bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DEMOGRAPHICS’ IMPACT ON CURRENT AND NOVEL NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL MEASURES FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE SCREENING
Authors: Reed Alexandra , Duff Kevin , Schaefer Sydney 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Neuropsychological assessments are often affected by demographic factors, such as age, education, and sex. These demographic variables frequently lead to differences in test scores between minorities and non-minorities, lowering diagnostic accuracy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among minoritized groups. A new test (quick Behavioral Exam to Advance Neuropsychological Screening, or qBEANS) has been developed to assess early signs of AD. This study compared the influence of demographic variables on qBEANS and other neuropsychological tests that are commonly used in the assessment of AD. In this study, 165 participants (68 cognitively unimpaired; 52 amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment; 45 mild AD) completed the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLTR); Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMTR); and Trails Making Test (TMT) A and B. Participants also completed the qBEANS, which involves spooning two raw kidney beans at once with the nondominant hand to one of three target cups in a simple sequence, with higher scores being worse performance. Results indicated that significant age effects were observed for all tests except qBEANS and TMT-A, with older ages being associated with worse scores. Similarly, there were significant education effects for all tests except qBEANS and TMTs A and B. Only the HVLTR (total and delayed recall) showed a significant sex effect, with females performing better than males. These data suggest that qBEANS may be appropriate for screening diverse populations without controlling for demographic variables.
FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES IN HOME HEALTH STAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA: INTERSECTIONALITY OF GENDER AND RACE
Authors: Basu Rashmita 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study explores the difference in functional outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries during a home health (HH) admission across the intersectionality of race and gender because these outcomes may be by virtue of their gender and racial/ethnic composition. This cohort study used data from the 2019 Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and Medicare claims (Home Health (HH) and inpatient), enrollment, and Chronic Condition Warehouse (CCW) files from the CMS. Functional outcome was measured as a change in the composite ADL score (grooming, bathing, toileting, dressing, walking, transferring, ambulation, and hygiene) from HH admission to HH discharge. Binary logistic regressions with an outcome variable (1/0: if the composite score was ≤0 (improvement/static) at discharge (1), and 0 if &gt; 0 (decline) during HH admission) were performed. The ADRD cohort was identified based on CCW criteria and ICD-10 codes from inpatient and HH claims. The independent predictor was a six-category intersectionality variable that included White female (reference), White male, Black female, Black female, other female, and other male. The analysis included 81,735 Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD, contributing to 174,093 home health stays. Adjusting for patients’ demographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity), number of diagnoses, caregiving support, and MA enrollment, compared to White females, all the other groups were 3% (95% CI:1.01-1.06) to 18% (95% CI: 1.08-1.26) more likely to have improvement or maintenance of ADL composite score from HH admission to discharge. The combination of gender and race/ethnicity composition is critical in examining the functional outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries using postacute care.
MAPPING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES ON THE PROGRESSION OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Mirjan Nadia , Zecevic Aleksandra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A growing population of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease urges improved support for aging in place and with dignity. Assistive technologies (ATs) can be used to delay institutionalization, reduce caregiver burden, and improve quality of life for this population and their care partners. The abilities and needs of this population change during disease progression, requiring a better understanding of which ATs could be used at each stage of the disease. The purpose of this scoping review is to generate knowledge on how ATs can be mapped on seven stages of Alzheimer’s Disease progression described by the Global Deterioration Scale. The review follows the Arksey and O’Malley framework to identify and harvest information from Medline OVID, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase OVID databases. Inclusion criteria were Alzheimer’s Disease, technology interventions of any type and duration, English language, and the time frame between 2000-2023. Data was extracted and thematically analyzed using six predetermined domains of ATs for dementia, namely safety devices, clinical devices, memory aids, ATs for preventing social isolation, ATs for leisure activities, and ATs for supporting everyday tasks. A total of 53 articles were included. Findings show that a variety of ATs are available throughout the disease progression. High technology (e.g., tracking devices) mainly target early stages, while low technology (e.g., weighted blanket) target later stages. Some, such as music therapy, are present at every stage of disease. The map has the potential to inform people with dementia, care partners, technology companies, distributors, policy makers and service providers.
