bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION (CMC) AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH ALZHEIMER’S
Authors: Wong Yun Leng , Hemmy Laura , Conway Mike , Lozoya Daniel Cabrera , Lim Kelvin , Mikal Jude 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Normal aging confers a host of risk factors for loneliness and social isolation. Aging accompanied by Alzheimer’s-related changes in cognition and function may result in even higher risk of loneliness and social isolation. Nevertheless, older adults now represent the fastest-growing demographic of both Internet and social media users. Moreover, uptake continues to rise, with younger-older adults - or the Baby Boomer Generation - using social media on average two hours more per week than younger generations. This widespread increase in digital engagement has profound implications on loneliness and social isolation among individuals living with Alzheimer’s. In this study, we examine the lived experiences of individuals living with ADRD using blogs managed by individuals with early-onset AD to assess how the Internet enables them to stay connected and safe. Following a phenomenological approach, we apply rigorous bottom-up, constant-comparison methods to identify the impact of computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies on social engagement, focusing on mental and physical health outcomes, social support exchange, and health resource sharing. Four key themes emerged from analysis: (1) the Internet as a gateway to formal networks of support and mentorship, (2) the ability to bridge geographical distances in pursuit of fitting and responsive support, (3) feelings of validation contribution coming from sharing experiences, and (4) feelings of embarrassment or forced awareness of functional and cognitive decline. Themes are contextualized, and used to make recommendations for the development of novel support exchange platforms focused on the needs of individuals with ADRD - and those with early-onset ADRD, specifically.
THE ASSOCIATION OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SOCIAL ISOLATION WITH SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Amin Iftekhar , Jesmin Syeda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Early detection and diagnosis of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) has been prioritized in the Healthy People 2030 objectives. Two specific objectives are to increase the proportion of adults with SCD who know they have it and who have discussed this with a care provider. Although the literature shows that women may have faster cognitive decline than men, research is lacking on whether differential levels of social support and isolation play any role in the prevention and delay of the onset of cognitive decline in older men and women.

Methods
We used data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, N= 4,45,132). Logistic regression models have been used to examine the association between social support, isolation, and SCD in a sample of community-dwelling older adults with SCD aged over 65.

Results
Overall, among 31,625 respondents over age 65, nearly 10.1% reported experience of confusion or memory loss. Lower scores on the composite measure of social support and isolation were associated with greater reports of SCD for both men (OR 2.6, 95% CI = 2.3, 2.9) and women (OR 2.9, 95% CI = 2.6, 3.2). Compared to Hispanic older adults, the effects of isolation and lack of social support on the odds of SCD were higher for Whites (OR 2.0, 95% CI = 1.8, 2.3), and Blacks (OR 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.7).

Conclusion
Our findings highlight the importance of addressing social support and social connectedness in cognitive decline-related health promotion efforts for older adults, women in particular.
ASSOCIATIONS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS WITH MCI AMONG OLDER ADULTS FROM UNDERRESOURCED COMMUNITIES
Authors: Fang Fang , Hughes Tiffany , Wang Yueting , Jacobsen Erin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Previous studies have shown social isolation and loneliness are associated with poor cognitive outcomes in later life, yet it is unclear if these findings could be confounded by selective attrition. This study examines longitudinal associations of social isolation and loneliness with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accounting for informative drop-out due to death or disease. Data were from a population-based cohort study of older adults in Southwestern Pennsylvania, whose once-vibrant economy heavily relied on the steel industry until it collapsed in the 1970s and has not fully recovered. Participants (N=1,254) were followed for 12 years for the development of MCI. Composite measures of social isolation and loneliness were created using longitudinal data across the study period. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analyzing incident MCI as a binary outcome with joint modeling to adjust for potential attrition bias, along with adjustment for demographic, health, and lifestyle factors was used to examine the associations of social isolation and loneliness with incident MCI. The analyses revealed that greater social isolation was associated with higher risk of incident MCI (odds ratio=1.33, p=0.014) even when accounting for potential attrition bias, other potentially confounding factors, and loneliness. Loneliness was not significantly associated with incident MCI with or without accounting for social isolation (odds ratio=1.04, p=0.716; odds ratio=1.12, p=0.255). Over time, social isolation, rather than loneliness, may negatively affect cognition and strategies to keep older adults socially connected may reduce the risk for cognitive impairment.
