bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ENGAGING RURAL OLDER ADULT COMMUNITY CENTERS TO SUPPORT COGNITIVE HEALTH: CBPR LESSONS AND BARRIERS
Authors: McCoy Megan , Cerino Eric , McCarthy Michael , Martinez Margarita , Lucero Louis , Seaton Thomasina , Goldtooth Amanda , Livingston Raechel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Academic-community partnerships grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods can further health equity and improve cognitive health for older adults and caregivers in rural communities. Older adult community centers, specifically, can serve as partners to advance preventative memory screening and early interventions to address cognitive health disparities and provide support for caregivers. The aim of this study is to describe a model for researchers in the early stages of partnership development, aspiring to use CBPR, to better align activities with community needs. Informed by the Quality Improvement and Innovation Partnership (QIIP) model, we describe the process of engaging older adult community centers as research partners to advance the Northern Arizona Memory Study. Descriptive findings from surveys with 6 center leaders, combined with thematic analysis of partnership development process notes, illuminate lessons and barriers to engagement, as well as conceptual advances for CBPR methods. Lessons include the importance of honoring mutual expertise, informal engagement with center staff and participants to establish trust, and “word of mouth” as affirmation of shared vision. Contextual barriers specific to rurality also impact partnership development capacity (limited staffing/resources) and logistics (travel distances). Findings suggest community centers serving older adults in rural communities are interested in collaborating with researchers to support cognitive health. However, logistical and capacity barriers limit the extent to which centers can commit to CBPR partnerships. Consideration of unique community contextual factors is necessary, requiring researchers to tailor partnership development to each center rather than adopting a “one size fits all” approach.
EXAMINING SITUATION SELECTION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN USING A NOVEL DAY RECOLLECTION METHOD
Authors: Kwak Judy , Hill Patrick 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Situation selection is the process by which people approach or avoid certain people, places, or objects to regulate their emotions. Prior research suggests that older adults engage in situation selection more frequently than younger adults because they become more adept at avoiding situations that provoke negative emotions. However, research on these behaviors is limited, in part due to the lack of a reliable scale. The current study addressed this gap by surveying 304 adults ranging 18-79 years old (M=46, SD=16) from Prolific to test a novel measure of day recollection situation selection. First, participants reflected upon the previous day’s events and wrote about how they felt, as if writing in a diary. Next, their diary entry was presented in a read-only format at the top of the following page, where they answered questions about how they chose to approach or avoid situations. Exploratory factor analyses revealed a 3-factor structure reflecting distinct forms of situation selection: (1) approaching positive, (2) approaching negative, and (3) avoiding negative. Internal consistency of these subscales was high (alphas = 0.81–0.89), and intercorrelations were small-to-moderate (rs = -0.04–0.35). No age differences were found in approaching positive or avoiding negative situations (rs = -0.02– -0.07). However, older adults reported approaching negative situations less frequently than younger adults (r = -0.14). These findings suggest that older adults strategically select environments to enhance their well-being. With age, adults may prioritize emotional goals by selecting situations conducive to minimizing stressors while increasing positive experiences.
EXAMINING SPIRITUALITY, COGNITIVE, AND FUNCTIONAL HEALTH IN OLDER U.S. ADULTS
Authors: Britt Katherine , Dong Fanghong , Massimo Lauren , Hamilton Jill , Hodgson Nancy , Stites Shana , Mechanic-Hamilton Dawn 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Used as a salient resource among Black communities to cope with stress, spirituality and religion are associated with better overall cognitive function. However, their impact on individual cognitive domains and functional health is limited, and understanding these relationships could inform targeted interventions for optimizing cognitive and functional health. Using data from cognitively unimpaired older Black and White U.S. adults in 2021-2022 from the Aging Brain Cohort (ABC) at The University of Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, we examined cross-sectional associations between spirituality (measured with one item, “To what extent do you consider yourself a spiritual person?”), religiousness (measured with one item, “To what extent do you consider yourself a religious person?”), cognition (i.e., memory measured with Benson Delayed Recall and executive function measured with Trail Making B) and functional health (measured with the Functional Rating Scale (FRS) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) (N=158) using multivariable regression analysis. Participants were 27.8% Black, 64.6% women, with mean age (74.4 years) and education (16.7 years). Controlling for age, education, sex, and social interaction, spirituality was positively associated with memory (β = 0.19, 95%CI [0.05, 0.33], p&lt;.007) but not executive function or functional health. In comparison, religiousness was positively associated with functional health (FAQ only)(β = 0.31, 95%CI [0.01, 0.61], p&lt;.046)) but not memory or executive function. Older Black and White adults with greater spirituality had higher memory scores, and those with greater religiousness had a higher functional health score. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine associations further.
