bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL AND GENDER MINORITY (SGM)–FRIENDLY POLICIES IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES IN MINNESOTA
Authors: Shippee Tetyana , Moone Rajean , Flatt Jason , Zhang Ziwei , Wright Morgan , Kohli Nidhi , Rosser B R Simon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults in the U.S. face increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) and are more likely to utilize long-term services and supports (LTSS) compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers. Despite these disparities, the prevalence of SGM-affirmative policies within LTSS settings remains understudied. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the prevalence of SGM-affirmative policies in LTSS facilities in Minnesota. These include policies in human resources, marketing, training, governance; anti-discrimination policies guiding culturally responsive care, and resident sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection. A policy analysis was conducted across 166 nursing homes and 267 assisted living facilities in Minnesota. Policies were assessed for their explicit inclusion of SGM-affirmative measures in various domains, and mean scores were calculated to determine the overall prevalence of such policies. The mean score of SGM-friendly policies across nursing homes and assisted living communities was 11.30. Interestingly, no significant disparities were found between ALFs and nursing homes or rural and urban facilities regarding the presence of SGM-friendly policies. However, using latent class analysis, we found that not for profit facilities and non-religious facilities were more likely to belong to a low performance group vs. high performance compared to their counterparts. Our results show the need for SGM-inclusive policies within LTSS settings. While overall prevalence was moderate, variations based on facility characteristics highlight opportunities for targeted interventions. Future efforts should focus on promoting SGM-affirmative policies across all LTSS facilities to ensure equitable and inclusive care for SGM older adults.
SEXUAL AND GENDER MINORITY EXPERIENCES AND PREFERENCES WITH LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORT PROVIDERS
Authors: Moone Rajean 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults are at higher risk for complex, health related conditions as they age. Coupled with smaller social support networks they often must rely on formal long term services and support (LTSS) providers. However, due to a history of personal and systemic discrimination many SGM older adults limit access to LTSS. To gain further insight into SGM older adult experiences, a survey needs assessment consisting of 46 self-reported questions was conducted in Minnesota in 2022, replicating similar waves in 2002 and 2012. 354 respondents met the inclusion criteria. Half of the respondents (50% of sexual minority and 53% of gender minority) reported personally experiencing harassment, abuse, or violence and 75% reported knowing someone who had. At the same time, respondents overwhelmingly expressed desire for integrated services that are SGM welcoming rather than SGM exclusive. A majority (57%) had some confidence in being treated with dignity and respect by health care professionals at the end of life. Respondents also indicated they would be more inclined to utilize LTSS where staff participated in SGM training (92%). Results show need for LTSS provider education on SGM trauma-informed and age-inclusivity and targeting of SMG older adults aging alone.
FORTIFYING THE FUTURE OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS IN HIGHER ED: PART II—CASE STUDIES
Authors: Sadeq Nasreen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Gerontology academic programs continue to face challenges across the university setting, from low student enrollment to reduced funding and budget cuts. However, some gerontology departments are making significant changes to ensure the survival of their programs. This symposium highlights efforts to secure gerontology’s presence in higher education, including new enrollment strategies, curriculum and program changes, and interdisciplinary collaborations. First, Nasreen Sadeq and colleagues will share a case study from the University of South Florida School of Aging Studies on their efforts to increase undergraduate enrollment by developing a new Health Care Administration program. Second, Edward Miller and colleagues will describe hiring and marketing strategies that will promote growth and visibility of the Gerontology department at the University of Massachusetts Boston, such as renaming the Aging Studies major and implementing gerontology courses into the general education curriculum. Third, John Schumacher and colleagues at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Baltimore will share new developments in their department, including a new online Gerontology master’s program and new international research programs, and address current challenges faced by the doctoral program. Fourth, Tina Newsham and Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock from the University of North Carolina Wilmington will describe interdisciplinary campus and community partnerships that situate the gerontology program in the university’s infrastructure, facilitate recruitment, and create meaningful opportunities for experiential learning. Finally, Robert Maiden and Danielle Gagne from Alfred University will discuss strategies for increasing enrollment, including emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of their program and the addition of an aging concentration.
