MITIGATING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG RESIDENTS IN SUBURBAN HOUSING COMPLEXES IN JAPAN
Authors: Katagiri Keiko , Kim Nahyun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness represent significant societal challenges in Japan, particularly with the increasing number of older adults living alone. Comparative international surveys have highlighted weaker familial and neighborly ties among Japanese older adults, indicating a heightened risk of social isolation. In response, we initiated an action research, “Waigaya project” in Kobe, Japan, in 2022 to foster community connections and combat isolation among older suburban residents. The project comprises “Waigaya forums” and “Waigaya college.” Forums were events which aim to engage residents and promote participation, while “Waigaya college” offered ongoing educational opportunities to enhance knowledge and cultivate resilience for individuals facing extended lifespans. Over two forums and six college sessions, 103 participants aged 3 to 92 attended, with 25.7% attending both, 35.6% exclusively attending college, and 38.6% only participating in forums. College attendance varied, with 19.4% attending 4 to 6 times, 20.9% attending 2 to 3 times, and 59.7% attending once. Post-session surveys consistently showed high participant satisfaction and meaningful peer interactions, underscoring the project’s success. Notably, the project showed promising signs of identifying and nurturing potential core participants who may contribute to future community leadership, while also supporting the initial stages of developing a community network. The “Waigaya project” emerges as an effective strategy for addressing social isolation and loneliness among suburban residents in Japan, offering a promising model for similar initiatives worldwide. By prioritizing community engagement and lifelong learning, this project demonstrates the potential for meaningful impact in combatting social isolation and promoting well-being among older adults.
UNDERSTANDING ENGAGEMENT OF OLDER ADULTS IN SOCIAL CONVERSATIONS TO MITIGATE SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS
Authors: Yow W Quin , Sou Ka Lon , Wong Alina Clarise , Ang Chi Shuen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Six percent of older adults in Singapore experience social isolation. Given that social isolation and loneliness are associated with cognitive decline and increased mortality rates, there is a pressing need for effective interventions to address these issues among older adults. Traditional approaches, such as in-person befriending interventions, have encountered challenges, e.g., inflexible visit schedules and transportation barriers. There are recent interests exploring how technology can help tackle social isolation and loneliness among older adults. As part of such initiative, we develop an older-friendly conversation agent (CA) utilizing state-of-the-art large language model technology. This CA aims to provide a virtual companion to older adults while prioritizing safety, autonomy, and flexibility. To our knowledge, there are very few studies, and none in Asia, that examine how social conversations among older adults can alleviate isolation and loneliness. As a first step in this investigation, an observational study was undertaken to identify typical conversation topics among older adult friends to build the CA capability. Preliminary findings from three recorded conversations, each lasting approximately 30 minutes and involving a total of eleven older adults (aged 65-79, nine females), revealed recurring topics such as “activities”, “characteristics or personality of others and self”, “location of place or an event”, “episodic events”, “life stories”, and “surroundings”. These insights set the baseline to test the effectiveness of the technology in reducing social isolation in older adults. How interactions with the virtual CA could alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older adults will be shared at the symposium.
CONCEPTUALIZING PERSON-CENTEREDNESS
Authors: Efird-Green Lea , Zimmerman Sheryl , Stratton Lauren , Sloane Philip , Fazio Sam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The concept of person-centeredness (PC) has become commonplace in health and supportive care, and perhaps for this very reason, there is no agreed upon understanding as to what constitutes “person-centeredness.” To clarify the concept, a systematic review of current definitions of PC in the literature was conducted; it revealed that most papers referencing person-centered or patient-centered interventions do not define the term, and that definitions that when they do, they vary widely. Given the benefit of having a common understanding of PC, think-tank meetings were held with 65 experts in the fields of health and aging policy, research, and practice. The experts were provided numerous prompts (e.g., in the context of being person-centered, how do issues of dependency and competency enter in?); responses indicated that they conceptualize and implement the concept of PC differently at the macro, meso, and micro levels. At the macro level, there is a focus on core values, the influence of privilege and oppression, and how PC is implemented – or not – in systems and cultures. On the meso level, there is a focus on organizational responsibility, the applicability of PC to various communities, and the importance of relationships. On the micro level, PC is focused on care, including individualization and personalization, the importance of care partners/family, and the limitations of PC in individual settings. This presentation will address the three levels of PC, including each level’s focus, implementation, and challenges, with the goal of establishing a multilevel conceptualization of PC.