EXAMINING THE EXPERIENCES AND UNIQUE CARE NEEDS OF SPEC POPS IN AL: FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS TO MAINTAINING THE SELF
Authors: Lentz Jeffrey , Bender Alexis , Kemp Candace , Perkins Molly 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The assisted living (AL) population is growing more diverse. This diversity is reflected in the increasing use of AL by African Americans, Latinos, and other cultural groups who have traditionally “cared for their own,” as well as a rising number of members of other special populations (e.g., sexual minorities and persons aging with HIV) requiring and using residential care. As part of a 5-year study of care at the end of life in AL funded by the National Institute on Aging (R01AG047408), we use the Sort and Sift, Think and Shift method to investigate the experiences and unique care needs of AL residents who represent various special populations within our sample. Data include in-depth and informal interviews with residents. These cases (three females and two males) reflect intersecting social statuses (e.g., race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, illness, and disability). Our analysis identified facilitators and barriers to maintaining the self. These statuses make them particularly vulnerable to stigma and other challenges that adversely affect their quality of life, including trauma earlier in life, language barriers, cultural marginalization, discrimination, and inadequate social support. Strengths that contribute to their ability to negotiate these risks and maintain a positive sense of self include religiosity and spirituality, as well as having a sense of community or group pride (e.g., as an HIV survivor or member of a racial/ethnic group). Findings have implications for interventions to improve the quality of life at the end of life for residents who represent members of special, often hidden populations.
FAMILY HEALTH STRESS AND INSOMNIA SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS: THE ROLE OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR CHILDREN
Authors: Jang Jeein 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Insomnia symptoms that arise from stress pose a significant physical and psychological health concern for older adults. Yet, little empirical research has explicitly examined the association between stress caused by family health concerns and insomnia symptoms, along with the role that relationships with children play in moderating this relationship. This study uses Pearlin’s stress process model and data from the 2018 and 2020 Health and Retirement Study (N=7,755) to investigate these associations in adults aged 50 and above. Ordered logistic regressions assess the link between family health stress and insomnia severity using four items (i.e., trouble falling asleep, nighttime awakening, early morning awakenings, and feelings of nonrestorative sleep). Additionally, the moderating role of two relationships with children, positive and negative, is included in the analysis. All statistical analyses are adjusted for sociodemographic, health-related factors, caregiver status, and their children’s socioeconomic status. Results show older adults experiencing ‘somewhat upsetting’ and ‘very upsetting’ family health stress had 24% and 50% higher odds, respectively, of experiencing more severe insomnia symptoms compared to those with no family health stress. Interestingly, both positive and negative relationships only moderated the association between ‘somewhat upsetting’ stress and insomnia symptoms. These findings underscore the need for targeted clinical and public health interventions to help older adults with family health stress reduce their insomnia symptoms by fostering positive relationships with their children.
FROM TWINS TO DIGITAL TWINS: LLM-DRIVEN COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE PREDICTION
Authors: Zheng Anqing , Gustavson Daniel , Corley Robin , Reynolds Chandra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Human digital twins, virtual representations of individuals that simulate one or more aspects of human behavior and characteristics, have gained increasing attention for their potential applications in training optimization and personalized interventions. This study explores the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) with in-context learning to simulate cognitive performance, leveraging the power of real human sibling pairs. Our study aims to assess the accuracy of these simulated representations by comparing their predictive power against actual performance and their siblings’ performance across various cognitive domains in those approaching midlife. We utilize the CATSLife dataset of 1,040 individuals from 505 sibships (including twins and non-twin pairs, ages 28-49). Our dataset encompasses over 60 characteristics with empirical associations with cognitive maintenance, spanning across lifestyle, psychosocial, environmental, and demographic domains, serving as the foundation for simulating cognitive performance. For evaluation, we employ intraclass correlation coefficients to quantify similarities between sibling-sibling, individual-simulation, and sibling-simulation pairs. Preliminary analyses reveal strong cognitive performance correlations among monozygotic pairs (MZ; rs =.37~.85), establishing a benchmark for our simulations. We expect our LLM-based simulation will outperform traditional statistical approaches in predicting individual cognitive performance, while remaining within the bounds of observed MZ similarities. By comparing sibling-sibling and sibling-simulation similarities, we aim to demonstrate a novel evaluation metric for human digital twins and provides insights into the capabilities of advanced computational methods in predicting individual cognitive performance. This approach could open avenues for developing more precise, personalized strategies in cognitive health management and targeted cognitive enhancement interventions.
