bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENTS AND COGNITIVE HEALTH: ADVANCEMENTS IN CONCEPTS AND METHODS
Authors: Rosso Andrea , Hirsch Jana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Evidence for the importance of residential neighborhood environments for cognitive health in older adults has grown substantially in the past decade. It is important to understand details of these relations, including timing and mechanisms, as interventions at the neighborhood level could have broad public health importance. Here, we present a series of five talks from four studies that aim to advance the field of environmental influences on cognitive health through several conceptual and methodological advancements: inclusion of lifecourse exposures (Cheng, Finlay), consideration of the role of race as a social construct and a modifier of neighborhood exposures (Cheng), incorporation of blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease as an outcome (Fan), consideration of spatial and historical context in interpreting results (Moored, Desjardins), use of qualitative interviews to gain insight from people’s lived experiences (Finlay), and use of novel exposures such as cognability (Finlay) and blue space (Moored, Desjardins) as well as upstream factors indicative of structural disadvantage (Cheng, Fan, Desjardin). Together, these talks will challenge the audience to consider the complex ways in which neighborhoods could influence cognitive outcomes and how to best approach analysis and interpretation of such data. Advancing our conceptual understanding of the influence of neighborhoods on cognitive aging over the lifecourse will allow for informed public health interventions. A discussion of next steps will be led by Jana Hirsch. Environmental Gerontology Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
LIFE COURSE “COGNABILITY”: INVESTIGATING NEIGHBORHOODS AND COGNITIVE HEALTH RISKS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Authors: Finlay Jessica , Savard Grace , Alvarez-McNelis Desiree , Sagehorn Mallory , Esposito Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A growing body of evidence identifies potentially modifiable individual risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) such as physical inactivity, hypertension, and social isolation. However, the neighborhood built and social environments in which people develop and navigate these risk factors are often overlooked. This knowledge gap is particularly acute for longitudinal neighborhood contexts that may differentially structure opportunities and barriers to individual ADRD risk across the lifespan. The Neighborhoods and Health at All Ages Study employed seated and mobile interviews from August 2023-March 2024 to investigate which neighborhood amenities and hazards are perceived as most relevant to cognitive health-promoting activities at different life course stages. Fifty-six study participants living across the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN) metropolitan area were on average 42 years old (range: 18-75). 52% identified as female, 40% male, 8% non-binary; and 29% identified as Asian, 24% Hispanic, 19% Black/African American, 17% non-Hispanic White, and 11% American Indian/Alaska Native. Reflexive thematic analysis identified that greater access to affordable amenities, online social infrastructure, and robust public and active transit in young adulthood; safe transportation, online neighborhood swaps, and educational sites (e.g., daycares, schools) in mid-life; and civic/social organizations, arts/cultural amenities, and accessible outdoor recreation in later life can support cognitively healthy lifestyle behaviors. The interviews captured nuanced perspectives and varying personal experiences of how individuals uniquely engage with their neighborhood environments, including navigating structural racism, classism, and ageism. Results may inform upstream community-level interventions to help create more equitable neighborhoods with opportunities to support lifelong cognitive health.
LAUNCHING A NEW UNIVERSITY-BASED OPENING MINDS THROUGH ARTS PROGRAM
Authors: Carr Dawn , Monroe Suzanne Smith 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Florida State University launched the Opening Minds through Arts program in Fall of 2023 within the college of Social Sciences and Public Policy. The current model is based in a student internship program, in which students are able to earn up to three credit hours. The internship course includes one face-to-face, hour-long class per week with an instructor in which they complete course readings, watch videos, and listen to podcasts to learn about Alzheimer’s and Dementia related subjects, as well as research associated with art-based therapies and person-centered care models. Students are paired with one older adult for the semester at one of our two partnership residential care homes, in which students facilitate art making and, in the process, get to know their older adult artist. Since the program’s launch, FSU has trained 18 student interns and 13 volunteers from varying disciplines, such as the FSU College of Law. The program has also served 19 older adults in Tallahassee and continues its plan to expand the number of OMA sessions, with the Spring semester currently holding three OMA sessions per week (5 older adults per session). Although FSU’s program is in early stages of development, we will provide internal program evaluation results which includes institutional partnership characteristics that promote long-term success, student training and preparation, and qualitative feedback from student interns. We will also provide information about expansion of the program for clinical settings at FSU to expand geriatric training and person-centered care.