PERSPECTIVES ON PERSON-CENTEREDNESS ACROSS HEALTH CARE SETTINGS
Authors: Sloane Philip , Zimmerman Sheryl , Syed Ayesha , Fazio Sam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Systems perspectives generally identify three levels of action: the interpersonal (micro) level, the institutional (meso) level, and the broader societal (macro) level. Person-centeredness is generally viewed at the interpersonal level, but especially in the context of health and supportive care, broader systems can shape and impact the quality and outcomes of these one-on-one interactions. To better understand how and why person-centeredness varies across health care settings (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes), we conducted interviews and convened think tank meetings with 31 diverse stakeholders including direct care workers, administrative staff, consumer advocates, and academic researchers focusing on care of older persons. Prompts asked examples of person-centeredness (or lack thereof) in numerous settings. The following themes were identified that help explain the wide range in person-centeredness across health care settings: 1) variation in system goals related to person-centeredness; 2) variation in systems’ perceived need to limit person-centered; 3) relationships between resource availability and person-centeredness; 4) cultural values and societal inequity as root causes of much variation in person-centeredness; and 5) influence on person-centeredness of the degree to which hospitality is a core value within a given system. Understanding and responding to these themes within a given setting may more effectively help meet resident needs and preferences; it also has implications for policymaking, such as creation of training guidelines for care staff and benchmarks for program leaders.
TOWARD A GLOBAL DEFINITION OF PERSON-CENTERED DEMENTIA CARE
Authors: Fazio Sam , Moczygemba Walter , Stratton Lauren , Zimmerman Sheryl 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Person-centeredness is instrumental to quality dementia care, yet there remains inconsistency surrounding its definition and attempts to unify disparate conceptualizations are often based on high-income and Eurocentric perspectives. To address this, we surveyed 39 Alzheimer’s Disease International members on their perspectives and experiences with quality of dementia care, definitions of person-centered dementia care, and the challenges and successes of person-centered dementia care in their countries. Overall, respondents describe a lack of global quality dementia care, naming several barriers to its successful implementation. Respondents also agreed the creation of a universal definition of person-centered dementia care is necessary for furthering high quality dementia care globally. Five core tenets representative of the geographically and economically diverse sample were identified to be included in such a definition: individualize care, value the individual, empower the individual, acknowledge the importance of caregivers, and address dimensions of wellness. Discussion will focus on recommendations for practitioners, researchers, and policy advocates on how to embody global tenets of person-centered dementia care. Additionally, internationally common barriers to person-centered dementia care are identified for further study and advocacy efforts.
MENTORED-BASED AGING RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES: RCMAR VI NCC, AN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SUCCESS
Authors: Barnes Lisa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The RCMAR VI NCC is led by a diverse, multidisciplinary MPI team, with the purpose to develop a robust infrastructure and community that will grow and diversify the research workforce in the behavioral and social sciences to address minority aging, AD/ADRD, and/or health disparities among older adults. This goal will be achieved through the following strategies. 1) Provide support and interaction among RCMAR Centers via an interactive website, robust community-wide online networking platform, tools to enhance collaboration, and resources supporting the creation of new scholarship. 2) Leverage existing and develop new evidence-based tools to provide early career scientists and mentors from diverse backgrounds with skills and technical support necessary to advance their professional growth, foster culturally aware and responsive mentorship and career development. 3) Catalyze resource sharing between and among the RCMAR Centers and cultivate sustainable engagement with key stakeholders including Minority serving institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and other academic institutions serving predominately racially minoritized students and groups, all NIA research Centers, the aging research community, and the public. 4) Foster reverence for the value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (DEIA) in the aging research enterprise by broadly elevating and disseminating the activities and findings of the Centers and their scientists in academic and public venues. 5) Establish consensus on essential common evaluation metrics and implement a streamlined process for collecting data to support the evaluation of RCMAR Center activities, including research, collaboration, mentoring, networking, stakeholder engagement, and DEIA.
EXPERIENCES FROM A RCMAR SCIENTIST (ALUMNA): A MEANINGFUL AND REWARDING JOURNEY
Authors: Baker Tamara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
RCMAR was established to develop a research and mentoring infrastructure that fosters rigorous behavioral and social science research on aging in a high priority research area that can advance aging-relevant scientific discoveries, lead to the elimination of health disparities and health inequities, and improve the health and well-being of older adults. The primary objectives of RCMAR are 1) career development, which aims to support the career development of early-career scientists conducting social, behavioral, psychological, and economic research related to aging, and 2) advancement of scientific discoveries related to aging. Scientists participating in this program are afforded opportunities to establish a successful program of research; personalized guidance through professional development activities, helping scientists develop skills, knowledge, and confidence in the field; networking opportunities, expanding their professional network and potential career opportunities; personal growth; feedback and advice, helping scientists improve performance and make informed decisions; career advancement, receiving guidance on strategies for success; and knowledge transfer, fostering continuity and innovation in the field. These opportunities are recognized in developing some of the most established scholars in the discipline. Dr. Baker, a former RCMAR scientist will reflect on how her participation as a RCMAR scientist has allowed her to build a successful research career on the intersection of social determinants and chronic pain in older adults; be an advocate in diversifying the workforce; and become a leader in the gerontology discipline. Highlighting these successes is intended to broaden the outreach of program while encouraging others to consider this opportunity.
