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African-Americans (AAs) are 64% more likely to be diagnosed with AD than non-Hispanic Whites. AAs with elevated AD biomarkers exhibit greater neurodegeneration in AD signature regions compared to non-Hispanic Whites with elevated AD biomarkers. This pilot trial examined whether normal or elevated plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-10 are associated with changes in executive function and short-term memory in AA women at risk for developing AD due to parental history. Observational study comparing groups with elevated and normal plasma IL-10 levels. Study included 31 AA women (age=58.9±8 years) with parental history of AD. Measures included inflammatory blood biomarkers, executive function and visuospatial short-term memory tests. Multivariate linear regression with adjustment for comorbidities, and Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons were used to compare groups. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were generated. Using endpoints with moderate-large effects between groups, Pearson correlations determined associations between biomarker levels and cognitive performance. The elevated IL-10 group performed worse on the Trail-Making Test proportional score ((B-A)/A) (effect size (d =-0.87 (−1.6, −.1)). Moderate effects with large confident intervals were noted in inhibition, set-switching, and body position spatial memory. Significant differences between groups in levels of other inflammatory markers were noted, including IL-7 (p=0.002) and interferon γ (p=0.02). IL-7 remained significant after Bonferroni correction. Correlation matrices revealed moderate-large, significant correlations (yet with wide confidence intervals) between levels of IL-10 and IL-9 with BPST total correct trials, and between interferon γ and delayed recall. Interleukins may incite inflammation, leading to impaired aspects of executive function and short-term memory in this sample of African American women at risk for developing AD. This research provides effect sizes that will be used to power future research that will further investigate the relationship between inflammation, AD biomarkers, and cognitive function in an understudied population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Body schema (i.e., the mental representation of the body and its parts) is important for cognitive and motor functions, with the pelvis constituting a core element in such schema. Although people with Parkinsonʼs disease exhibit misperceptions and deficits in body schema, there are currently no published tools available for assessing pelvic schema in this population. This study aimed to develop and establish feasibility, reliability, and validity of a novel drawing test − 'Draw Your Pelvis' − for assessing pelvic schema in people with Parkinsonʼs disease. Materials and methods: Twenty people with idiopathic Parkinsonʼs disease (Hoehn &Yahr stages I–III; M age: 65.75 ± 10.13) volunteered and were asked to manually draw a picture of their pelvis. Drawings were assessed and scored by 13 blinded raters over two sessions. Intra- and inter-rater reliability and content and criterion validity were investigated. Results: The 'Draw Your Pelvis' test is shown to be feasible and quick to administer, with excellent inter-rater reliability for consistency (0.954–0.968) and absolute agreement (0.946–0.961). It also demonstrates good-excellent (0.614–0.950) intra-rater reliability, and is content valid. Conclusions: The 'Draw Your Pelvis' test holds potential for clinicians and researchers in assessing pelvic schema and its deficits in people with Parkinsonʼs disease. In addition, this test could be used for investigating the effect of therapeutic interventions on body schema in this population. Future studies should explore this test in additional populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Older adults with mobility limitations are at greater risk for aging-related declines in physical function. Line dancing is a popular form of exercise that can be modified, and is thus feasible for older adults with mobility limitations.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 8 weeks of line dancing on balance, muscle strength, lower extremity function, endurance, gait speed, and perceived mobility limitations.Methods: An experimental design randomly assigned older adults to either an 8-week line dancing or usual care group. The convenience sample consisted of 23 participants with mobility limitations (age range: 65-93 years). The intervention used simple routines from novice line dance classes. At baseline and at 8 weeks, balance, knee muscle strength, lower extremity function, endurance, gait speed, and mobility limitations were measured. ANCOVA tests were conducted on each dependent variable to assess the effects of the intervention over time.Results: Results found significant positive differences for the intervention group in lower extremity function (p < 0.01); endurance (p < 0.01); gait speed (p < 0.001); and self-reported mobility limitations (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Eight weeks of line dancing significantly improved physical function and reduced self-reported mobility limitations in these individuals. Line dancing could be recommended by clinicians