bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF THE WYOMING DEMENTIA TOGETHER CAREGIVER NETWORK ON RURAL CAREGIVERS
Authors: Dabrowski Barbara , McKibbin Christine , Carrico Catherine , Schenck Sabine , Carling Stacy , Teply Abby , Punke Elizabeth , Andren Katherine Kitchen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Approximately 15.7 million people care for a family member or friend living with dementia (CDC, 2023). Many programs have been developed to support and educate dementia caregivers, but fewer are designed to reach rural areas. The Wyoming Dementia Together (WDT) Caregiver Network is an adaptation of the Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) model, created to enhance capacity for care in rural areas. The specific adaptation of the model for caregivers includes a Hub team of dementia care experts and rural Spoke Sites (individual caregivers). This study investigated outcomes associated with caregiver participation in the WDT network. The sample (n = 13, M = 61.4 years old, SD = 10.2) comprised White female dementia caregivers (n = 12; 92.3%) who completed at least six months of the WDT program. Caregivers completed pre-post measures regarding self-efficacy, caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, and unmet needs. Chi-square analyses revealed significant reductions in unmet needs related to family (chi-square = 6.77, df = 1, p =.009) and daily living needs (chi-square = 8.55, df = 1, p =.003). Changes in self-efficacy, burden, or depressive symptoms were non-significant; however, means did change in the expected direction. Effect sizes for self-efficacy (p =.23, d =.25), burden (p =.38, d =.39), and depression (p =.12, d =.48) were small to moderate. These findings suggest promise for improved outcomes associated with participation in WDT. Future research is needed with larger samples to further examine the impacts of the WDT program.
CAREGIVER ROLE TRANSITIONS IN HOME-BASED ALZHEIMER’S CARE: A SHANGHAI CASE STUDY
Authors: Wang Qingwei , Zhao Fengzhi , Wu Zixuan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease poses a growing health crisis in China, exacerbated by the country’s rapidly aging population and cultural emphasis on family-based care. Caregivers shoulder immense physical and psychological burdens, often struggling to reconcile personal expectations with the demands of caregiving. This study, based on ethnographic data collected through prolonged engagements with a family in Shanghai caring for an older adult diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, explores the application of Role Theory. This framework explains the sequential stages of role assumption, enactment, ambivalence, and disengagement, offering insights into the complex dynamics of caregiving within China’s cultural context. While existing studies have identified factors influencing caregivers’ “willingness” and “psychological stress” primarily through assessments of psychiatric distress, the practical applications of theoretical models in caregiving practices for this population in China, especially those documented through first-hand experiences, remains underexplored. Drawing from diverse sources, including academic research and firsthand accounts, this study discloses the dynamic process of role transitions in practice, highlighting in particular the transition from a career-focused individual to a full-time caregiver and the subsequent role reversal between parents and children as the illness progresses. By clarifying the dynamic interplay of roles and responsibilities within caregiving relationships, insights gained through this in-depth case study applying Role Theory in practice can offer a roadmap for enhancing caregivers’ well-being and optimizing patient care outcomes.
GRANDCHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES: THE ROLE OF GRANDPARENTS’ RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Mbam Kingsley , Fassi Janelle , Coyle Caitlin , Siperstein Gary , Ramdass Jeff , Rodriquez Jason 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A body of research, largely in the disability and rehabilitation fields, has shown that grandparents support their grandchildren with disabilities (e.g., autism, down syndrome, and physical disability). However, how grandparents’ experiences of helping raise their grandchildren with disabilities influence their identity development in later life is largely unaddressed. This study examined grandparents’ relationships with their grandchildren under 21 with disabilities to learn how their experiences contribute to their identity development and perceptions of aging. We recruited 8 grandparents through senior centers across Massachusetts and conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with them by Zoom or phone. Interview questions asked about grandparents’ aging experiences as they relate to work, family and social relationships and self-perception, detailed questions about the nature of their relationships with grandchildren, identity development, and demographics. After transcribing the interviews, we used the NVivo 14 software program for qualitative data analysis to analyze our data, identify themes, and draw conclusions. We approached analysis using a constant comparative method that sorts data into various groups, according to specified attributes, and then organizes them in a way to formulate new ideas or theory. Themes that emerged were grandparents’ resilience, attitude of gratitude, role conflict of grandparental with parental influence, and the desire to live longer to remain a support for the grandchild. These findings highlight the paradox of grandparents’ emotions in supporting their grandchildren with disabilities for improved quality of life and functioning. Furthermore, these findings have implications for practitioners providing support services to grandparents raising their grandchildren with disabilities.