IMPACT OF OMA ON HEALTH CARE TRAINEE ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARD PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Berish Diane , Rank Jennifer , Whitaker Janice , George Daniel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
To meet the complex needs of the growing population of people living with dementia (PLwD), the healthcare workforce must have not only the necessary clinical knowledge, but also the interpersonal skills. Experiences in the arts and humanities, such as OMA, can provide opportunities to acquire best-practice approaches. At present, no evaluation of OMA has been conducted on health trainees. We implemented OMA at Penn State University in both the Nese College of Nursing (NCON) and the College of Medicine (COM). In the NCON, OMA was implemented into nursing clinicals and as part of a memory cafe. N=10 clinical and N=15 memory café students completed pre and post assessments (Allophilia, Dementia Attitudes) of their perceptions and attitudes towards PLwD. Results showed that clinical students reported higher levels of comfort with PLWD on both scales (Allophilia, p=.0039; Dementia Attitudes, p=.002). Memory café students reported higher Allophilia scores (affection, p=.02; comfort, p=.04; engagement, p=.02) and Dementia Attitudes knowledge (p=.02). The COM was one of 6 medical schools to implement OMA in 2019-2020. Overall, 52 first- or second-year medical students were trained in OMA and participated with residents at partner assisted living facilities. Students’ scores showed significantly larger pre-post improvement than controls with respect to Dementia Attitudes scores (p=.001) and all Allophilia-scale factors (p=.001). Our work suggests that arts-based learning experiences such as OMA, which enable playful, creative, humanizing interactions between health trainees and PLwD, may foster more positive attitudes. Experiences like OMA might improve attitudes and encourage students to pursue geriatric specialties.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRESS AND PREDEATH GRIEF IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Elliott Lauren , Sparks Sarah , Schneider Sydnie , McLean Elisabeth , Fadalla Carol , Neugebauer Volker , Singer Jonathan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Being a family caregiver of a person with Alzheimer’s Disease or Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) has been associated with chronic stress. Family caregivers likely experience increased rates of pre-death grief (PDG; grief symptoms that develop while an individual with a life-limiting illness is still living), given the trajectory and terminal nature associated with an AD/ADRD diagnosis. Higher levels of PDG in family caregivers is a robust predictor of depressive symptoms and prolonged grief disorder following the loss. Stress has been extensively studied within this population, but previous studies have failed to link stress to pre-death grief. Data from 65 family caregivers of individuals with AD/ADRD were analyzed (Mage = 68.68, SDage = 11.89). Participants completed questionnaires regarding pre-death grief symptoms (Prolonged Grief—12; PG-12) and subjective stress (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS). Consistent with previous research, family caregivers reported moderate levels of stress (PSS; M = 17.88, SD = 6.42) and pre-death grief (PG-12; M = 27.68, SD = 7.89). A bivariate correlation revealed a significant, positive relationship between stress and pre-death grief (r =.603, p &lt;.001). Thus, family caregivers reporting higher levels of stress were experiencing heightened pre-death grief symptoms. Evaluating subjective stress in family caregivers is a time-efficient, non-invasive way to identify individuals at increased risk for psychosocial dysfunction. Interventions targeting stress in family caregivers may have beneficial downstream effects on pre-death grief before the loss, which may decrease the risk of developing prolonged grief disorder following the loss.
INCREASING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND CARE TEAMS: MY LIFE, MY STORY
Authors: Gately Megan , McLaren Jaye 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
My Life, My Story (MLMS) was developed by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Patient-Centered Care and Cultural Transformation as an opportunity for patients to share life stories with their care teams. Participating in MLMS interviews increases connection with clinicians, thereby facilitating patient-centered care. This study examines remote delivery of MLMS by occupational therapy students to patients of outpatient dementia clinics and their caregivers. Interviews were conducted using either videoconferencing, phone, or a combination. Post-interview questionnaires gathered Veteran-caregiver technological experience, including the need for technical support, comfort with technology, and how well they could see and hear. Questionnaires also gathered overall interview experience, including the belief that having care teams read stories would assist them in providing better care. In this session, we describe the MLMS program and objectives and present findings such as visit details (e.g., devices utilized, technological challenges, and caregiver role), and Veteran experience. We will also discuss strategies for conducting virtual interviews in the presence of cognitive concerns, such as interviewer flexibility and adaptability around technology, and communication strategies like simplifying questions and allowing extra time to accommodate for technology lag. Virtual narrative interviews using a structured approach like My Life, My Story allow for increased connection between individuals living with dementia and the care team, thereby facilitating patient-centered care. By providing an opportunity for social engagement, MLMS interviews may also address the growing scourge of older adult loneliness and social isolation, which is exacerbated for persons living with dementia.
