bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPASSIONATE LOVE AND INTERSECTIONAL INEQUALITIES IN LATER-LIFE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE US
Authors: Bhatta Tirth , Albert Jeffrey , Torres Stacy , Kahana Eva , Lekhak Nirmala , Goler Timothy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Objectives: Despite the emerging evidence that compassionate love has a positive effect on mental health, its distribution across race, gender, and socioeconomic status and its subsequent role in mediating the effect of socioeconomic status on later life mental health across race and gender have yet to be examined. Methods: Based on our nationwide web-based survey of adults aged 50 years and older (n=1861), we conducted a mediation analysis to estimate the direct and indirect effects (via feeling love) of financial strain on depressive symptoms and anxiety across race and gender. Results: Our regression estimates indicate an average.09-point (p=.002) lower feeling of compassionate love among individuals experiencing increased financial strain. Women reported greater feeling of love (β=.22, p&lt;.001) than men. Despite experiencing higher levels of financial strain, Black adults reported greater feelings of love (β=.42, p&lt;.001) than white adults. Findings show an average.14-point (p&lt;.001) and.21-point (p&lt;.001) higher depressive symptoms and anxiety, respectively, among individuals experiencing increased financial strain. We found a statistically significant path-specific effect on both depressive symptoms (indirect effect=.018, p-value=.003) and anxiety (indirect effect=.196, p&lt;.001) (from financial strain) through love. Statistically significant indirect effects through love on both depressive symptoms and anxiety were found for women and white adults, but not for men and Black adults. Discussion: Our study opens up a new avenue of research by investigating the role of compassionate love in transmitting the effects of financial strain on later-life mental health across race and gender.
HAPPINESS LOVES COMPANY? OLDER ADULTS’ POSITIVE AFFECT ACROSS LAYERS OF THE MOMENTARY SOCIAL CONTEXT
Authors: Goldman Alyssa , Moorman Sara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Positive affect supports physical and mental health as well as longevity. Ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) have been used to demonstrate that positive affect is significantly shaped by the quality and quantity of momentary social interactions that take place during everyday activities. We consider that positive affect may also be a function of the broader momentary interpersonal social environment, including the presence of acquaintances and unfamiliar others in everyday social spaces – social actors whose presence is typically not explored in studies of the social context. Using 15,379 EMAs from 378 older adults in the Chicago Health and Activity Space in Real-Time study in mixed effects regression models, we find that older adults experience more positive affect when they are with a social companion versus being alone, consistent with prior research. More novel, however, we find that when older adults spend time in social spaces where other people are present, they report significantly higher levels of momentary positive affect, regardless of whether they are with a personal social companion or alone, and regardless of the activity in which they are engaged. The magnitude of the effect of being in more occupied social spaces is approximately half the size of the effect of being in the presence of a social companion. We discuss the implications of the results for ongoing efforts to address social isolation among the older adult population and consider how the relevance of social actors beyond interpersonal ties could inform theory on the social climate of well-being and aging.
APPROACHES FOR INCORPORATING OLDER ADULT PERSPECTIVES IN ELDER MISTREATMENT PREVENTION
Authors: Froberg Ruthann , Campetti Randi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This presentation discusses an approach for engaging older adult feedback on elder mistreatment (EM). EM can be a challenging topic to engage communities with due to the stigma and the sense of futility around solving this social issue. Despite these obstacles, a local community coalition to address EM successfully elicited feedback from older adults and service providers to create recommendations for their ongoing work. Collaboratively, member organizations developed three focus groups composed of participants aged 60 and above who were familiar with existing community resources for older adults. Member organizations also identified service providers to participate in an additional focus group in order to improve understanding of the services available to older adults. Interviewers conducted hour-long sessions with each group to gather feedback and insights on EM and related issues. Participants highlighted the importance of community engagement, addressing isolation, increasing digital literacy, and improving access to social services. Healthcare providers were recognized for their role in detecting EM, but challenges in accessing services persist. Service providers underscored the importance of collaboration and addressing barriers such as staffing and funding. The resulting recommendations, including accessible healthcare services, digital literacy initiatives, and integrated community care, reflect practical feedback to guide the coalition’s endeavors. This feedback has spurred renewed commitment within the coalition to address these recommendations in their ongoing work, highlighting the actionable insights garnered through community engagement.