GRANDPARENT CAREGIVING AND EPIGENETIC AGING AMONG MIDLIFE AND OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Bhat Aarti , Trexberg Kaitlin , Apsley Abner , Almeida David , Shalev Idan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In recent decades, grandparents have taken more active caregiving roles, with over 10% of U.S. grandparents raising a grandchild for 6+ months. Role theory postulates grandparent caregivers face unique strain due to complex roles as second-time parents, and physical demandingness of caring for children. Given grandparents are already vulnerable to aging-associated health deterioration, it is important to understand how grandparent caregiving may affect aging processes. Epigenetic aging is an indicator of healthspan and mortality risk that has not been studied in context of grandparent caregiving. DNA methylation patterns at sites associated with markers of aging have led to development of epigenetic “clocks”, which estimate biological age. We examined associations between grandparent caregiving and several epigenetic clocks among a sample of grandparents participating in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (n=488; mean age=59.41; Black=30.94%; other non-white race=6.56%; female=60.04%). 18.65% of grandparents reported taking on major responsibility for raising grandchild(ren) for 6+ months; among these individuals, mean number of years caring for grandchild(ren) was 5.27 (median=3, range=0-21). Preliminary analyses found, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics (chronological age was compared against biological age estimates for each clock; race, gender, socioeconomic and marital status were covariates) and BMI (covariate), significant associations between grandparent caregiving and some epigenetic clocks (i.e., DunedinPACE), but not all. Among grandparents who reported providing instrumental care, number of years of care (using median split) was also significantly associated with DunedinPACE. These results indicate prolonged grandparent caregiving may contribute to increased stress and health deterioration at a molecular level.
MEASURING CAREGIVING INTENSITY
Authors: Nadash Pamela , Tell Eileen , Park Sung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper discusses measurement of caregiving intensity, using empirical data to illustrate the need to develop a consensus around measurement of this construct. “Caregiving intensity” differs from the related construct, “caregiver burden”, which measures the subjective experience of caregiving; caregiving intensity focuses instead on objective measures of the caregiving experience. Caregiving intensity is operationalized in various ways, employing hours of care provided, the perceived difficulty of care, care recipient characteristics, co-residence, or combinations thereof. We use a unique dataset comprising a representative panel of 385 family caregivers, which was compiled to help understand the decision-making process behind hiring professional home care. Consequently, the survey collected rich data about the caregiving experience of participants, including caregiving-related variables and respondents’ employment situations, enabling the construction of variables representing caregiver intensity, including the frequency of care provided for activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and the level of perceived difficulty in providing those activities, as well as co-residence, long-distance caregiving, and having a child under 21. Using multivariate techniques employing these measures of intensity as predictor variables, the study found that while the frequency of helping with ADLs and IADLs mattered in predicting use of paid home care, the likelihood of being employed was not predicted by frequency of ADL and IADL support, but rather by the perceived difficulty of these caregiving tasks (as well as other variables). These findings suggest the need for further work in conceptualizing caregiving intensity.
SOCIAL MEDIA–BASED BIBLIOTHERAPY FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA: A PILOT RCT
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Isaac Leung Sze Him , Avis Fan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Informal caregivers of individuals with dementia are often overlooked as they themselves experience mental health issues. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy of social media-based bibliotherapy in improving the mental health of informal caregivers.

Methods
A total of 60 informal caregivers were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to either the social media-based bibliotherapy group, which received eight weekly sessions of electronic bibliotherapy, or the usual care group, which only received routine services from community centers. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, χ2 tests, and generalized estimating equations were used for quantitative data analysis.

Results
The average age of caregivers was 57.41 (SD, 13.63), with a majority being female (79.3%). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The findings demonstrated that social media-based bibliotherapy was well received for informal caregivers, with WhatsApp being the preferred medium in this study. The efficacy on mental health (Wald χ2=8.918, p=.003) and all the subscales of stress (Wald χ2=4.198, p=.040), anxiety (Wald χ2=7.667, p=.006), depression (Wald χ2=9.127, p=.003) was statistically significant. The efficacy on caregiving appraisal was only significant on the perceived caregiving burden subscale (Wald χ2=4.954, p=.026). The efficacy on the mental component scale of health-related quality of life approached significance (Wald χ2=3.634, p=.057). Conclusions: The utilization of social media-based electronic bibliotherapy was well received among informal caregivers of individuals with dementia, demonstrating potential positive effects on their mental health within this specific cohort.
