bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HELPING BEHAVIORS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN LATER LIFE: A FOCUS ON DOSE AND ASYMMETRIC EFFECTS
Authors: Han Sae Hwang , Burr Jeffrey , Tucker Julia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the burgeoning literature linking prosocial helping behaviors and cognitive functioning, empirical evidence indicating whether and how much ‘prescribing’ helping behaviors to older adults would confer cognitive benefits is limited. Further, earlier studies mostly focused on formal volunteering, while little is known about the cognitive benefits of informal helping given directly to non-household individuals. This study aims to bridge these gaps by identifying the cognitive benefits of transitioning into a formal volunteer and informal helper role, respectively, and to uncover the optimal dose-response parameters linking helping and cognition. Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998–2020), we followed over 30,000 individuals aged 51 and older during the observation period spanning two decades. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (m-TICS; range: 0–27). Two forms of helping behaviors (i.e., formal volunteering and informal helping) were considered as status and time commitment. We used a multilevel modeling approach that allowed for estimating within–person effects specific to transitioning into (and out of) the respective helper role, as well as across different dosages of helping. Results indicated that transitioning into formal volunteering and informal helping were both associated with better cognitive functioning and slower cognitive decline. Further, moderate levels of helping (approximately 2–4 weekly hours) were consistently linked to robust cognitive benefits for both forms of helping. The study findings provide unique evidence supporting the view that social engagement through helping others in need represents modifiable lifestyle factors conducive to healthy cognitive aging.
GLYNAC SUPPLEMENTATION LOWERS POSTPRANDIAL INFLAMMATION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS TO PROMOTE HEALTH IN OLDER HUMANS
Authors: Sekhar Rajagopal , Kumar Premranjan , Taffet George , Minard Charles 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Elevated oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are linked to several age-related abnormalities, but factors contributing to these defects are not well understood. Meal consumption is a known stimulus of OS and inflammation. In a randomized clinical trial (RCT) we investigated the impact of a single carbohydrate test-meal on postprandial OS and inflammation in older adults (OA) and young adults (YA), and tested the effect of supplementing GlyNAC (glycine and N-acetylcysteine) vs. placebo. 20 OA and 10 YA received a 75g oral glucose-test-meal with assessment of 2-hour postprandial change in plasma markers of OS (as TBARS) and inflammation (as IL-6). These measures were repeated and compared after OA and YA received their assigned supplements. Pre-supplementation: After consuming the glucose-meal, OA had significantly higher 2-hour postprandial increases in OS (change in plasma concentrations of TBARS: YA 0.02 ± 0.19 vs. 1.09 ± 0.96 in OA, p=0.03) and inflammation (change in plasma concentrations of IL-6: YA 0.03 ± 0.03 vs. 0.52 ± 0.22 OA, p&lt;0.001). Post-supplementation: GlyNAC protected OA from the glucose-meal driven increases in OS (TBARS pre: 1.03 ± 0.44 vs. post -0.04 ± 0.19, p&lt;0.001) and inflammation (IL-6 pre: 0.52 ± 0.20 vs. post 0.05 ± 0.03, p&lt;0.001). No effects occurred in OA receiving placebo or YA receiving GlyNAC. These data indicate that carbohydrate intake contributes to significant increases in postprandial OS and inflammation in OA. By protecting from the postprandial (and overall) rise in OS and inflammation after carbohydrate consumption, GlyNAC supplementation promotes postprandial health in older humans.
NOMADIC GERONTOLOGY: AGING AS A NOMAD IN MONGOLIA
Authors: Ng Reuben , Indran Nicole 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Gerontologists have made remarkable strides in understanding the experiences of older adults in various contexts. Yet, amid this progress, some communities remain overlooked, such as older nomads in Mongolia. Notably, Mongolia is one of the last bastions of nomadism in the world. Today, many of the remaining nomads are individuals in their later years. This study aims to illuminate the lived experiences of older nomads in Mongolia. Specifically, we explore how they navigate the duality of being old and nomadic, particularly amid a changing social, political, economic and environmental setup. We interviewed a total of 32 Mongolian nomads whose average age was 65.3 years. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes related to life as an older nomad. Three themes surfaced: ‘Navigating Health Challenges Arising from Aging Bodies and Climate Change’ (Theme 1), ‘Desire to Preserve a Disappearing Heritage’ (Theme 2) and ‘Experiencing Neglect and Discrimination’ (Theme 3). This study marks an important foray into research on older nomads, airing the voice of a community that is not only under-represented, but also fast vanishing. In today’s context, their nomadic ways stand as an in bulwark against the tide of modernization. Our findings make a compelling case for continued research and policy design to enhance the quality of life of older nomads, even as their cultural heritage is safeguarded.