FOSTERING IMPROVED OUTCOMES AMONG CARE PARTNERS OF PERSONS LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS
Authors: Bybee Sara , Couch Elyse , Petrovsky Darina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The decline in cognitive and functional abilities due to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) increases the reliance of persons living with dementia (PLWD) on care partners. These care partners, who can be spouses, children, friends, or others, often experience high levels of stress and burden, leading to poor physical and psychological health outcomes. This symposium will feature five speakers who studied ADRD care partner outcomes using various methods across diverse populations. Dr. Darina Petrovsky will discuss findings from the 2017 National Study of Caregiving and National Health and Aging Trends Study, focusing on the relationship between care partner sleep quality, burden, and perceived caregiving benefits. Dr. Shandra Burton will explore cultural factors and resilience among Black/African American care partners using narrative inquiry. Dr. Samantha Shune will present a multiple regression analysis examining the link between PLWD’s dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) and care partner burden. Dr. Elyse Couch will describe a mixed-methods study investigating the impact of care partners receiving PLWD’s positron emission tomography (PET) scan results on their burden. Lastly, Dr. Bybee will review results from an interpretive descriptive analysis of dementia dyads’ open-ended survey responses regarding advance care planning. Dr. Petrovsky will then synthesize the symposium findings and moderate audience questions. Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
CULTURAL AND POSITIVE ADAPTIVE FACTORS INFLUENCING DIVERSE PARTNER CAREGIVERS THROUGH A RESILIENCE FRAMEWORK
Authors: Burton Shandra , Paun Olimpia , Ruppar Todd , Mohr lynn , Emezue Chuka , Szanton Sarah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Collectively, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are the 5th leading cause of death for Americans aged 50 years and older and remains a critical public health issue for partner caregivers (i.e., committed, married, or cohabiting individuals). ADRD partner caregivers often face high levels of stress and burden contributing to their poor physical and psychological health outcomes. Research on positive adaptive factors (PAFs) among caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is scarce. PAFs refer to traits, actions, or assets that caregivers utilize to manage and conquer difficulties, pressures, or unfavorable situations in their caregiving role. Resilience is a common topic of interest, however there is less understanding of its significance in Black/American caregivers of individuals with ADRD. This qualitative study used narrative inquiry to explore cultural factors related to resilience among Black/African American ADRD partner caregivers. An adapted Resilience Framework informed this study and in-depth interviews with 10 Black/African American ADRD partner caregivers. Four major themes emerged: (1) Process of ADRD discovery, (2) Resilience in the caregiving process, (3) Challenges & facilitators to caregivers’ resilience, and (4) Race, ethnicity, cultural impact on caregivers’ resilience. The major themes include a total of 18 subthemes. Data from this study were compared to data from a previous pilot study that used similar questionnaire with a predominantly White sample of ADRD partner caregivers. Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of how race, ethnicity, and cultural factors influence resilience among diverse ADRD partner caregivers.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ORAL HYGIENE BEHAVIORS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Yang Zhongfang , Qi Xiang , Mao Weiyu , Pei Yaolin , Wu Bei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Improving oral hygiene behaviors may offer a novel approach to delay cognitive decline; however, there is limited data available on its effectiveness in affecting cognitive function. This review aims to examine whether oral hygiene behaviors would be an effective strategy to improve cognitive function. Method: A search of 11 literature databases were searched from inception through January 6, 2024. Interventional trials or cohort studies aiming to examine the effectiveness of oral hygiene behaviors in affecting cognitive function in adults were included. Oral hygiene behaviors included, but were not limited to, toothbrushing, mouthwashing, flossing, using toothpicks, and cleaning dentures. The primary outcome was the changes in global cognitive function. The meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects models.

Results
A total of 8 studies met inclusion criteria, including 261,772 participants. Toothbrushing was associated with a significantly higher level of global cognitive function (Mean Difference [MD], 0.65 [95% CI, 0.19-1.10]; I2=2%). There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of toothbrushing performed by professionals (MD, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.20-1.67]; I2=6%) and caregivers (MD, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.39 to 1.62]; I2=3%) (P &gt; 0.05). Other oral hygiene behaviors including dental flossing, using mouthwash, using toothpicks, and cleaning dentures, were not associated with the risk of dementia.

Discussion
Regular toothbrushing is not only linked to improvements in global cognitive function and a reduced risk of dementia but also improve specific cognitive function subdomains such as visual attention and task-switching ability.
