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Background As the number of persons living with dementia (PLWD) grows, there is a pressing need for person-centered long-term care solutions that prioritize their experiences. Adult day centers (ADCs) play a critical role in supporting PLWD, yet most research focuses on outcomes relevant to caregivers and payors rather than the voices of those receiving care. This study explores PLWD’s firsthand perspectives on their ADC experiences, using Kitwood’s (1997) person-centered dementia care framework which identifies five key psychological needs: inclusion, attachment, comfort, occupation, and identity. Methods Six focus groups were conducted with PLWD ( n  = 51) and their caregivers ( n  = 6) at four ADCs across the U.S. ADCs were purposively selected to represent a diverse range of racial/ethnic backgrounds, geographic locations, and urban and rural settings. Qualitative directed content analysis was guided by Kitwood’s framework to categorize the aspects of ADC care that participants found most meaningful. Results Findings revealed that PLWD were most impacted by inclusion, as participants consistently described ADCs as family-like environments where they built strong social bonds with both peers and staff which alleviated feelings of isolation. Attachment was also a key theme, with many PLWD referring to ADCs as a “second home,”—a place where they felt safe, secure, and supported. Participants expressed comfort with ADC staff, who provided consistent, personalized care and treated them with dignity. The need for occupation was fulfilled by the opportunity to leave home, engage in structured activities, and maintain a sense of purpose and routine. Lastly, ADCs helped PLWD maintain their identity by respecting their individual preferences, cultural backgrounds, and autonomy. Some participants described newfound confidence and self-worth as a result of their participation, highlighting the importance of person-centered care. Conclusions This study amplifies the voices of PLWD, highlighting ADCs as environments that foster person-centered outcomes by addressing fundamental psychological needs. Findings emphasize the necessity of centering PLWD’s lived experiences in ADC programming, policy development, and outcome measurement to ensure alignment with what truly matters to them. Future research should focus on translating these insights into scalable person-centered care practices in ADCs and other long-term care settings.

Dementia-friendly communities (DFC) have emerged as a global movement to make communities more supportive and inclusive of people living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners. This study contributes to a nascent body of research on DFC initiatives by building theory on their local implementation. Based on an analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with 23 leaders of initiatives in Massachusetts (United States), we aimed to identify key dimensions of variation in the implementation of DFC initiatives. We found that all initiatives engaged in a common set of activities, such as the facilitation of training about dementia and improving services for PLWD. Although initiatives mostly engaged in these activities in ways that targeted the community at large, in some instances, they concentrated their efforts on enhancing the dementia-friendliness of their own organizations. We describe ways in which financial, social, and human capital operate as key factors that influence the initiatives’ primary focus (i.e., the community at large or their own organization). Our findings suggest the importance of helping DFC initiative leaders more explicitly specify the focal ecological level of their efforts throughout the trajectory of their work, especially in the context of resource considerations. Results also indicate ways in which DFC initiative efforts at one systems level can support those at other levels over time.

Abstract Background and Objectives Given the increase in methodological pluralism in research on brain health, cognitive aging, and neurodegenerative diseases, this scoping review aims to provide a descriptive overview and qualitative content analysis of studies stating the use of participatory research approaches within Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) literature globally. Research Design and Methods We conducted a systematic search across four multidisciplinary databases (CINAHL, SCOPUS, PsycInfo, PubMed) for peer-reviewed, English-language studies addressing ADRD that explicitly described their use of a participatory research approach. We employed a systematic process for selecting articles that yielded a final sample of 163 studies. Data from articles were analyzed to chart trends from 1990 to 2022 in terminology, descriptions, application of participatory approaches, and the extent and nature of partnerships with nonacademics. Results Results demonstrated geographic differences in the use of stated approaches between North America—where community-based participatory research predominates—and Europe, where Action Research is most common. We further found that only 73% of papers in this systematic review had identifiable definitions or descriptions of the participatory approach used. Findings also showed that 14% of articles demonstrated no evidence of engaged partnership beyond activities typical of research participants, while 23% of articles identified partnering with people with dementia, and an additional 16% reported partnerships with members from Indigenous, Black, Asian, or Latinx communities. Discussion and Implications This scoping review identifies three areas in need of greater attention in ADRD literature using participatory research approaches. First, findings indicate the importance of strengthening the use, transparency, and rigor of participatory methods. Second, results suggest the need for greater inclusion of historically marginalized groups who are most affected by ADRD as research partners. Finally, the findings highlight the need for integrating social justice values of participatory approaches into research project designs.