A COMMUNITY APPROACH TO REDUCE AND PREVENT ELDER ABUSE
Authors: Marrs Sarah , Arnette Shannon , McIntyre Madeline , Clardy Aisling 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research on elder mistreatment mostly focuses on improving individuals’ skills in recognizing, screening, and reporting abuse that has already occurred, typically considered secondary prevention. This is critical for effective and timely intervention. However, increasing awareness of and accessibility to resources and supports that safeguard older adults is an effective and necessary strategy for primary prevention. Unlike child abuse victims and their families, who have access to various wrap-around resources and services, these resources are highly limited for older adult victims. The purpose of this study was to conduct focus groups with older adults, caregivers of older adults, and various aging service providers to inform the development of the Safety Connector, an online tool designed to link older adults, caregivers, and professionals to services, resources, and educational materials to prevent elder mistreatment. A mock-up of the Safety Connector was created by the research team and presented during focus groups to garner feedback and perceptions of usability and effectiveness. Findings revealed a need for simplicity, accessibility and clarity on the purpose and intended users of the Safety Connector; and to distinguish it from similar websites. The resulting Safety Connector has been integrated into our state’s existing No Wrong Door suite of websites. In this session, we will discuss research methods and results, and introduce the Safety Connector. We will also showcase other resources available on the Safety Connector’s website and discuss this as a model for linking systems of care beyond our home state.
USING FUNCTIONAL BRAIN IMAGING DATA TO PREDICT FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Authors: Holtzer Roee 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background: Falls are common and debilitating among older adults with multiple sclerosis. However, literature concerning modifiable risk factors of falls in this population is scarce. The current study was designed to address this gap in knowledge. We examined whether brain hemodynamic responses during dual-task-walking predict falls during longitudinal follow-up in older adults with multiple sclerosis with relapsing-remitting and progressive subtypes. Methods: Participants with relapsing-remitting (n=53, mean age=65.02±4.17ys, %female=75.5) and progressive (n=28, mean age=64.64±4.31ys, %female=50) multiple sclerosis subtypes completed a dual-task-walking paradigm. In addition, participants reported falls during longitudinal follow-up using a well-validated structured monthly telephone interview. Functional-near-infrared-spectroscopy (fNIRS) was utilized to assess oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) in the prefrontal cortex during active walking under single and dual-task conditions. Results: General Estimating Equations models, adjusted for confounders, indicated that higher HbO under dual-task-walking was significantly associated with a reduction in the odds of reporting falls among participants with relapsing-remitting (OR=.472, p=.004, 95%CI=.284 to.785), but not progressive (OR=1.056, p=.792, 95%CI=.703 to 1.588) MS. In contrast, faster stride velocity under dual-task-walking was significantly associated with a reduction in the odds of reporting falls among progressive (OR=.658, p=.004, 95%CI=.495 to.874), but not relapsing-remitting (OR=.998, p =.995, 95%CI=.523 to 1.905) MS. Conclusion: Compensatory reallocation of brain resources under dual-task walking may provide protection against falls for older adults with multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting subtype. These findings have important implications for fall risk assessment and intervention procedures in older adults with multiple sclerosis.
SELECTIVE GREY MATTER PATTERNS OF MOBILITY IN OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Authors: Wagshul Mark 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background: Both healthy aging and multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with changes in cortical grey matter (GM), notably frontal grey matter atrophy consistent with the last in-first out hypothesis, but its relationship to mobility impairments is unknown. We sought to identify brain patterns of cortical GM associated with walking performance, as measured by single- and dual-task walking speed, in older adults with and without MS. Methods: In a cohort of 97 MS and 105 healthy older adults, we measured cortical volume from T1-weighted MRI images and Freesurfer software, along with quantitative gait assessment during natural walking (single-task) and walking while reciting alternate letters of the alphabet (dual-task) conducted within a few weeks of the MRI. Principal components (PC) analysis identified significant latent patterns of GM volume, from the bilateral 68 Freesurfer cortical regions, and pattern scores were entered into regression analyses of gait velocity vs pattern scores, unadjusted and adjusted for demographics variables. Results: The first two PCs showed a significant association with single-task (p = 0.027/0.0025), but only PC2 was associated with dual-task (p=0.082/0.027). In group-stratified analyses, only PC1 was associated with single-task in healthy controls but just below the significance level (p=0.057), and only PC2 was associated with single-task in MS participants (p=0.0052). PC1 consisted of mostly posterior regions (medial occipital, inferior parietal), while PC2 consisted of mostly anterior regions (frontal, cingulate). Conclusion: Grey matter pattern analysis may distinguish between older adults with and without MS, corresponding to anterior, cognitive-control vs posterior, visual/automated control of mobility.