THE IMPACT OF PAID FAMILY LEAVE ON INFORMAL AND FORMAL CARE RECEIPT FOR MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Qian Yuting , Chen Xi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
About one-sixth of middle-aged and older adults in the U.S. have difficulty with at least one activity of daily living (ADL), and this prevalence increases with age. Working caregivers face a trade-off between spending time earning income and providing care for their disabled family members. Recognizing this challenge, thirteen states and Washington, D.C. have implemented or recently passed mandatory paid family leave (PFL) programs, which provide partially paid leave for workers caring for ill family members. This paper analyzes the impact of PFL policies on both informal and formal care receipt among middle-aged and older adults with disabilities in the U.S., and the heterogeneous effects by family availability. We use data from the 1998-2018 public and restricted-use version of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and leverage the PFL programs implemented in California (2004), New Jersey (2009), and New York (2018) in a difference-in-differences (DiD) design. We find that, among individuals with disabilities who have both a spouse and children, PFL access is associated with an 8.0 percentage point increase in the likelihood that disabled individuals report receiving informal care from their children. We also show that PFL access significantly increases the receipt of formal care and increases the use of home care services and nursing home care for disabled individuals who have a spouse. Our findings demonstrate that PFL policies support healthy aging for middle-aged and older adults with disabilities, but its impact is limited for some vulnerable groups, such as disabled individuals with children only.
UNDERSTANDING OLDER AMERICANS’ DEBT: INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE AND IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS
Authors: Ortiz Hector 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Debt is a common and important factor in older adults’ financial lives and balance sheets. According to the Survey of Consumer Finances, in 2022, 63 percent (31.3 million) of households headed by adults ages 60 and older held debt. In total, they held over $4.1 trillion in debt. Existing research and data suggest that there is also a strong relationship between debt and aging. This relationship is growing and changing. Despite the importance of debt in older adults’ financial lives, there are foundational gaps in qualitative data that limit researchers, policymakers, and educators’ ability to understand and monitor the level of debt held by older adults and the risk that debt poses to older adults. To address this gap, and provide insights into the growing and changing relationship between aging and debt, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an agency of the United States government, conducted cognitive and in-depth interviews with 54 participants, a majority (81 percent) of whom were age 62 or older, in June and July 2023. The findings revealed important gaps in the completeness of existing data sources that serve as a tool for monitoring trends and risks related to older adults’ debt. Moreover, the study findings also have important implications for areas where greater focus on consumer protection may be warranted.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: GENDER AND GENERATION DISPARITIES IN ATTITUDES AND HELP-SEEKING AMONG AMERICAN INDIAN ADULTS
Authors: Lee Yeon-Shim , Roh Soonhee , Moon Heehyul , Warne Donald K , Thin-Elk Serene , Stone Sasheen T 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
While the benefits of knowledge about health and preventive measures are widely acknowledged, little attention has been paid to the knowledge and attitudes of American Indian adults towards Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias (ADRD). Therefore, this study examines the attitudes towards Alzheimer’s Disease and help-seeking intentions among American Indian adults, with a specific focus on gender differences. Method: Convenience sampling was used to recruit 227 American Indian adults in the Northern Plains. We employed t-tests and chi-square tests to examine the differences in attitudes toward ADRD (including stigma, knowledge, and attitude) and help-seeking intentions by gender and generation (Millennial or Younger vs. Gen X or older).

Results
More than two-thirds of the participants showed signs of cognitive impairment. Among the respondents, 60% were female, and 54% had completed education beyond high school. Approximately 50% were from the Millennial or younger generation. Female American Indian adults were more likely to report higher levels of ADRD knowledge, positive attitudes toward ADRD, and help-seeking intentions compared to their male counterparts. No significant differences were found in attitudes and help-seeking intentions by generation.

Conclusion
The findings underscore the gender disparities in ADRD-related attitudes and help-seeking intentions among American Indian adults. Tailored educational support programs should account for these variations, focusing on strategies to encourage American Indian adults to seek an ADRD diagnosis.