Abstract Background and Objectives Dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) are systematic and collaborative efforts to make local communities more supportive and inclusive of persons living with dementia and their care partners. This study explores how the organizational characteristics of senior centers influence their engagement in DFCs. Research Design and Methods We used a partially mixed, concurrent, equal status design, drawing on qualitative interviews with staff from 13 senior centers leading DFC initiatives as part of a statewide dementia-friendly network in Massachusetts, as well as quantitative data from 342 senior centers collected as part of a statewide survey. Results The qualitative results demonstrated ways in which human, social, tangible, and programmatic capital facilitate senior centers’ DFC engagement. In particular, the results illuminated the importance of social capital with organizations and groups outside of the senior center, spanning the municipal, regional, and state levels. Findings from multivariate analyses further indicated robust and strong associations between higher levels of social capital, as well as more dementia-focused programming and greater variety of funding sources, with greater likelihood of engagement in DFC work. Discussion and Implications Results indicate the importance of policy and practice to foster both organizational capacity and multilevel systems conditions to enable and motivate senior centers’ involvement in DFC initiatives.

Researchers and advocates recognize that adult day services (ADS) play a key role in delivering person-centered care to individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, few ADS centers are routinely measuring person-centered outcomes, thereby limiting our ability to understand the impact of ADS on these key indicators of well-being. Guided by Kitwood’s framework of person-centered dementia care, this study aimed to identify valid, reliable, and practical person-centered outcome measures that reflect ADRD quality-of-life domains. Twenty-two ADS practitioners and researchers (N = 22) participated in a two-round e-Delphi review to evaluate 10 potential outcome measures across four person-centered domains: meaning and purpose; engagement; social networks; and sense of belonging. Based upon scores on select characteristics in Round 1 of the e-Delphi review (e.g., ease of administration, relevance to population), consensus was reached in Round 2 (66.67% supermajority) on the following measures: the PROMIS Meaning and Purpose in Life Scale (76%); the Friendship Scale (76%); and the General Belongingness Scale (67%). Panelists could not reach consensus on the Life Engagement Test (52%) and the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Scale (48%), so both were retained for future evaluation. The scales identified in this e-Delphi review will now be incorporated into real-world data collection beta-testing to evaluate feasibility, practicality and impact of ADS on these person-centered outcomes.

Abstract Online interactive maps are an effective tool to visualize and understand socio-spatial locations of populations layered across the availability of relevant resources. These maps are integral in efforts to advance policies, programs and planning for specific sociodemographic groups. This presentation will describe the development and impact of IMAGE:NYC, The Interactive Map of Aging by The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) in partnership with the Center for Urban Research at The Graduate Center at the City University of New York. IMAGE:NYC displays the current and projected population of adults aged 65 and older in New York City with overlays of age-friendly resources, services, and amenities at the neighborhood level. The map draws on several data sources such as the 2016-2020 American Community Survey, local and federal voting patterns, and up-to-date information on health, recreational and housing services. The map has served as an invaluable tool for NYC policymakers, planners, researchers, health care and social service providers. In addition, the IMAGE:NYC model has also been replicated by Rutgers University to create similar maps for two counties in New Jersey. This session will demonstrate the utility of this mapping tool and concrete ways to develop a similar map in other localities.