GENTLE MOVES: AN INNOVATIVE IN-HOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM INCLUSIVE OF OLDER ADULTS WITH ADRD
Authors: Hu Elise , Yin Lijuan , Song Woojin , Skowronski Jordan , Stocks Jane , Bing-Canar Hanaan , Caceres Maria , Muramatsu Naoko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
While regular physical activity (PA) is vital for older adults’ health, older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) often find regular PA unattainable due to prolonged inactivity, functional limitations, and/or lack of motivation. Pro-Home(TM) Gentle Moves for Healthy Aging (GM) is an in-home PA program inclusive of inactive/frail older adults with ADRD, adapted from an evidence-based PA program. GM is innovative because (1) GM applies behavioral learning theory to guide learning, managing, and reinforcing regular PA; (2) GM features PA goalsetting to enhance motivation and builds PA into participants’ daily routine; (3) the in-home PA moves are appropriate for inactive/frail older adults with ADRD; and (4) participants receive a personalized tablet to remind and support daily completion of GM. We remotely pilot-tested GM with 8 participants and their caregivers. Participants had a mean age of 79.3 (SD=9.67), 5 were female, and caregivers were participants’ children (n=4), spouses (n=3), or grandchildren (n=1). Despite varying degrees of ADRD, all dyads actively engaged with our interventionist to set PA goals, learn GM, and incorporate GM into their daily routines. Additionally, all dyads completed the 3-month program (100% retention). Participants felt safe doing GM at home and found GM’s intensity appropriate for their abilities. While most participants with mild ADRD independently completed the 3-month intervention with daily tablet use after initial instruction, participants with moderate ADRD required greater caregiver support using the tablet and reminding and motivating participants daily. Future directions include implementing GM into healthcare settings and investigating further motivational strategies.
GENTRIFICATION AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS: MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Authors: Hirsch Jana , Moore Kari , Yazdi Reyhaneh Akbar Nejad , Besser Lilah , Hughes Timothy , Michael Yvonne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Gentrification, transition of neighborhoods from a state of disinvestment to reinvestment, introduces new amenities potentially beneficial for health of residents who are able to remain. However, the displacement of existing residents may result in stress and diminished social connection. These disparate influences of gentrification may positively or negatively influence older adults’ brain health. We used a sample of 1,292 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) to examine associations between gentrification from 2000 to 2010 and cognitive function change between Exams 5 (2010-2012) and 6 (2016-2018). Neighborhoods were categorized as continually advantaged (ineligible to gentrify), continually disadvantaged (eligible to gentrify but not gentrified), and gentrified. We categorized three continuous cognitive measures as maintained/improved score versus decline in score from Exam 5 to 6: CASI (version 2), global cognitive function; Digit Symbol Coding (DSC) task, processing speed; and Digit Span (DS), short term memory. Compared to those living in continually disadvantaged neighborhoods, participants residing in gentrified neighborhoods had 5% lower risk of CASI decline and 2% lower risk of DSC decline. More pronounced, those residing in continually advantaged neighborhoods had 10% lower risk of CASI decline, 6% lower risk of DS decline, and 8% lower risk of DSC decline. After adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, language of administration, education, income, working status, and APOE4, only DSC declines remained statistically significant. Among a multi-ethnic and geographically diverse population, we observed a linear relationship through which risk of cognitive decline decreased with higher level and improvement of neighborhood socioeconomic conditions.
HEIGHTENED STRESS IN FOOD CHOICES: HOW ACUTE EXERCISE IMPACTS OLDER ADULTS’ DECISION-MAKING
Authors: Heselton Hyeon Jung (Judith) , Persson Annelie , Boron Julie Blaskewicz 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Both habitual and acute exercise have a subjective stress-reducing effect in young and older adults. Exercise is associated with improved cognitive performance related to decision-making, while stress correlates with poorer decision-making regarding food intake in some individuals. Previous research with young adults found that acute exercise reduced perceived stress, as well as increased the amount selected for consumption both immediately after and 30 minutes post exercise. The current study assessed the impact of acute exercise on perceived stress in older adults while making hypothetical choices related to the amount and timing of food intake. Thirty-one healthy older (Mage=68.67; SD=3.08; Range=64-75) participants (54.8% female; Mean BMI=26.16kg/m2; SD=2.82kg/m2) completed 45-minutes of aerobic exercise and a resting control condition in randomized order. Perceived stress was surveyed (scale 0-10) before the exercise bout, immediately after, and 30-minutes post-condition. Food amount and intertemporal food preferences (e.g., immediate vs. delayed consumption) were assessed. Repeated-measures of analysis of variance (SPSS version 29) indicated no main effect on food amount preference, preferred timing of consumption, or stress; however, an interaction of condition and time on stress (p=0.013) showed when compared to rest, exercise resulted in increased stress from pre-to-post+30 min (F=7.58; p=0.02). Results suggest that acute exercise may transiently increase perceived stress in the context of decision-making around food choices in older adults highlighting the importance of available food options for this population. After replication, future studies should seek to elucidate the etiology and duration of increased stress, and the source of stress, in older adults.