EXPLORING THE GENERATIVITY OF A MENTORING PROGRAM FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Waters Leland , Arnette Shannon , McIntyre Madeline , Tompkins Catherine , Marrs Sarah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Virginia Geriatric Education Centers’ Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program partners with the Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine to provide a Mentoring Program required for all first-year medical students. Two students are paired with independent, community-dwelling older adult mentors and are required to meet with their mentor three times over the course of two semesters. The students are required to make initial contact and meet the mentor at a time and place of the mentor’s convenience. Mentor volunteer retention was a challenge faced due to pandemic protocols, therefore, limiting the in-person relationships built throughout the program. However, by allowing for both in-person and virtual mentoring experiences, volunteer retention has increased post-pandemic. The students have reading assignments and guided interview questions, which are used as a starting point for conversations with their mentors. The first assignment on aging and health introduces the processes of normal aging, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and functional status that is determined by looking at both physical and cognitive actions. The second assignment is a life-space assessment and interview about quality of life. The third assignment focuses on generativity, an evidence-based, psychosocial concept, which is defined as a desire by older adults to nurture and guide upcoming generations, to make meaning of their own lives. This presentation will provide qualitative analysis supporting a generative experience in which the mentors provide their wisdom and the students have an opportunity to develop underlying human relationships that contribute to person-centered care.
TALK OF AGES AND EMPTY BOWLS: A RECIPROCAL APPROACH TO INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE
Authors: Montepare Joann 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Contemporary age-inclusive campus initiatives in higher education (Age-Friendly University/AFU, Age Inclusivity Domains of Higher Education/AIDHE) advocate for promoting intergenerational exchange to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages. This presentation will describe these initiatives as background for the symposium. In addition, it will describe how Lasell University’s “Talk of Ages” program, which takes a “common ground” approach for bringing younger and older learners together in the beyond the classroom, offers a pedagogical philosophy for intergenerational exchange. To demonstrate the value of this approach, we will describe a campus-wide “Empty Bowls” project in which students and older adult community members worked together to craft bowls and to raise money in the mission to fight hunger in the local community. Logistics will be discussed about mounting intergenerational activities as part of this intergenerational service project including offering intergenerational classes in Ceramics, organizing sessions for bowl crafting and glazing, and hosting an intergenerational event where community members come together to enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread in a bowl they select and buy with the proceeds benefitting the local community food pantry. In addition to demonstrating the value of intergenerational collaboration and service as part of being an age-inclusive campus, challenges will be discussed so that educators are better prepared to design related efforts.
MEMORY CARE IN ASSISTED LIVING: REGULATIONS, ACCESS, AND CARE DELIVERY
Authors: Carder Paula , Pace Doug 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Assisted living (AL) is the largest residential care provider of long-term care. Of the nearly one million people who reside in AL, up to 70% have some form of cognitive impairment and 40% have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia (ADRD). AL staff provide services including help with dressing and meals, and nearly 25% of ALs provide specialized care for people living with ADRD (also known as “memory care”). This symposium will include four presentations, each focused on different dimensions of memory care. The first presenter will share findings from a state regulatory review in which the team profiled the presence and content of memory care-related regulations - identifying extreme variability within and across states. The second speaker will present an innovative approach for identifying memory care ALs, and describe their availability across the country. The third presenter will share findings from a recent nationally-representative survey of ALs related to the provision of end of life care in memory care ALs. The fourth speaker will present findings from a national retrospective study in which end of life care outcomes among residents with dementia in memory care will be compared to those in general AL. Finally, our discussant, a national leader in dementia care advocacy and former chair of the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living, will contextualize findings highlighting the perspectives of consumers, AL providers, and policymakers. Assisted Living Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
DO END-OF-LIFE OUTCOMES DIFFER BY ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY-CARE DESIGNATION?
Authors: Wang Xiao (Joyce) , Cornell Porita , Belanger Emmanuelle , Thomas Kali 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Residential care/assisted living (RC/AL) is an increasingly common place of end-of-life care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). Understanding how end-of-life outcomes differ by memory care among residents with ADRD could facilitate aging/dying in place for this population. The objective of this paper is to examine if end-of-life outcomes (i.e. mortality, hospice use, number of days receiving hospice in the last month of life) differ between residents with ADRD who moved to RC/ALs with specialized memory care service (memory-care RC/AL), compared with residents with ADRD who moved to RC/AL without memory care (general RC/AL). We created a prospective cohort of 15,152 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD who moved to large RC/AL (&gt;=25 beds) between 2016 and 2018. We used inverse probability treatment weighting to account for observable differences between memory-care and general RC/AL residents. Two-part models estimated the difference by memory care in the number of days receiving hospice in the last months of life among decedents. The adjusted difference in mortality rate was 1.3 percentage points higher in memory care (p=0.04). Additionally, memory-care residents had a higher rate of hospice use (1.4 percentage points, p=0.01). Decedents in memory-care RC/AL spent about 1.4 more days receiving hospice care in the last month of life (p=0.02). The higher mortality rate and higher rate of hospice use in memory care suggest that memory-care RC/AL may attract residents closer to the end of life and/or promote hospice use at the end of life.