SCOPING REVIEWS: A METHODOLOGY TO UNDERSTAND HEALTHY AGING AND IDENTIFY NEW AREAS FOR RESEARCH
Authors: Belza Basia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Scoping reviews is an approach to synthesize evidence. They are used to categorize literature in a field in terms of its nature, features, and volume. The purpose of this symposium is to provide an overview of how to conduct a scoping review and highlight examples of recent scoping reviews. The first presentation builds on the social determinants of health report by World Health Organization (WHO) and defines and categorizes approaches that have been implemented to achieve health equity among older adults. The second presentation is on social frailty which results from a lack of social resources and support and poses a significant threat to healthy aging by increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. Creatively using a person-environment-occupation model, the third presentation categorizes the effectiveness of interventions into mealtime for people living with dementia who reside in care communities. Building on the growing body of literature that links benefits of music to health outcomes, the fourth presentation focuses on a review of the terminology used for music-based interventions. The fifth presentation focuses on identifying the outcomes of community-based physical activity programs for people with dementia, a group that frequently is missing from our study populations. The symposium will conclude with recommendations for areas that need improvement related to scoping reviews: 1) engaging stakeholders earlier and more often with scoping reviews to facilitate interpretation of results and effective knowledge translation, and 2) identifying ways to use the scoping review results as a decision-making tool.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: McKiddy Sarah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dementia poses significant challenges globally, necessitating effective interventions to mitigate its impact on individuals and societies. Physical activity has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing physical and cognitive function among people living with dementia. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of various physical activity interventions in this population including articles from Australia, Belgium, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, the United States, and Japan, reflecting a global effort to address the complexities of considerations for physical activity interventions for dementia. Predominantly utilizing randomized control trials (RCTs), the studies explored interventions ranging from strength and balancing exercises to multicomponent training, targeting individuals aged 50 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, or mild cognitive impairment. Notably, interventions primarily involved in-person sessions, with a few incorporating remote platforms, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and flexibility in delivering interventions to diverse populations. Results indicated improvements in physical function, cognitive performance, and quality of life, suggesting the potential of physical activity as a multifaceted intervention for dementia management. Despite methodological variations and limitations observed across studies, the findings highlighted the promising role of physical activity in enhancing the well-being of individuals living with dementia. Future research should focus on addressing methodological inconsistencies, expanding diversity in study populations, and exploring optimal intervention strategies to maximize the benefits of physical activity in dementia care.
ADDRESSING THE EDUCATIONAL DISPARITIES IN COGNITIVE FUNCTION: THE COMPENSATION EFFECTS OF SOCIAL NETWORKS
Authors: Peng Siyun , Perry Brea 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Educational disparities have been widely considered a key driver of disparities in dementias and cognitive aging. In this study, we ask: Is it too late for less educated older adults to engage in cognitively stimulating environments (e.g., bridging social capital in networks) to shorten their cognitive gaps with more educated older adults? Bridging social capital is defined as access to novel information and is thought to be a source of cognitive stimulation that may confer resilience to cognitive decline. Using rich cognitive assessments and egocentric network data from the state representative Person to Person Health Interview Study (P2P; N=685), we find that the associations between bridging social capital and cognitive outcomes are strongest for people with less than a high school education. Importantly, the cognitive gaps among people with different educational levels disappear among those with higher bridging social capital. One important implication of this study is that stimulating environments in later life (e.g., bridging social capital) is most effective for the population with lower distal stimulating environments (e.g., people without a high school diploma). Finally, the relationship between bridging social capital and cognitive health is discussed in the context of cumulative stimulating environments across the life course.
FAMILY HEALTH EQUITY CONCEPTUAL MODEL
Authors: Aguilar Genevieve 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Family Health Equity applies to the family unit when engaging in health care. The family (chosen and biological) unit is often the center of support for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. I am passionate about fully incorporating the patient and family into the care plan. This is especially true if there are barriers to care. Growing up along the US-Mexico border, I saw many barriers to care for my family. I propose this conceptual model of Family Health Equity. In this model, the patient has an equal voice and power to the caregiver and the provider. Other Health Equity models do not put the patient and caregiver equally at the center. This model starts with nursing driving the change and builds from there. The Family Health Equity conceptual model includes communication as a key element. This means including health literacy, interpretation, translation, identity, and cultural consideration in communication practices that can improve health equity for BIPOC communities. Any statements made by the patients or caregivers should be treated with respect and as truth. The outcome of these practices is an increased level of trust, which can lead to improved care. Studies suggest that patients have improved communication and experience fewer health disparities with racially concordant healthcare providers. The Family Health Equity conceptual model can be utilized to examine issues in family theory, aging, and clinical practice. It provides a blueprint for institutions to address equity in their environments.