SOCIAL RESOURCES PREDICT EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING IN COGNITIVELY IMPAIRED OLDER ADULTS: RESULTS FROM THE ARMADA STUDY
Authors: Johnson Melanie , Growney Claire , Salmon David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As older adults tend to prioritize meaningful relationships, they are likely to have higher quality social relationships, which may contribute to maintained or improved emotional well-being with age. Social resources may be especially important for maintaining well-being among older adults with neurodegenerative diseases. We utilized NIH Toolbox (NIHTB) measures to examine group differences in the associations between social resource quality and emotional well-being among an ethnoracially and cognitively diverse sample of older adults. As part of the Assessing Reliable Measurement in Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Aging (ARMADA) study, older adults who were cognitively normal (CN-Young: aged 65-84; n=161; CN-Old: aged 85+; n=116), with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI; aged 64+; n=109), and with Alzheimer’s disease (AD; aged 62+; n=76) completed NIHTB measures of emotional well-being and social resource quality. Results from linear regression models indicated that social resource quality was associated with better emotional well-being on all thirteen emotional well-being measures (ps &lt;.001). Social Resources X Group interactions showed associations between high quality social resources and emotional well-being to be stronger for participants with AD relative to CN-Young on nine measures including anger (b=–0.51(0.17), p=.002), physical aggression (b=–0.26(0.11, p=.023), life satisfaction (b=0.35(0.16), p=.033), meaning and purpose (b=0.34,SE=.17,p=.043), positive affect (b=0.36(0.15), p=.018), and perceived stress (b=–0.43(0.17), p=.013). Findings underscore the importance of social resources in older age, particularly among adults with AD. Results suggest that individuals with AD draw upon social resources to improve their emotional well-being, perhaps helping alleviate some of the emotional and behavioral disturbances associated with AD.
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN VIETNAMESE OLDER ADULTS: EFFECTS OF LIVING ARRANGEMENTS AND FAMILIAL SUPPORT
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Attrayee , Korinek Kim , Adkins Daniel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Living alone has emerged as a prominent modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. How living arrangements influence risk for cognitive disorder is less well understood in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs) where Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) burden is rising and falls heavily upon family members. Vietnam is one such LMIC where ADRD rates are rising as demographic and cultural changes alter the living arrangements pertinent to cognitive aging. In this paper, we analyze data from the Vietnam Health and Aging Study, a longitudinal study of 2,447 older adults aged 60 and above residing in four districts of northern Vietnam, to examine the association between living arrangements and cognitive impairment. In a series of multiple linear and ordered logistic regression analyses, we estimate cognitive function using an abridged version of the Mini-Mental Scale Examination and its association with a categorical measure of living arrangements, and mediated by measures of social support, stress, and socioeconomic status. Findings indicate that females generally have poorer cognitive function than males, particularly those living alone. By comparison, those living with both spouse and children exhibit higher cognitive functioning. Nested model comparisons suggest that the ill effects of living alone on cognitive function are due in part to weaker social support, greater stress, and poorer socioeconomic conditions as compared to those living with spouses and children. These findings suggest research on the etiology of cognitive impairment should address nuanced forms of family support and stress as they occur and diverge across living arrangement configurations.
POLICY SERIES: ENSURING SCALE-UP AND SPREAD OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE: AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTATION BOOSTERS
Authors: Schiltz Nicholas , Aldossary Heba 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This symposium presents a series of studies focused on the implementation of the Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) 4Ms Framework within the largest convenient care health system in the U.S. These studies highlight the need for innovative “booster” strategies to improve the delivery of the 4Ms—Mobility, Medications, Mentation, and What Matters Most. The first study provides an overview of the implementation and improvement science methods used to facilitate the adoption of the 4Ms. Despite initial efforts, delivery of 4Ms care remained low after one year, highlighting the need for additional booster strategies. The second study introduces the Virtual Clinic, a serious video game designed to improve provider competency and confidence in delivering 4Ms care. The game simulates realistic older adult patient visits, providing valuable practice for providers. The third study presents the Reflection and Action strategy, a frontline feedback-driven approach aimed at enhancing both competency and confidence among providers in delivering the 4Ms. The strategy leverages the well-established “Plan, Do, Study, Act” model for improvement. The fourth study discusses the Age-Friendly Health Systems Questionnaire (AFHS-Q), a novel approach developed by frontline providers that enhances efficiency by having patients complete eight 4Ms-related questions while awaiting their medical visit. The final study introduces the Age-Friendly Health Systems Advocacy Tip Sheet, a tool designed to empower older adults and caregivers to advocate for Age-Friendly care. Collectively, these studies emphasize the importance of innovative booster strategies, frontline feedback, and patient empowerment in enhancing the delivery of age-friendly care.