MALE SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS ARE ON THE RISE BUT THEY PROVIDE MOSTLY SECONDARY, INSTRUMENTAL, AND LOW-INTENSITY CARE
Authors: Cha Hyungmin , Ailshire Jennifer 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite demographic projections that more men are adopting caregiving roles than ever before, there is a lack of population-level estimates regarding the prevalence of male caregivers over time. It is also unclear which types of caregiving tasks men typically provide. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2002-2018), we investigate trends in the prevalence of spousal caregiving among both men and women. We also analyze subcategories of caregiving, including primary versus secondary caregiving, activities of daily living versus instrumental activities of daily living, and high-intensity versus low-intensity care. Our results indicate that the prevalence of male caregivers has been increasing from 2002 to 2018, but these caregivers primarily focus on secondary, instrumental, and low-intensity caregiving. Further descriptive statistics comparing male caregivers in 2002 to those in 2018 reveal that this trend may be attributed to a growing number of Hispanic individuals, younger cohorts, highly educated, retired, and wealthy men, as well as those with older spouses. Our findings reveal the increase in male caregivers over time, which reshapes the gendered profile of caregivers. Nevertheless, male caregivers still primarily provide secondary, instrumental, and low-intensity care.
SLEEP AND STRESS IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND SPOUSES: EXAMINING SEX DIFFERENCES
Authors: Stearns Melanie , McGovney Kevin , Curtis Ashley , Costa Amy , Miller Mary Beth , Nair Uma , McCrae Christina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Informal caregiving is associated with sleep and stress, particularly among women, but no studies have examined the impact of caregiving for different individuals (child, parent, spouse) on sleep and stress. This study fills that gap. Caregivers of a child (N=151, Mage=40.50, 52%-female), parent (N=99, Mage=44.45, 52%-female), and spouse (N=71, Mage=55.26, 45%-female) completed the Perceived Stress Scale and reported bed/waketime consistency and night awakenings. Three-way ANOVAs evaluated interactions (caregiver-type x sleep/stress x sex) and main effects, controlling for age. Main effects also were examined separately for men and women. Pairwise comparisons clarified significant differences. Interactions not significant. A significant main effect (p=.049) occurred for night awakenings, consistent bedtime (p=.025), consistent waketime (p=.049), and stress (p=.045). Caregiver-child reported less consistent bedtimes (M=3.66+\-1.73) than caregiver-parent (M=2.93+\-1.63; p&lt;.001) or caregiver-spouse (M=3.20+\-1.78; p=.009). Caregiver-child reported less consistent waketimes (M=3.23+\-1.62) than caregiver-parent (M=2.61+\-1.52; p=.003). Caregiver-child (M=4.39+\-2.87; p=.009) and caregiver-parent (M=4.28+\-2.91; p=.031) reported more night awakenings than caregiver-spouse (M=3.35+\-2.46). Caregiver-child reported more stress (M=19.91+\-5.95) than caregiver-spouse (M=17.56+\-7.46; p=.013). For women, a significant main effect (p=.008) occurred for stress and consistent waketimes (p=.047). Among women, caregiver-child reported more stress (M=21.25+\-6.02) than caregiver-parent (M=20.75+\-6.0; p=.014) or caregiver-spouse (M=16.63+\-7.4; p&lt;.001). Caregiver-child reported less consistent waketimes for women (M=3.25+\-1.71) than caregiver-parent (M=2.83+\-1.30; p=.010). Thus, child and parent caregivers, particularly women, may experience increased sleep problems/stress. This may be in part due to caregiving burdens placed on women. Thus, women caregivers may need additional monitoring and support. We encourage longitudinal research examining what contributes to increased sleep and stress among caregivers.
AGING AMONG JAPANESE OVERSEAS/EXPATRIATES: A COMPREHENSIVE MIXED METHODS STUDY
Authors: Toyama Itsuko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The challenges of aging for Japanese individuals living abroad have received limited attention in both Japan and their countries of residence, and they are underrepresented in academic research. This marginalization derives from the small population of Japanese expatriates and the ambiguity surrounding the term “Japanese,” as a nationality and cultural identity. As there are currently no available data on this topic, original research is necessary. Additionally, a holistic perspective is essential to approach aging as a life course. This study employs a convergent parallel mixed methods design to examine four Japanese communities in multicultural societies across the US, the UK, the Netherlands, and Brazil. Quantitative data were collected through nearly identical questionnaires on aging conditions and analyzed in Brazil (2002), the UK (2013), the Netherlands (2014), and New York (2018). Qualitative data, including interviews and oral histories, were collected in the respective communities since 1993. This presentation demonstrates the validity of using mixed methods in minority aging research. The comparison of quantitative research indicates ethnic strategies for supporting aging individuals and preserving dignity, including culturally oriented facilities or residences that use the Japanese language and offer food, activities, and care for older adult. Qualitative research interviews and oral histories reveal individual resilience in terms of aging and escaping isolation. For instance, some participants use their internment experiences to adapt to group living in a retirement or nursing home, while others maintain the hope of returning to Japan. Thus, the mixed methods approach provides a detailed and comprehensive conceptualization of aging.