STATEWIDE PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE DEMENTIA DETECTION AND CARE
Authors: Segal-Gidan Freddi , Borson Soo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
States are serving as sites for innovation in dementia care and practice. Representatives from three states, Washington, Georgia and California, will discuss their respective statewide dementia programs. Each state will provide an overview of their program, its goals and accomplishments. In California, the Dementia Care Aware program focused on reaching primary care teams with a training and support program for screening, especially for Medi-Cal (Medicaid) beneficiaries. In Georgia, Georgia Memory Net, has developed a statewide network of diagnostic clinics aimed at improving the standard of dementia care in people with a diagnosis.. Finally, Washington will discuss the Cognition in Primary Care program, which developed as a quality improvement initiative for primary care that provides a framework for evaluation of cognitive concerns and tools to assist in managing dementia as it progresses..
DEVELOPING A PRACTICAL, SCALABLE QI INITIATIVE FOR FQHCS IN WASHINGTON STATE: THE COGNITION IN PRIMARY CARE PROGRAM
Authors: Gaster Barak 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In November 2020, the University of Washington (UW) was awared funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to adapt the Gerontological Society of America’s K.A.E.R. Toolkit for implementation in a large health system. Using focus group interviews, we developed a quality improvement initiative, Cognition in Primary Care (CPC), consisting of concise continuing education (CE) for primary care providers (PCPs) paired with tools to put that training into practice. The CE consists of Webinars which introduce the tools, which take the form of electronic health record (EHR) checklists and resource folders to facilitate performing cognitive evaluations in primary care. Between 2021 and 2023, the CPC program was implemented in 14 community-based primary care clinics at UW. Measures to assess outcomes showed positive effects including uptake of the EHR tools by PCPs, increased cognitive-tests entered into the EHR, and increased number of patients identified with cognitive impairment. During the symposium, attendees will learn the components of the CPC approach for quality improvement, as well as the methodology used to implement it and assess its effects. Finally, we will present an overview for how the CPC model is being packaged for dissemination to health systems across Washington State, with a focus on federally qualified health centers, supported by new CDC funding in the form of a grant through the BOLD Public Health Initiative.
MAKING MOVES: EPIGENETIC AGING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH PAIN AND DISABILITY OUTCOMES IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Strath Larissa , Lipat Ania , Meng Lingsong , Huo Zhiguang , Foster Thomas , Johnson Alisa , Fillingim Roger , Cruz-Almeida Yenisel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Chronic pain (pain that is persistent or recurrent for 3 months or longer) is a leading cause of mobility interference and disability in the aging population. It is well known that chronological aging increases the risk of developing of pain and pain reduces physical function; however, limited data exist on how epigenetic aging, new hallmark of biological aging shown to predict pain and mobility outcomes. The purpose of this session is three-fold: 1) introduce the audience to the algorithmic epigenetic aging clocks; 2) examine whether decreased mobility and increased pain severity is associated with these epigenetic clocks, and 3) examine recent literature showing epigenetic age acceleration as a potential mechanism by which biopsychosocial factors could be influencing pain and mobility in older adults. Given the complex multi-dimensional experience of pain and disability that is dynamically sculpted throughout an individual’s lifespan along with the environmental interactions with the epigenome, these advances will be a welcomed approach and the future of personalized medicine in an aging population.
FAMILY CAREGIVING AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS AND BLACK IMMIGRANTS: UNDERSTANDING DIABETES MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES
Authors: Addo-Mensah Dorothy , Conklin Jamie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the significant burden of diabetes within African American and Black immigrant communities, there remains a notable gap in understanding the unique caregiving experiences and needs specific to these populations. Familial caregivers play a tremendous role in supporting disease management for their older relatives diagnosed with diabetes. The caregivers have a significant responsibility in providing instrumental (e.g., blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration) and material support (e.g., financial support, shopping) to older diabetic relatives. Research has shown that support from the family caregiver can improve the quality of life of a patient diagnosed with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate and elucidate the characteristics of family caregivers providing care to older diabetic relatives within African American and Black immigrant communities. With support from a librarian, we conducted a scoping review on PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. The review yielded 538 unique articles that were independently screened by two reviewers in Covidence. The preliminary data shed light on the characteristics of caregivers and the various roles they undertake in providing care. It highlights the challenges family caregivers face in these communities, including financial strain, limited access to resources, and cultural barriers. Additionally, the data reveal the specific support needs of these caregivers, indicating areas where interventions and support programs could be targeted to address their unique circumstances effectively. Our study serves as a foundation for further exploration and the development of targeted interventions to better support family caregivers in African American and Black immigrant communities.
PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSION IN BLACK WOMEN WITH HYPERTENSION: A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF HRS DATA
Authors: Hutto Lashawn , Odlum Michelle , Theeke Laurie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Black women experience a prevalence of depression and hypertension, with symptoms of depression going unrecognized. They describe worthlessness and hopelessness but also emptiness, lack of control, mood swings, and disinterest, which are not part of routine screenings. The Black women’s schema prioritizes strength, caring for others, and avoiding discussing feelings. Along with barriers of distrust of providers, self-denial of symptoms, limited depression knowledge, stigma, and financial limitations, diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. This study describes predictors of depression in black women based on data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). We examined individual, social, and relationship differences between black women with and without hypertension and used stepwise logistic regression to identify predictors. The sample included 407 Black women aged 50 years and above. Nearly half (47.7%) reported hypertension. The majority (94.6%) were married and had varying education, with the majority of participants having high school or less (66.6%). Women with hypertension reported worse overall health (X2=43.999, df=4, p=0.000), more health changes (X2=16.724, df=2, p=0.000), higher effort (X2=10.379, df=3, p=0.016) and depression scores (X2=9.518, df=3, p=0.23), restless sleep (X2=18.907, df=3, p=0.000) and less physical activity (X2=10.981, df=4, p=0.27.). Predictors for depression were loneliness (OR=3.509, 95% CI=1.364, 9.027), sadness (OR=2.272, 95% CI=1.026,5.031), restless sleep (OR=2.093, 95% CI=1.237, 3.542), unhappiness (OR=0.430,95% CI=0.258,0.71) and psychological problems (OR=0.194, 95% CI=0.038, 0.979). Future implications include building relationships with organizations that support black women with depression and longitudinal analysis of HRS data to explain the role of loneliness on depression and hypertension in this population.
COMMUNITY-ENGAGED RESEARCH WITH SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FOR OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH EQUITY
Authors: Steinman Lesley , Mitchell Mary , Wu Sherry 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Twenty years ago, our research center collaborated with local community-based social service organizations to co-create and evaluate PEARLS, a community-based, collaborative care model for late-life depression. PEARLS builds capacity among trusted, front-line, non-clinical providers (e.g., case managers, community health workers) to be depression care managers, taking a “task shifting” and “task sharing” approach recommended to close the mental health treatment gap by improving access to quality care where older adults live, work, play, pray, and age. While PEARLS was developed with, in, and for communities underserved by clinical mental health care, for the past five years our community-academic partnership has focused on reaching older adults who have been historically marginalized by racism, sexism, ageism, and other structural inequities. The five-year PEARLS Equity Study is supported by CDC Prevention Research Center funding to improve older adult mental health equity through active community collaborations from design to dissemination. This symposium will bring feature several of our local PEARLS partners to highlight the value of community-engaged dissemination and implementation research to fortify the feasibility, equity, and sustainability of studies to improve the lives of older adults through the social service organizations working to support aging in place and quality of life. We will provide real-world examples that embody the GSA conference theme, the Fortitude Factor, offering take-aways for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to strengthen how community-academic partnerships are essential for generating and integrating research findings into aging practice and policy.
EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE ON LABOR MARKET PARTICIPATION OF INFORMAL CARERS IN CHINA
Authors: Yang Wei , Pei Xingtong , Xu Mingming 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Existing evidence from high-income countries suggests that long-term care insurance (LTCI) aimed at enhancing access to formal care can reduce the burden on informal carers and facilitate their reentry into the labor market. However, there is limited evidence regarding the specific carers who have been most impacted by such insurance. Drawing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study of 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018, we employ a staggered difference-in-differences model with propensity score matching to analyze the impact of LTCI on care burden reduction and labor market participation of the informal carers. Our study shows that LTCI substantially alleviates the burden on informal carers and promotes their labor market participation. Specifically, LTCI reduced care burden among spouses by 8.5 hours per month. We also found that LTCI’s impact on enhancing labor market participation was more significant among younger household members, reflected in an average income increase of 4,534 yuan per year. Our subgroup analysis highlights that LTCI primarily benefits informal carers providing care for older people with low income or those who were farmers or previously engaged in informal sectors. We urge the government extend the insurance program to additional regions and broaden its scope to include individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
INTERGENERATIONAL CREATIVE MOVEMENT INTERVENTION FOSTERS SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: Kostelic Amy , Bardo Anthony , Thiel Susie , Reardon Claire , Khalilian Mohammad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
It is widely accepted that people flourish when experiencing a sense of connection and belonging. Yet, negative outcomes from the pandemic, like loneliness, remain elevated and relevant for younger and older women’s well-being. Additionally, life course transitions into both young adulthood and older age, while very different, are also similar in that they can challenge a woman’s social connectedness and sense of belonging. Our innovative multi-lesson education program aimed to connect first-generation female college students and college educated older women living in the community to promote a sense of belonging and enhance mental health by (a) combining interpretive dance in the form of physical activity and creativity; (b) engaging multiple generations via a humanistic approach centered around generativity; and (c) utilizing a sociocentric network approach to identify individual and program-level factors associated with positive outcomes. Results based on Social Network Analyses (SNA) demonstrated that our program was adept at fostering close intergenerational connections, which when triangulated with qualitative results from in-depth interviews, were found to be anchored in an emergent sense of belonging. Coupled with results from pre- and post-intervention surveys, the formation of these close intergenerational connections was found to positively impact mental health. The efficacy of our program was further established when pre- and post-intervention mental health assessments were compared between the participant (n=20) and control group (n=20). Our innovative program demonstrates the potential, though distinct, applicability of (a) creative movement activities and (b) SNA techniques for developing a programmatic scale up into other community settings.
NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND COGNITIVE DECLINE FOR OLDER MEXICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Rote Sunshine , Mahmoudi Elham , Armendariz Marina , Antonucci Toni , Manning Mark 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Neighborhood resources are salient in healthy brain aging. Neighborhood “third places” such as community centers and local eateries are increasingly recognized for their role in supporting the cognitive health of older residents. However, less is known about whether cognitive benefits from neighborhood resources are experienced similarly across diverse older adults. In the current study, we examined the associations between the availability of neighborhood social (i.e., religious institutions, social clubs) and service organizations (i.e., senior centers, community food banks) on cognitive decline among Mexican Americans living in urban and rural areas in the southwest U.S. region. We linked the panel data from the 2004-2013 Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE) with the census-level data on the number of organizations from National Neighborhood Data Archive (N= 628, Age M(SD) = 80 (3.6), female 64%, U.S. born 54%). Cognitive decline was based on MMSE scores with cut-off points adjusted for low educational attainment. The generalized estimating equations model accounted for person-level covariates such as age, gender, years of education, marital status, nativity, and dual eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare. We found that, in urban settings, the presence of religious organizations was associated with better cognition, but a higher number of civic organizations were linked to worse cognitive health and a steep decline in cognition. Social and service organizations were not associated with cognition in rural settings. Our findings highlighted the importance of urban/rural contexts in identifying neighborhood organizations that may support healthy brain aging for older Mexican Americans.
NEIGHBORHOOD DISADVANTAGE, SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS, AND COGNITION AMONG MEXICAN-AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Scambray Kiana , Gutierrez Angela , Walters Monica , Tsotsoros Cindy , Sol Ketlyne , Choi HwaJung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Research suggests that Hispanics live in more disadvantaged neighborhoods, and neighborhood disadvantage itself is associated with worse cognition. Few studies have examined whether social factors could buffer this relationship among Hispanic older adults. We examined whether social network size and relationship quality moderates the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and cognition, and whether these moderations differed by gender in this cross-sectional study. We included 2069 participants (Mean age=81.9; 62% women) from the fifth wave of the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE). Social network size was defined as the total number of children, relatives, and friends. Relationship quality was defined by how frequently the individual can count on and discuss deep problems with friends/family. Neighborhood disadvantage quartiles (least to most disadvantaged) were created from measures in the National Neighborhood Data Archive after linking with the H-EPESE individual-level data using the census-tract geocode. The Mini Mental State Examination, measuring global cognition, was the outcome. Multiple linear regressions with interaction terms were conducted to assess for moderation, which were repeated across the gender-stratified samples. Relationship quality moderated the association between neighborhood disadvantage and cognition whereas social network size did not. The adverse effect of living in the most disadvantaged neighborhood on cognition was observed among those reporting medium relationship quality (B=-2.94, p&lt;.05). This relationship appeared to be primarily driven by women (B=-5.49, p=.02). These findings suggest that interventions to improve cognition among Hispanic older adults in disadvantaged neighborhoods should consider how relationship quality and gender impact cognition.