SERVICE LEARNING TO PREPARE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STUDENTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF VETERANS WITH LATE-STAGE DEMENTIA
Authors: Trudeau Scott 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
One of the challenges to providing activity programs in dementia units is meeting a wide range of residents’ needs. Programs are typically directed to the more moderately functional, often not meeting the needs of the least and most functional. The recognition that a significant cohort (approximately 20%) of residents on a dementia unit at Veterans Health Administration were typically excluded from group activities was of concern. This cohort came to be referred to as “VIPs” (Very Isolated Patients). The reason for their isolation was difficulty tailoring activities to their limited function within a group context. While more individualized approaches would be ideal, limited staffing precluded this approach. Developing a structured intervention that could be deployed by students to this vulnerable population seemed advantageous. The Reading Buddies Program was developed in which students were paired with a VIP resident with the assignment to meet with them weekly to engage in reading for a 45-minute session. Students read to residents in pairs, with one student facilitating and another student observing and gathering data. Data was collected in the form of qualitative student reflections and the Observed Measure of Engagement (OME). Students reported many opportunities for growth and mastery. The OME data reflected continued capacity for resident engagement in reading activities. Findings support the conclusion that by providing cognitive stimulation and social interaction for residents with later stage dementia, The Reading Buddies Program provided hands-on experience for occupational therapy graduate students to address the challenging functional and interpersonal needs of this cohort.
PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: BUILDING FORTITUDE FOR THE JOB MARKET
Authors: Hu Rita , Kim Sohyun , Bernard Marie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The journey to establish a robust career in the gerontological research field is often marked by navigating through a maze of challenges, strategic decision-making, and the forging of vital professional relationships. The ESPO Presidential Symposium will feature early-career scholars from each scientific section to share their diverse pathways to landing a job and achieving research independence. Dr. Marissa Schafer from Mayo Clinic will discuss transitioning from PhD to Principal Investigator (PI), underlining the necessity of a comprehensive research portfolio, nurturing mentor-mentee relationships, and strategic career moves. Dr. Ketlyne Sol from the University of Michigan will share insights from her clinical psychology path, stressing the importance of dedicated research training and building a supportive network. Dr. Allyn M Bove from the University of Pittsburgh will compare physical therapy principles to career building in research, suggesting a balanced development of strength and endurance. Dr. Sara Bybee from the University of Utah will explore job market strategies through the lens of posttraumatic growth, highlighting personal strength and professional growth opportunities. The symposium concludes with a panel discussion led by Dr. Marie Bernard, the Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity at NIH, synthesizing the presentations and facilitating a dialogue among the speakers. This symposium serves as a crucial platform for aspiring gerontologists, offering guidance, strategies, and encouragement to navigate the complexities of the job market and achieve a successful and fulfilling career in aging research.
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE-RELATED DECISION-MAKING BY OLDER ADULTS: ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
Authors: Lee Hye Soo , Mudar Raksha , Rogers Wendy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Decisions related to Medicare carry significant implications for public health, given older adults’ reliance on this federal program. Our literature review on Medicare decision-making and technology utilization aimed to investigate how technology could be enhanced to better support older adults. We identified pertinent studies by using combinations of search keywords such as “Medicare”, “decision”, and “older adults”, and by using the information from the collected studies. The findings revealed varying levels of Medicare knowledge among older adults, predominantly acquired through human assistance. Government-provided technology for Medicare was either underutilized or perceived as challenging. The evidence indicated that training in decision-making and technology use could prove advantageous. Factors like stress avoidance and the need for reassurance played roles in the decision-making process and plan selections. Considering older adults’ characteristics and preferences in decision-making and technology utilization is crucial for future technological developments, supported by policy and research initiatives.
END USER FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE PATIENT-FOCUSED TELEHEALTH TRAINING
Authors: Freddolino Paul 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
After older-adult home-delivered meal recipients in a predominantly white, rural Midwest community received tutoring on basic digital skills including safety and security, email, internet browsing, videoconferencing, and photo tools, they were presented with a five-part patient-focused Telehealth 101 mini-course. Content included types of telehealth (real time encounters, remote patient monitoring, and patient portals), what to expect from providers, how to prepare for telehealth encounters, and a live simulation of a telehealth visit. The telehealth mini course was also offered virtually on Zoom to predominantly black groups at five urban senior centers. While participants rated the sessions positively, and patient engagement in healthcare (Patient Activation Measure scores) increased significantly after the training, critical feedback provided insights into how to improve the training. During 2023 the project team worked with six ‘co-producers’ to get their suggestions and assessments of revisions under consideration for the training materials. Concurrently, revised resources – including two new topics in the telehealth content – were piloted with two predominantly white senior centers and two predominantly black senior centers. Feedback has again been positive and included insights for continuous quality improvement. Our experience shows the contributions and challenges encountered in seeking and engaging end users as co-producers of health-related content.