IMPACT OF RELIGION ON FRAMING AND CARING FOR DEMENTIA AMONG MUSLIM ARABS IN QATAR: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Daher-Nashif Suhad , Hammad Suzanne , Kane Tanya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Studies have examined how religion plays a major role in framing mental disorders and in shaping caregiving practices. This presentation sheds light on dementia care among Muslim Arabs in Qatar. The presentation will examine how old age and dementia are framed in the Islamic religious resources, i.e., the Quran and Sunnah Nabawiyyah (statements and behaviours of Prophet Muhammad). Then it explores how these texts feed into the belief systems distributed within the community by sharia scholars, and later uncovers how these both sources are transformed to social behaviours in caring for older adults with dementia. The study uses descriptive qualitative methodology and is based on three data sources: Islamic religious texts i.e., the Quran and Sunnah, eight semi-structured interviews with Sharia scholars, and semi-structured interviews with 37 Arab-Muslim families from different Arab countries living in the state of Qatar. Thematic analysis has been applied to analyse the texts and the interviews. Compassion and honouring parents are commandments in the Islamic holy texts. The Quran and Hadith include definition and characteristics of ageing, of cognitive deterioration and give clear instructions on how and why older adults must be cared for. These values are expressed in the beliefs system constructed by sharia scholars that play a major role as motivators to caring for dementia patients by the families. Families used religious practices as diagnostic and treatment tools. Gaps between the holy text and the social beliefs were found in explaining dementia and Alzheimer. Moreover, religious practices played role in coping with caregiving-burden.
CAREGIVER BURDEN AMONG LEBANESE OLDER ADULTS: FINDINGS FROM LSAHA (LEBANON STUDY ON AGEING AND HEALTH)
Authors: Abdulrahim Sawsan , Chaaya Monique , Sammak Aya El , Nassif Alexandra Abi , Kabalan Mayssan , de Leon Carlos Mendes 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines correlates of caregiver burden in a sample of older adults (≥60years) in a rural district in Lebanon who provide care to other older adults. Utilizing baseline data from the new Lebanon Study on Ageing and Health (LSAHA), we assessed associations of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale with sociodemographic characteristics of the care provider, relationship to care recipient, and type of care provided. Of a total of 1,345 participants, 216 (16%) reported providing care. A higher percentage of women (17%) than men (14%) were caregivers, while a higher percentage of men (47%) than women (37%) provided care to their spouses. After dichotomizing the Caregiving Burden Scale, high burden was more common among women (37%) then men (20%), and among the non-married/widowed (41%) than the married (28%). High burden was lowest among participants with more than 12th grade education. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, high education was significantly associated with lower odds of high burden (OR=0.18; %95 CI=0.04; 0.73) while caregiver gender and marital status were not. Those who provided care for healthcare-related issues were also significantly more likely to report high burden (OR=2.78; 95% CI=1.01; 7.65). In the setting of a mostly rural Lebanese population, the findings point to the burden associated with providing care to other older adults dealing with healthcare issues, possibly due to lack of access or proximity to healthcare facilities. Further analysis will focus on burden associated with characteristics of the care recipient and care provided to others inside versus outside the household.
SUPPORTING ARAB AMERICANS FAMILIES LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: TESTING A CULTURALLY ADAPTED INTERVENTION
Authors: Ajrouch Kristine , Barada Fatmeh , Janevic Mary , Antonucci Toni 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Culturally adapted interventions are needed to address unique challenges faced by minoritized groups who care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Among Arab Americans, limited access to support services due to language and cultural barriers often results in a belief that family alone is the only option during times of need. We test 1) whether participation in an adapted ADRD care intervention is associated with positive outcomes for Arab American care partners (N=58) and 2) evaluate program satisfaction. We present a single group design using paired t-tests that demonstrate reduced care burden and increased care satisfaction from pre- to post-intervention. A measure of family conflict trended downward after program participation. Following the program, each participant completed a short evaluation survey sent vias email where they (N=43) rated their experience with the program on multiple dimensions: usefulness of the program, materials, language of delivery, and Alzheimer’s Association resources. Respondents were also asked to explain their ratings, which were coded into four themes: Resources, Information regarding diseases, caregiving, and self-care. Data were analyzed descriptively and showed strong positive reactions to the program as well as areas for improvement. Findings provide preliminary data to illustrate that culturally adapted ADRD care intervention programs hold promise to help family members caring for a person living with dementia even when such programs not generally accepted by cultural norms.