PREVENTABLE HOSPITALIZATIONS IN ADULTS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS, 2016–2019
Authors: Walker Jenny , Patel Roshni , Olivari Benjamin , Taylor Christopher , Baumgart Matthew , McGuire Lisa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Reducing preventable hospitalizations in adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is a public health and National Healthy People 2023 priority because the associated negative health and financial outcomes may be avoidable through proactive primary and outpatient care recognizing and managing co-morbidities. This study used data from the 2016–2019 Healthcare Cost Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample, an all-payer inpatient care database. Using ICD-10-CM codes, we identified 8 conditions that are potentially preventable, including acute and chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions and injuries. Of the hospital discharges among adults aged ≥45 years with ≥1 of 11 conditions (n=4,611,423), 11.2% (95%CI=11.1-11.3) also listed an accompanying ADRD diagnosis for the patient. Among adults with an ADRD diagnosis, the proportion of potentially preventable hospitalizations increased linearly with age, with 82.4% (95%CI=82.2-82.5) of potentially preventable hospitalizations occurring among those aged ≥75 years. In contrast, potentially preventable hospitalizations among those without ADRD skewed younger, with only 34.2% (95%CI=34.0-34.4) occurring among those aged ≥75 years. Of the 8 potentially preventable conditions, most common among those with ADRD were sepsis (34.1%), injuries (21.1%), urinary tract infections (UTIs; 14.0%), and heart failure (12.9%). Adults with ADRD were more likely to be hospitalized due to UTIs than those without ADRD (adjusted prevalence ratio=2.34 (95%CI=2.32-2.37)), even after adjusting for sex, age, and long-term care facility residency. Future public health measures, policy, and programs with targeted ADRD hospitalization prevention goals may potentially mitigate the issue, with special attention to increased risk of hospitalization due to older age and UTIs.
METABOLOMIC AND IMMUNOLOGIC INSIGHTS INTO RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN REPRODUCTIVE AGING
Authors: Borgogna Joanna-Lynn , Holm Johanna , Ravel Jacques , Brotman Rebecca , Voyich Jovanka , Yeoman Carl , Shardell Michelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Menopause is linked to declining levels of estrogen, loss of protective vaginal lactobacilli, and age-related comorbidities. Vaginal metabolites reflect metabolic activity of the microbiota and human host, along with exogenous influences, and can modify susceptibility to multiple pathologies. Racial/ethnic minorities experience earlier and more intense symptoms of menopause but are underrepresented in reproductive aging studies. To address these gaps, we applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and cytokine profiling to characterize the vaginal microenvironment across reproductive stages, with an emphasis on comparisons between post-menopausal racial/ethnic groups. 476 participants (aged 35-60 years) contributed semiannual person-visits over two years (N=1,153 samples). Bayesian mixed-effects regression of log2-transformed metabolites (n=770) assessed metabolomic differences in samples from pre- (n=287), peri (n=335), and post-menopausal (n=531) participants, 25% of whom were racial/ethnic minorities. Samples collected from post-menopausal participants had distinct metabolomic profiles compared to pre- or peri-menopausal samples (548 metabolites were lower in post-menopausal samples; p&lt; 0.05). After adjustment for vaginal microbiota, post-menopausal samples had lower concentrations of most micronutrients (e.g., vitamins B, C, and D; p&lt; 0.05). Metabolites reflecting epithelial damage and oxidative stress, along with host-produced lysophospholipids (e.g., lactosyl-N-palmitoyl-sphingosine), were highest in samples from post-menopausal participants (p&lt; 0.05), with post-menopausal Black participants having the highest levels (relative to post-menopausal white participants, and non-postmenopausal Black or white participants) (p&lt; 0.05). Lysophospholipids are immunogenic, and many were positively correlated with TNF-α, but negatively correlated with IL-19. Further investigations linking menopause and race/ethnicity with inflammatory or oxidative stress-related metabolites are needed to reduce disparities in healthy reproductive aging.
CHILDBEARING STATUS, PARITY, AND COGNITIVE HEALTH AT MIDLIFE: A LONGITUDINAL APPROACH
Authors: Thomeer Mieke , Wolfe Joseph , Reczek Rin , Ferguson Dee , Cao Rui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Childbearing histories matter for multiple health outcomes across the life course. Further, there is growing evidence that childbearing may also shape mid- and later-life cognitive health, although previous research is limited due to difficulty in accounting for the role of selection. Multiple factors that place women at risk for specific childbearing experiences also place them at risk for poor cognitive health—including socioeconomic background, health issues in early life, and cognitive ability in adolescence. We advance research by analyzing the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) (N=2,257), a longitudinal nationally representative dataset from the US that began collecting data when women were in their late teens and early 20s. Final models account for a large array of social, economic, demographic, cognition, and health variables to estimate how childbearing histories matter for three cognitive health outcomes at age 48. In unadjusted models, we find that childbearing status, parity, and age at first birth are associated with self-reported memory and word recall, and age at first birth is also associated with backwards number counting. In fully adjusted and matched models, the only significant differences relate to memory. In future analysis, we will examine which specific factors drive associations, incorporate cognitive health at age 60, and replicate analyses in additional datasets. We demonstrate the role of childbearing as a determinant of cognitive health, suggesting the need to incorporate childbearing into life course models of dementia risk. We also draw attention to the importance of considering selection when identifying social determinants of cognitive health.