A RADIO-BASED NONCONTACT MONITORING SYSTEM FOR NIGHTTIME VITAL SIGNS AND SLEEP INSIGHTS
Authors: He Leo , Hua Yindong , Liu Mengjing , Xie Zongxing , Schoenfeld Elinor , Ye Fan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A passive method for daily sleep monitoring offers critical insights into health and well-being as variations in sleep patterns and vital signs can indicate the onset or progression of health issues (e.g., stroke, dementia, sleep apnea). Existing technologies are mostly designed for clinical purposes (e.g., polysomnography machines), or impose physical and/or cognitive burdens (e.g., smart watches), rendering them unsuitable for longitudinal, home-based monitoring. We have developed a non-contact, radio-based monitoring system. Our approach utilizes ultra- wideband radio sensors, coupled with sophisticated Region-of-Interest localization (the area of strongest displacement caused by vital signs), vital sign extraction (weighted estimators from the intermodulation and harmonic phase data), and analysis algorithms (body movement removal and sleep stage classification). Our passive, cost-effective, home-based monitoring is free of physical and cognitive burdens, suitable for older adults with physical and/or cognitive limitations and limited expendable income. Our algorithms can identify the trends of vital signs, and offer preliminary differentiation between deep, REM, light sleep, and awake time throughout the night based on our pilot 59 hours’ sleep data from 6 subjects. By enabling long-term, continuous observation of sleep patterns and vital signs without any physical interaction, the insights gained from our system hold significant potential for early detection and intervention in health issues, paving the way for a higher quality of life for older adults. To be presented are the methods used to collect these data, results and interpretation of our findings, and the role that such data can play to help with aging in place.
THE AGING RESEARCH IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE HEALTH (ARCH) NETWORK: AN OVER-ARCH-ING VIEW
Authors: Barry Lisa , Zaller Nickolas , Williams Brie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Criminal justice-involved older adults have high rates of early onset disease and disability and they experience significant health disparities. Yet, research focused on this population and the consequences of criminal justice involvement on health in later life is deeply under-developed. In response, the Aging Research in Criminal Justice Health Network was established in 2019 and we are excited to celebrate its achievements! We will discuss the process of building this network and how the ARCH Network has made significant strides in promoting the importance of considering geriatric conditions (e.g., functional and cognitive impairment, falls, polypharmacy) when evaluating the health of justice-involved older adults. We will also highlight accomplishments including the significant number of publications championed by the ARCH Network and the successful creation of a GSA Interest Group devoted to Incarceration and Aging.
“IT’S YOU”: CAREGIVER AND CLINICIAN PERSPECTIVES ON LUCIDITY IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Gilmore-Bykovskyi Andrea , Benson Clark , Fehland Jess , Mueller Kim , Block Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Episodes of lucidity (ELs), or a transient return of abilities believed to be lost in people living with dementia, are a growing area of interest. These events hold important implications for care, caregiving, and our understanding of underlying etiologies. Research on ELs is largely limited to retrospective reports. The perspectives of professional and family caregivers on ELs and research approaches can inform efforts to define and study lucidity. The present study examined family caregiver and hospice clinician experiences with and perspectives on ELs in people living with dementia and observational approaches to studying these events. This exploratory, descriptive qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews (N=20 caregivers, N=6 clinicians). Data were analyzed using Rapid Identification of Themes and subsequent duplicate review of interview data to enhance trustworthiness. Most participants readily recalled events they perceived as ELs, describing a transient return of abilities they felt was significant and/or meaningful. Defining features, interpretations, and the perceived impact of ELs varied, although ELs were commonly conceptualized as a manifestation of self. Caregivers described extensive efforts to detect patterns and supportive social conditions for ELs. Participants supported use of audiovisual observation to study ELs and provided recommendations for privacy, workflow, and caregiver engagement. Interpretations of ELs are heterogeneous, and recognition of these events may necessitate close familiarity with the person living with dementia. Participants endorse observational approaches and integration of caregivers in this research.