IMPLEMENTATION BOOSTER: TESTING A VIRTUAL SIMULATION GAME TO ENHANCE CONFIDENCE AND COMPETENCE
Authors: Armstrong Grace , McCormack Mary , Seaman Ilona , Dolansky Mary , Pohnert Anne , Schiltz Nicholas , Ball Sarah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Virtual Clinic, a serious video game, aimed to improve provider competency and confidence in the delivery of AFHS 4Ms care through simulation of realistic older adult patient visits. The Virtual Clinic (VC) was developed in response to focus groups of front-line providers that revealed they valued gaining competency in delivering 4Ms through practice. The first prototype was tested in July 2021. Based on feedback the prototype was iteratively modified, tested and evaluated for effectiveness over three additional pilot waves. Regions of low 4Ms delivery were specifically targeted in an open-enrollment style of recruitment, with various incentives depending on the wave. A total of 262 providers have participated. Providers’ performance were evaluated one week before, one week after, and four weeks after participation in the virtual clinic. Participating providers were matched at a 3:1 ratio to providers in the system that did not participate in the VC and had similar baseline 4Ms delivery and patient volume. Across all waves, participants in the VC were found on average to have a 24% increase in M-score, and a 7% increase in eligible appointments with at least one M delivered four weeks after participation in the virtual clinic. Overall, participation in the virtual clinic shows moderate, but statistically significant increase in the delivery of evidence-based 4Ms care in providers with low baseline performance.
IMPLEMENTATION BOOSTER: A FRONTLINE INNOVATION USING AN AFHS-QUESTIONNAIRE
Authors: Aldossary Heba , Kouts Holly , Dolansky Mary 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Booster strategies originating from frontline providers are essential for optimizing 4Ms care delivery. The Age-Friendly Health Systems Questionnaire (AFHS-Q) is a novel approach, developed by frontline providers in the MinuteClinic, that enhances efficiency by having patients complete eight 4Ms-related questions while awaiting their medical visit. This approach fosters patient engagement, allowing individuals to express their concerns and preferences, ensuring personalized care. Providers (nurse practitioners and physician associates) across the ~1,100 MinuteClinic sites nationwide received AFHS-Q kits. Survey sent to 3,300 nurse practitioners completing the 4Ms and documenting findings before implementation. After four weeks, we surveyed 100 providers to provide feedback (scale range 1 to 5). 91 providers completed the survey. In general, feedback on the AFHS-Q was positive relating to the comfort of use (M = 4.18, SD =.99), usefulness (M = 3.97, SD = 1.10), acceptability (M = 4.12, SD =.83), and effort for use (M = 2.75, SD = 1.17). Providers confidence in completing the 4Ms (before AFHS-Q: M = 3.92, SD = 1.90; after AFHS-Q: M = 4.18, M =.97) and documenting the 4Ms before AFHS-Q: M = 3.84, SD =.99; after AFHS-Q: M = 4.17, M =.91) was significantly higher following AFHS-Q use. Providers also reported a significant reduction in time for visits after using the AFHS-Q. In summary, AFHS-Q proves effective, feasible, and well-received. Valuable feedback drives continuous refinement. Our findings emphasize the importance of provider-driven solutions for evidence-based healthcare quality improvement efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL FORTITUDE: NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT AND COGNITIVE HEALTH
Authors: Webster Noah , Markides Kyriakos 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
It is estimated that up to forty percent of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) cases are preventable. While modifiable risk factors are often linked with neighborhood characteristics, less attention is given to this context in interventions. Further, as prevalence of ADRD rises and racial/ethnic disparities persist, research is needed within groups to guide development of culturally and environmentally specific interventions. This symposium includes four complementary papers focusing on diverse neighborhood factors and their associations with cognitive health among a sample of older Mexican Americans from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly. The papers result from participation in the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD) 2023 Summer Data Immersion Program at the University of Michigan. MCCFAD is an NIA funded ADRD Resource Center for Minority Aging Research. Milani and colleagues found that limitations in activities of daily living mediate the association between living in a census tract with more highways and worse cognitive health. Clark and colleagues investigate the effect of ethnic enclaves and demonstrate a negative effect on both cognitive and functional decline. Lee and colleagues found that in urban settings, presence of religious organizations is associated with better cognitive health, while more civic organizations is linked to worse. Scambray and colleagues document an adverse effect of living in a disadvantaged neighborhood on cognition among those reporting moderate levels of relationship quality. These papers will be discussed by Kyriakos Markides who will provide an outlook for future research in this area.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH PATHWAYS LINKING EXPOSURE TO HIGHWAYS AND COGNITIVE HEALTH AMONG OLDER MEXICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Milani Sadaf , Meza Erika , Carrion Carmen , Meier Helen , Zahodne Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Residing in an area with more major roadways is associated with worse cognitive function, yet few studies examine this relationship among older Mexican Americans. Our objective is to explore mental and physical health pathways linking exposure to highways to cognitive performance/function among Mexican Americans aged 75 and older. We used data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (2004/2005). Our exposure was the number of primary and secondary roads in a participant’s census tract. Our outcome was the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. We examined depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), neighborhood satisfaction (very satisfied/satisfied vs. neutral/dissatisfied/very dissatisfied), basic activity of daily living (ADL) limitations (7-item modified Katz ADL scale), and physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery) as separate potential mediators, using path analysis. Covariates included age, sex, education, marital status, nativity, language of interview, length of time in residence, and census tract characteristics (urbanicity, affluence, disadvantage, and proportion of Hispanic residents). Our analytic sample (n=1,723) had an average age of 81.5 years (standard deviation: 4.9) and was 61.2% female. Residing in census tracts with more highways was associated with lower MMSE scores. Depressive symptoms, neighborhood satisfaction, and physical function were not mediators while ADL limitations mediated 40% of the relationship between living in census tracts with more highways and MMSE scores. Future work is needed to understand the direct and indirect mechanisms underlying the association between exposure to highways and ADL limitations, as well as between ADL limitations and cognitive health.