HELP THAT HURTS: HOW BENEVOLENT AGEISM AND ABLEISM INTERSECT
Authors: Thompson Devin , Strickland-Hughes Carla 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults and people with disabilities are common victims of overaccommodative and unwanted help, partially due to their shared stereotypes of incompetence. This research replicated past work on perceptions of benevolent ageism (Chasteen et al., 2021), extending with examination of ableism and ratings of need for help. We aimed to test how younger and older persons’ impressions of an older woman (e.g., warmth) were affected by her reaction to benevolent ageism, depending on her physical disability. Younger (n=205; 18-35 years old) and older (n=216; 55+ years old) participants were recruited via MTurk, CloudResearch, and participant pools. Participants were randomly assigned to read a benevolent ageism scenario where an older woman had a cane or not and reacted by politely confronting or reluctantly accepting unnecessary help. Participants rated the older woman before and after her reaction. Consistent with preregistered hypotheses and past research, ratings of warmth, competence, and overall impression increased whereas ratings of perceived need for help decreased when the older women moderately confronted the offer of help. These effects were more pronounced for older participants than younger participants. However, the presence of the cane influenced impressions by younger, but not older, participants, who rated the older women as more warm after confronting ageism only when she had a cane. This age difference in perception based on the cane might be explained by experience with mobility aids. Implications of results for understanding how ableism and ageism interact for perceivers of different ages and abilities will be discussed.
HELPING BEHAVIORS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA
Authors: Zhang Shiyang , Jang HaeJin , Han Sae Hwang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Formal volunteering is widely recognized for its health benefits, including improved cognitive functioning and delayed onset of cognitive impairment and dementia. However, the extent to which these cognitive benefits vary across individuals with different levels of cognitive functioning remains unclear, and the impact of informal helping (e.g., helping friends, neighbors) on cognition is even less well understood. To address these gaps, we analyze data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (1998–2020; 199,126 observations from 35,004 individuals) using unconditional quantile regression models. This allowed for investigating the heterogeneous effects of two forms of helping behaviors–formal volunteering and informal helping–on cognitive functioning, measured with the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS; range 0–27), across the cognitive functioning distribution. Our findings reveal that the cognitive benefits of both helping behaviors become progressively more pronounced for individuals experiencing worse cognitive functioning, including those with cognitive impairment (TICS score: 7–11) and dementia (score: 0–6). These unique results challenge the prevailing assumption that healthier individuals are more likely to engage in helping behaviors and thus accrue more benefits. Instead, this study highlights that helping behaviors may be particularly beneficial for individuals at the lower end of the cognitive functioning distribution, and shed a positive light on many older adults who continue to help others despite having health challenges. Our findings support recommendations for healthcare practitioners to devise and implement innovative strategies that integrate helping behaviors as part of healthcare to promote cognitive health and well-being among older adults, especially those at risk of cognitive impairment.
HOME MAINTENANCE STRESS AND BURDEN IN A SAMPLE OF INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Griffiths Patricia , Tennenbaum Louis , Turner Seymour , Kimmel Susan , Sanford Jon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Home maintenance (HM) as it relates to stress, burden and aging in place (AiP) of informal caregivers (ICGs) of persons with dementia (PwD) is undervalued and understudied, yet a crucial component of a safe and reliable home environment. Homes Renewed Ventures surveyed a convenience sample of 14 ICGs caring for PwDs to assess stress and burden associated to HM and the relationship between HM, disruptions to, and AIP. HM Stress and burden were rated on a 5-point scale (none to a great deal) and were highly correlated (r=.92). ICGs reported high stress (mean = 3.9 + 1.4) and burden (3.6 + 1.5) in relation to HM (median and mode stress = 5, burden 4 and 5). Almost three-quarters (73%) had HM problems that disrupted daily routines with five instances resulting in relocations. ICGs rated the likelihood of doing more HM if provided with information (a) customized to their home or (b) on who to call and financing. The means, modes and medians were four or more indicating a high likelihood to do more HM if provided with helpful, personalized information. A Fisher’s exact test indicated a significant association (p=.027) between HM Stress and the likelihood of doing more if provided with option a) customized information about what needs to be done. Although a small convenience sample, these preliminary findings provide strong evidence that HMI are disruptive and stressful, suggesting that enhancing caregiver mastery of these issues is a potential mechanism for reducing ICG stress and burden.