as a potential adjunct therapy that addresses mobility limitations. Implications for Rehabilitation Line dancing may be an alternative exercise for older adults who need modifications due to mobility limitations.Line dancing incorporates cognitive and motor control.Line dancing can be performed alone or in a group setting.Dancing improves balance which can reduce risk of falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our aims were to determine (1) the impact of aging versus combined aging and disease on participation and (2) participation before and after a 12-week, Adapted Tango dance intervention (AT) in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Participant responses to open and closed-ended questions on the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire (IPA) were recorded before, one-week-after, and three-months after 20 lessons of AT. Twenty-five older individuals with PD and 63 older adults without PD were initially enrolled and assessed, and 44 older adults and 22 individuals with PD finished the program with post-testing. Results: Thematic analysis revealed major themes of difficulty with mobility, transportation and financial management, feelings of being forced to limit activities, and interest in work or volunteering for both groups at baseline and post-test. At post-test, additional emphasis on resilience in the face of challenges was noted. No differences were noted between groups on the IPA subscales at baseline. Quantitative analysis with a 2 (group)<3 (time) MANOVA revealed a main effect of time (p<0.001), with improved Social Life (p<0.001), marginally improved Autonomy Indoors (p=0.073), and Family Role (p=0.057). Conclusions: Adapted Tango improved aspects of participation for these cohorts of older adults with and without PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DREAMS Team research advocacy training program helps clinical faculty and health students introduce basic clinical research concepts to diverse older adults to galvanize their active involvement in the research process. Older adults are frequently underrepresented in clinical research, due to barriers to participation including distrust, historical mistreatment,and their lack of health literacy. The DREAMS Team program aims to involve diverse older adults throughout all phases of research and increase research participation, thereby contributing to the growth of quality patient-centered, evidence-based health care. This course was developed for clinical faculty to deliver to diverse adults aged 55+ in eight 50-minute lectures, followed by half-hour small group discussions moderated by health students. A pilot cohort of 24 individuals was assessed for satisfaction post-program, and self-efficacy before and after the program. Older adult participants improved on a survey measure of self- efficacy, and indicated satisfaction on a post-program questionnaire. All agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed participating, and that classes enhanced knowledge/skills about the topics, were high quality, and provided useful information. Twenty-two out of 24 individuals who completed the program indicated they planned to get involved as research advocates. The DREAMS Team program can be offered either on its own, or as a follow-up program to a general health education course led by health students and/or professional researchers or clinicians. Educating older adults about the research process and advocacy through interactive seminars led by congenial and respectful researchers and health students may remove some barriers to research participation and involvement among diverse older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about generational differences and similarities in beliefs about addiction. Science Gallery Atlanta (SGA) integrates science and art to approach challenging topics, like addiction, with empathy. Intergenerational communication about addiction could positively impact older and younger adults. This study investigated perceptions of addiction among older (60+ years) and younger (18–26 years) adults through intergenerational dialogue on addiction-focused art, offered through SGA’s HOOKED exhibition. This exploratory pilot study recruited ten randomized older-younger dyads who received a mediated tour of HOOKED. Addiction attitudes were assessed pre- and post-tour with the Belief in a Just World and Addiction Belief Scale questionnaires, concurrent interviews, and focus groups. Qualitative data were recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically. Thematic analysis revealed younger and older adults were equally concerned with addiction-produced waste and technology addiction. Generational differences emerged regarding social media and drug-induced euphoria. Across age groups, participants scored similarly in their beliefs about justice for others and self. Post-tour, young adults were more likely to view addiction as a disease rather than a choice (p = 0.05). Art-based intergenerational communication may increase empathy. Intergenerational bridging may help young adults see addiction as a disease and older adults understand behavioral addictions. Emergent themes illuminate generational differences and similarities in addiction beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]