APPLYING IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE FRAMEWORKS TO DELIVER INTERVENTIONS IN THE NURSING HOME SETTING
Authors: Abbott Katherine , Unroe Kathleen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Approximately 1.2 million people reside in more than 15,000 nursing homes (NH) in the United States. The 2022 NASEM report on NH quality identified persistent issues to the provision of high-quality NH care in the United States. To improve NH quality, implementation science (IS) theories, methods, and frameworks are necessary to close the gap in delays of evidence based therapies and models of care reaching NH residents. This symposium highlights IS work in the NH setting that seeks to improve the quality of care delivered. Our first presentation reports findings on the pre-implementation work of a five-year VA funded study to ensure documentation of life sustaining treatment with over n=50 clinical and administrative staff. The second presentation utilizes the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) to identify factors to consider before intervention implementation with results from n=5 focus groups with 27 NH Staff. The third presentation describes the modifications n=23 NH providers made to the Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction as well as their motivations behind the modifications via the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-Based Implementation Strategies. The fourth presentation reports findings from n=6 focus group sessions representing n=23 people living with dementia, their care partners and NH staff using the Readiness Assessment Pragmatic Trial Model to inform what mattered to them when implementing and evaluating a remote format of Me & My Wishes. The Discussant, Dr. Kathleen Unroe, will discuss the implications to advancing IS as well as the applicability of IS in the NH setting. Research in Quality of Care Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
“YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR IMAGINATION”: NURSING HOME PROVIDER MODIFICATIONS TO IMPLEMENTING THE IPPI
Authors: Kunkel Miranda , Akter Nahida , Kasler Kamryn , Keiser Cassie , Noble Molly , Talmage Alexis , Van Haitsma Kimberly , Abbott Katherine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Understanding modification motive can help improve intervention protocols and future implementation efforts. The core components of the IPPI that should not be modified include that staff approach one-to-one resident interactions with a positive intent, use good communication skills, and base interactions on a preferred activity of the resident living with dementia. We sought to understand what was modified and motivations behind the modifications from implementation champions. We utilized the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-Based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS) to track and characterize modifications using data from a total of n=78 interviews with n=23 NH provider champions who were implementing the IPPI in their community as part of a quality improvement project. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded via the FRAME-IS in Dedoose. Over half of champions (61%; n=14) reported unplanned, fidelity-consistent modifications to IPPI content (e.g., loosening structure) or implementation context (e.g., setting). Motivation ranged from organizational (e.g., time constraints) to recipient (e.g., cognitive capacity), with many citing resident preferences. Modifications are a necessary aspect of evidence-based implementation efforts and should be embraced by implementation researchers. Many champions in the present study reported creative modifications previously unexplored by the IPPI research team. Available resources, COVID-19 regulations, and resident preferences can highly impact implementation efforts in the NH setting. Future implementation efforts should build flexibility into intervention protocols and welcome the influence of recipient preferences in order to reach a wider range of users and achieve greater satisfaction.
A NEW ERA IN ASSESSING THE BURDEN OF HEARING LOSS IN LATER LIFE USING PATIENT RECORDS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTHY AGING
Authors: Tsimpida Dialechti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hearing loss is a significant global health concern and a leading cause of disability in later life. While conventionally considered an inevitable consequence of aging, recent evidence highlights modifiable risk factors challenging this notion. Nevertheless, epidemiological estimates, including Global Burden of Disease studies, overlook the actual hearing health needs of populations, relying instead on projected age demographics. This study aimed to provide a fresh perspective, quantifying hearing loss burden and distribution in older adults by analysing anonymised longitudinal medical records of 2.7 million registered patients in the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System (ICS) in England from 2013 to 2022. Using advanced spatial analysis techniques, including Cluster and Outlier Analysis and Geographically Weighted Regression, socio-spatial inequalities in hearing loss prevalence and incidence were investigated. Surprisingly, findings revealed hearing health disparities unrelated to population age, with residents of similar age experiencing worse hearing outcomes in different areas of the ICS. Deprivation emerged as a significant determinant, explaining up to 35% of the variance in hearing loss. These findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift in health policy-making, moving beyond age-based projections to more accurately estimate and address hearing health needs. Hearing health indicators are already available in existing patient records and should be systematically reported, analysed, and interpreted to create equitable long-term care models according to populations’ actual needs. This novel data-driven approach is particularly important in the context of healthy aging initiatives, given that hearing capacity lies at the core of the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) approach.