COGNITIVE GROWTH AND DISPERSION AT MIDLIFE: IMPLICATIONS FOR COGNITIVE MAINTENANCE AND RESERVE
Authors: Reynolds Chandra , Zheng Anqing , Muñoz Elizabeth , Corley Robin , Wadsworth Sally 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dispersion in performance across cognitive tasks provides a unique perspective of cognitive functioning beyond overall performance and may be predictive of poorer memory and dementia risk in older adults. What dispersion indexes at earlier age periods is unclear, although a lifespan perspective may provide an earlier window on cognitive specialization and reserve at the cusp of midlife. We sought to evaluate individual differences in dispersion in growth from adolescence and at midlife. Using twin and sibling data from the Colorado Adoption Twin Study of Lifespan behavioral development and cognitive aging (CATSLife1; N = 1245, MAge = 33.30, SD = 5.00, 53% Female), we evaluated dispersion using a latent model approach across tasks from a specific cognitive ability (SCA) battery, referencing age 16 and CATSLife1 assessment norms, and WAIS-III subtests at CATSLife1. At midlife, overall performance was modestly positively correlated with dispersion for the SCA tasks and the WAIS-III subtests (r=0.07 and 0.37). Referencing age 16 norms, SCA performance was correlated with dispersion at 0.88, suggesting differential growth from age 16 correlates strongly with CATSLife1 performance. Education predicted more dispersion referencing age 16 norms (B=0.41; CI=0.31 to 0.48], but not midlife dispersion for SCA or WAIS-III. Sibling similarity for the latent dispersion measures were moderate for identical (MZ) twins (r’s=0.55-0.86) and smaller for fraternal twins (DZ) (r’s=0.26-0.60), other biological siblings (r’s=0.10-0.36), and siblings in adoptive families (r’s=-0.15-0.11). Dispersion in growth may reflect differential specialization with implications to reserve, whereas variability in performance at midlife may be reflective of differences in maintenance.
EYE MOVEMENTS REVEAL AGE DIFFERENCES IN HOW AROUSAL MODULATES MECHANISMS OF ATTENTIONAL CONTROL
Authors: Kim Andy , Nguyen Kristine , Mather Mara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The arousal-biased competition theory posits that inducing arousal increases attentional priority of salient stimuli while reducing priority of non-salient stimuli. However, older adults are hypothesized to exhibit dysfunction in the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system that mediates both global arousal and attentional control. Unlike in young adults, older adults primarily do not exhibit shifts in attentional priority under increased arousal. However, the mechanism of how arousal biases attention in older adults is conflicting. We investigated whether the threat of unpredictable shock exhibits age differences in modulating multiple mechanisms of attentional control by observing eye movements. Participants completed two oculomotor search tasks in which the salient distractor is reactively disengaged (singleton search) or proactively suppressed (feature search). During singleton search, young adults made more first saccades toward the salient distractor when under the threat of shock. However, older adults did not exhibit changes in attentional priority for any stimuli under increased arousal. Our findings reveal older adults do not exhibit elevated priority for salient stimuli because arousal does not lead to shifts in priority. Furthermore, we observed that arousal did not affect the speed of attention processing in both age groups and that proactive suppression of the distractor persisted despite elevated priority. Lastly, we demonstrated that threat of shock modulated the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system as seen with pupillometry and that evoked pupil responses are correlated with oculomotor function. Using a systems neuroscience approach, our findings demonstrate age differences in how the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system interacts with neural networks of attention and oculomotor function.
ECOLOGICAL MOMENTARY ASSESSMENT AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR PREDICTING DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Jiang Nan , Chen Ke , Xiao Yexuan , Lou Vivian Weiqun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Depression represents a significant global health concern, particularly among older populations. While numerous studies have focused on investigating chronic stressors, the precise predictive impact of daily experiences on depression remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which mood fluctuations, daily stressors, contextual stressful events, and psychophysiological responses experienced by older adults with functional decline may predict later short- and long-term depression. This study employed a combination of longitudinal investigation and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to collect data on the mood status and stressful events of older adults with functional limitation. Data were gathered 2 times per day over a 14-day period and followed up with a revisit one year later. To predict long-term depression, the study explored several approaches using machine learning techniques.These included analyzing chronic stress baseline data (baseline approach), examining dynamic patterns of mood states and stressful events through EMA approach, and combining baseline data with dynamic patterns (EMA plus baseline approach). A total of 166 older adults participated in the study. The baseline plus EMA approaches showed better performance than the baseline and the EMA approaches at 1-year follow-up (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.798; 95%CI: 0.599，0.932) on the prediction of depression. The results underscore the significance of contextual risk factors encountered by older adults during different stages. Leveraging machine learning techniques could enhance the identification of older adults at risk and contribute to the creation of personalized, process-based early prevention programs aimed at mitigating future depression.