Abstract Dementia-friendly community (DFC) initiatives are a community-level approach to support individuals living with dementia and their care partners. DFC initiatives engage in a range of activities including raising awareness about dementia, enhancing local services, and advocating for inclusive public facilities and spaces. There is significant variation in the implementation of DFC initiatives worldwide which creates challenges for both process and outcomes evaluation. We used data from qualitative interviews with DFC leaders in Massachusetts to develop a framework to assess the implementation of DFC initiatives. Qualitative descriptive analysis yielded distinct dimensions such as robustness of multisectoral action teams, diversity of strategies for outreach to older adults, and degree of focus on coordinating care. Building on the tradition of using radar charts to evaluate DFC initiatives, we visualized the shape of implementation across the various dimensions. This framework can help to advance research, practice, and policy as part of the DFC movement.

INTRODUCTION This study examines how receiving a dementia diagnosis influences social relationships by race and ethnicity. METHODS Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (10 waves; 7,159 observations) of adults 70 years and older predicted to have dementia using Gianattasio‐Power scores (91% accuracy), this study assessed changes in social support, engagement, and networks after a dementia diagnosis. We utilized quasi‐experimental methods to estimate treatment effects and subgroup analyses by race/ethnicity. RESULTS A diagnostic label significantly increased the likelihood of gaining social support but reduced social engagement and one measure of social networks. With some exceptions, the results were similar by race and ethnicity. DISCUSSION Results suggest that among older adults with assumed dementia, being diagnosed by a doctor may influence social relationships in both support‐seeking and socially withdrawn ways. This suggests that discussing services and supports at the time of diagnosis is important for healthcare professionals.

Abstract This symposium will feature ways in which gerontologists are advancing the development of online, interactive mapping tools on aging. Utilizing GIS mapping technology and leveraging cross-sectoral partnerships, the speakers will present case illustrations of efforts to develop aging-focused mapping tools that aggregate data sources at the municipal, state, and national levels to advance a spatial awareness of supports for older adults across diverse communities. First, as an example from the nonprofit sector, the New York Academy of Medicine will present on IMAGE:NYC, The Interactive Map of Aging. This presentation will describe the utility of this tool for policymakers, planners, researchers, and social service providers. Representing work from within the academic sector, the Rutgers School of Social Work will describe an academic-public sector partnership to adapt the IMAGE:NYC map for two counties in New Jersey. Next, presenters from the University of North Texas will describe their partnership with the City of San Antonio to develop an intelligent demand responsive transportation system for older adults and individuals with disabilities. This project involves the use of GIS mapping tools and qualitative research methods to identify place-based transportation gaps and strategies for improvement. Focusing on the national level, the National Council on Aging will describe its work developing mapping tools, including a map that displays area-level rates in eligibility gaps for three federal benefit programs. With an orientation to aging equity, these tools hold promise for fostering inclusive and healthy communities where older adults of diverse intersectional socio-spatial positions can age well. This is an Environmental Gerontology Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

Abstract It is estimated that more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia. To address the social and health needs of individuals living with dementia and their care partners, researchers, policymakers and advocates have championed dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) as a population-level response. DFCs promote the well-being of those living with dementia, empower all members of the community to celebrate the capabilities of persons with dementia, and encourage individuals living with dementia to engage in their communities. The objective of this symposium is to describe the ways in which research can help to advance the dementia-friendly movement at the local, national, and international levels. First, Scher & Greenfield will describe the dimensions of implementation of DFCs in Massachusetts with implications for program monitoring and process evaluation. Second, Epps & colleagues will discuss the process of developing a person-centered tool to evaluate the impact of dementia-friendly programs in faith-based communities. Third, Somerville & colleagues will present findings from a study of community and organizational factors related to dementia-friendly readiness in community-based senior centers. Finally, Sun & colleagues will discuss the barriers and facilitators to implementation of DFCs in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the utility of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to elucidate how and to what extent DFCs are implemented. Findings have implications for examining the population health impact of DFC efforts, as well as for attending to issues of health disparities and aging equity in the uptake, implementation, and sustainability of DFC initiatives.