MIGRATION STATUS, COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE, AND MULTIMORBIDITY AMONG MEXICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Bishop Nicholas , Chen Siting , Samper-Ternent Rafael , Quiñones Ana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cross-national data including measures of health and migration status allow investigation of how selection mechanisms may contribute to observed immigrant health advantages. Focusing on Mexican adults aged 50 and older, we drew observations from the 2012 and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) to examine variation in multimorbidity (≥ 2 chronic conditions) across four groups: U.S. born HRS respondents who identify as Mexican (n=674), immigrant HRS respondents who identify as Mexican (n=814), Mexican MHAS respondents who never worked/lived in the U.S. (n=7,833), and Mexican MHAS respondents who worked/lived in the U.S. (n=920). Multimorbidity was defined as the sum of seven self-reported doctor-diagnosed conditions (hypertension, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart attack, stroke, and arthritis). Linear regression models were used to predict multimorbidity in 2012 and changes in multimorbidity from 2012–2018 were modeled using an autoregressive approach. Harmonized covariates were measured in 2012 (age, sex, partnership status, BMI, rural residence, # doctor visits in past year). Predicted multimorbidity values for U.S. born Mexicans (y ̂=1.65, CI:1.55-1.75) were significantly greater than those for immigrant Mexicans living in the U.S. (y ̂=1.35, CI:1.26-1.45), return migrants living in Mexico (y ̂=1.35, CI:1.26-1.43), and non-migrants living in Mexico (y ̂=1.35, CI:1.30-1.40). Country of residence and migration status were not associated with change in multimorbidity. These results suggest that U.S. born Mexican adults are uniquely affected by multimorbidity and multimorbidity burden among migrants who return to Mexico is similar to immigrant Mexicans who reside in the U.S.
NAVIGATING AGING ACROSS CULTURES: THE FORTITUDE IN PERSPECTIVES FROM KOREANS AND BEYOND
Authors: Hong Michin , Kim Kyungmin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The symposium aims to provide a multifaceted examination about aging related issues within different cultural contexts with a particular focus on the Korean population. The first study conducted a cross-cultural examination on financial satisfaction during the retirement transition period between South Kore and the U.S., highlighting the needs for culturally tailored interventions to support individuals’ financial wellbeing in retirement. The second study focused on Korean middle-aged adults’ residential preferences after retirement, emphasizing the importance of understanding evolving housing needs and their impacts on health and social interactions in later life. Third study conducted a comparative analysis of long-term care policies between South Korea and Singapore, examining the emergence of Community Care services as a potential solution for aging-in-place and providing valuable insights into the compatibility of such services with different cultural and welfare system framework. The last study introduced a psychometrically sound scale to measure public stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease among Korean-speaking populations, contributing to a better understanding of the nature and magnitude of Alzheimer’s disease stigma, with implications for stigma reduction efforts within this population. The symposium offers an excellent opportunity to examine various aspect of aging issues among Koreans, encompassing financial wellbeing, housing preference, long-term care, and public perception of an age-related disease. By examining these topics, the symposium will contribute to informing policy and practice in addressing various needs of aging populations from a more culturally tailored perspective. Korean/Korean American and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
TWO PATHS TO COMMUNITY CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS: KOREA AND SINGAPORE’S LONG-TERM CARE EVOLUTION
Authors: Lim-Soh Jeremy , Chan Angelique , Yoo Aejung , Kim Dahye , Eo Yugyeong , Choi Jae Woo , Graham Wan Chen , Wong Loong Mun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aging populations pose significant challenges to institutional Long-Term Care systems. Community Care services, which provide professional support for functional limitations, chronic diseases, or cognitive impairment to community-dwelling older adults, have emerged as a potentially cost-effective solution that can support aging-in-place. However, differing implementations of Community Care across societies can affect older adults’ health and quality of life. We conduct a comparative case study of the evolution of Long-Term Care policy in Korea and Singapore towards Community Care. Both societies exhibit similar demographic trends—rapid aging, ultra-low fertility, and declining old-age support ratios—coupled with Confucian cultural ideals. However, their welfare systems differ historically; Korea took a welfare state approach emphasizing institutional care, and Singapore leaned towards neoliberalism with a reliance on informal care. While both societies are developing various Community Care programs including home-based nursing, day care centers, and assisted living, we find significant differences in the way that Community Care is planned, funded, and implemented. Moreover, the challenges faced depend on cultural context and welfare system. Based on these insights, we discuss the compatibility of Community Care with different sociocultural settings and policy ecosystems, concluding with potential implications for other societies struggling with population aging and LTC sustainability.