INTERDEPENDENCY OF COUPLES’ EVERYDAY COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Luchetti Martina , Rupprecht Fiona , Nikitin Jana , Karakose Selin , Stokes Jeffrey , Terracciano Antonio , Sutin Angelina R 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Longitudinal studies suggest an interdependency of marital partners’ well-being and health behaviors, which can impact cognitive health. To date, however, few studies have taken a dyadic approach to examine interrelations of cognitive function within romantic partners and none in daily life. This study examines momentary cognitive performance within middle-aged and older romantic couples, and how their performance is interrelated over 8 consecutive days. Data were from 137 opposite-sex couples (274 participants), between 40 and 70 years old, who completed a smartphone-based processing speed task and a visual memory task, three times a day, over the study period. A combination of dynamic structural equation and actor-partner interdependence modeling was used for the analysis. The analysis indicated that mean-level performance on both tasks were correlated between partners. There was a significant time-lagged partner effect for processing speed: Poor performance (longer reaction times) of a participant at one momentary assessment was associated with poor performance of their partner at the next assessment. When controlling for contextual factors (e.g., location, day of the week, presence/absence of others), only the time-lagged effect from female to male partners remained significant. Further, this time-lagged effect was stronger for couples of younger ages. There was no lagged effect for visual memory. This work sheds light on the interdependency of couples’ daily functioning, which might have implications for long-term cognitive outcomes.
COMMUNICATION TRAINING FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: PROOF OF CONCEPT
Authors: Brown Nancy , De Klerk-Rubin Vicki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the prevalence of patients living with dementia, physicians and medical students in particular, have received little or no dementia-specific training to help them communicate effectively with this population. Connecting and communicating with persons living cognitive change requires specific skills. These skills are taught in the Validation for Physicians and Medical Provider training, based upon the evidence-based Validation method by Naomi Feil. Developed with physicians and pedagogical expert in online learning, the training was designed for healthcare professionals, specifically doctors, with quality of care for patients and their carers in mind. The training comprised of a variety of teaching methods including: online on-demand videos, quizzes, case studies, and live webinars for each of the five blocks. The pilot program included physicians and other healthcare professionals. Pre and Post surveys consisted of a knowledge scale and SRDB (self-efficacy) ranked on a Likert scale of 1 to 5 and analyzed using SPSS. Post-training individual interviews concluded the beta-testing. Thirty professionals enrolled in the training; eight participants completed every aspect of the beta-testing. Despite the small sample size, there were trends approaching significance in knowledge and self-efficacy. Participants highly valued the contents of the training as well as the pedagogy. Technical problems were the main reason for attrition. Overall, the Validation method was found useful in practice, improved confidence, knowledge, and communication behaviors. Improvements are needed in the choices for validated measures and the online platform. “Validation has made me a better doctor. It has changed my perspective on aging” (participant).
EVALUATING VIRTUAL MONTESSORI DEMENTIA TRAINING USING NORMALIZATION PROCESS THEORY AMONG VA NURSING HOME STAFF
Authors: Kennedy Katherine , Snow A , Mills Whitney , Mochel Amy , Haigh Sylvia , Bishop Teddy , Hartmann Christine , Hilgeman Michelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper uses Normalization Process Theory (NPT) to examine staff impressions of Montessori-based program training and implementation at Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers (VA CLCs; nursing homes). We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of Montessori Approaches to Person-Centered Care (MAP-VA) at eight VA CLCs. Trainings were conducted as either a live virtual course or a pre-recorded asynchronous class. Two NPT constructs, coherence building and cognitive participation, informed qualitative interview questions, surveys, and analyses focused on staff movement from knowledge to action during initial implementation. Data collection included staff-completed standardized post-training exams (N=906), post-training evaluations (N=761), and optional validated surveys on perceptions of Montessori training (N=307). Champions (peer-leaders) from each CLC completed semi-structured qualitative interviews post-training (N=22). The majority of staff (83%-90%) passed all courses. Staff evaluated the training highly (80%+ agreement) on learning relevant new knowledge and confidence applying new skills. On average, staff felt MAP-VA would become a normal part of their work (7.68/10 scale) and reported increased familiarity with Montessori approaches after training (p =.002). Qualitative interview data from staff trained in Montessori supported three themes concordant with the NPT dimensions of coherence building and cognitive participation. Montessori virtual training resulted in high levels of coherence and cognitive participation among multidisciplinary staff, evidenced by high knowledge, self-efficacy, and readiness to act. The asynchronous and synchronous trainings were accessible, relevant, and supported diverse learners. Virtual dementia training can be an effective and efficient method of teaching nursing home staff about Montessori approaches to reduce responsive behaviors.