ACADEMIC NURSING RESEARCH, INNOVATION, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Authors: Shade Marcia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Marcia Shade PhD, BS, RN is the Founder and CEO of Voice-It Inc. The start-up company focuses on creating digital health solutions that engage, inform, and empower older adults. Voice-It Inc. is harnessing, AI, the power of machine learning and natural language processing to help improve the health and quality of life of older adults. Dr. Shade will share: 1) Her perceptions on the importance of understanding entrepreneurship as an academic nurse researcher and innovator, and 2) Reflections on her experience as a finalist in the 2023 NIA Start-Up Challenge. “I received invaluable guidance from the NIA Team, experts, mentors, advisors, and fellow cohort finalists to help me grow as an entrepreneur and lay a foundation for my start-up company.”
NIA SBIR-FUNDED JUVENA THERAPEUTICS TRANSLATION OF POWERFUL PROTEINS INTO TRANSFORMATIVE THERAPEUTICS
Authors: O’Connell Jeremy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Juvena Therapeutics, which received NIA SBIR funding in 2021, was founded to restore tissue health by repairing protein signaling and intercellular communication. Juvena maps the therapeutic potential of natural secreted proteins and engineers them into biologics that restore tissue homeostasis. Juvena’s artificial intelligence-enabled platform mines thousands of proteins secreted by human stem cells, screens their potential to restore tissue homeostasis, and engineers novel biologic medicines into life-saving treatments. Juvena’s SBIR funding had multiple benefits as it enabled optimization of their lead compound, additional compound screenings, as well as the rigorous feedback that resulted from peer review. Since receiving NIA SBIR funding and showcase support, Juvena has now raised close to $60 million in venture capital funding and is rapidly advancing its efforts. Juvena’s journey is a great example of how SBIR funding can be a critical resource early in a biotech startup’s development path.
MARITAL STATUS AND DRINKING BEHAVIORS AMONG OLDER HISPANIC ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Nazario-Acevedo Jaminette , Yamashita Takashi , Bulanda Jennifer , Brown J Scott 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
On average, Hispanics are not the most frequent alcohol consumers, however, when Hispanics consume alcohol, the chance of excessive drinking is greater than for other racial and ethnic groups. Excessive drinking can be seen as a stress-coping response and harmful, especially to the health of older Hispanic adults. Hispanic culture places particular importance on family relationships (a.k.a., Familismo). The size of social networks tends to shrink in later life and a specific social relationship-- marriage -- becomes a crucial social support network. Studies show that marital relationships facilitate stress-coping processes and, in turn, benefit health. A social support system can be a resource to prevent stress-induced excessive drinking among older Hispanic adults. Thus, the current study aims to examine how marriage is associated with alcohol consumption behaviors among older Hispanic adults in the United States. The data of the nationally representative samples of Hispanic adults aged 51 years and older (n = 316) are obtained from the 2018 U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Results from the negative binomial regression indicate that on average, married older Hispanic adults consume 66% fewer alcoholic drinks per week (b = -1.10, p &lt; 0.01) than their unmarried counterparts. Also, older Hispanic women consume 90% fewer alcoholic drinks per week (b = -2.29, p &lt; 0.01) than older Hispanic men. The roles of culturally valued social relationships and gender differences, along with other predictors of alcohol consumption patterns are evaluated from sociocultural and public health perspectives (e.g., prevention of excessive drinking through social support).