Aging / Alzheimer's Disease

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12503/21674

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    Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Advances Hormonal Aging: Implications for Parkinson’s Related Sexual Dysfunction
    (2017-03-14) Schreihofer, Derek; Cunningham, Rebecca; Anderson, Marc
    Purpose: Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is an established model for sleep apnea and a common comorbidity in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Further, CIH is a known inducer of oxidative stress (OS), which is a key characteristic of PD and aging. Interestingly, in men both sleep apnea and PD are strongly linked with sexual dysfunction. However, it is unknown if CIH induces sexual dysfunction. Therefore, we examined the role of CIH on steroid hormones, sex behaviors, neuropeptides associated with social behaviors, and OS generation in young and old rats. Methods: Young (3-months) and old (12-months) male F344/BNF1 rats, were exposed to either mild CIH or normoxic conditions. CIH consisted of cycling oxygen levels from 21% to 10% over a span of 6 minutes during the rat’s sleep phase for a total of ten days. Sex behavioral tests were conducted to examine the influence of CIH. Specifically, the frequency and latencies of mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations were quantified. At the end of testing, plasma was collected and assayed for testosterone (T), corticosterone (C), vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OXY), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). Results: Old rats had impaired sex behaviors compared to young rats. However, CIH induced sexual dysfunction in young rats, consistent with behaviors in old rats. Accordingly, in young rats CIH decreased T, increased C, and increased OS, as indicated by AOPP. CIH did not alter OXY and AVP in young rats. Interestingly, in old rats CIH had no effect on sexual behavior, T, C, OXY, or AVP, indicating that age may have a ceiling effect. Conclusions: Results show that mild CIH advances hormonal aging. Hormonal aging is an understudied phenomenon in PD and in sleep apnea. Therefore, PD progression may be halted by examining the influence of sleep apnea induced hormonal aging.
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    Relationship Between Uncontrolled Diabetes and Cognition in Mexican American Elders
    (2017-03-14) Johnson, Leigh; O'Bryant, Sid; Izurieta Munoz, Haydee
    Hypothesis: Diabetes affects approximately 29.1 million Americans with Mexican Americans being twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is considered a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Several studies have shown a link between diabetes and an increased risk of the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease. Although diabetes’ role in cognition is an emerging topic, the majority of research examining diabetes and cognition has focused on non-Hispanic populations. The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of diabetic control on cognition in Mexican Americans. This study was designed to evaluate differences in cognition among controlled and uncontrolled diabetics without cognitive impairment. Past research analyzing the effects of glycemic control on cognition have shown that adults with normal cognition and high HbA1c performed worse on memory and cognition tests than their lower HbA1c counterparts. Methods: Data were obtained from 171 Mexican American participants with diabetes (61 uncontrolled; 110 controlled) enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain among Latino Elders (HABLE) study, a longitudinal study of cognition in elderly Mexican Americans. All participants were classified as having normal cognition. Uncontrolled diabetes was defined as HbA1C levels 9 or greater. Fasting venous blood was drawn from study participants to obtain HbA1C levels and measure long term glycemic control. Cognition level was determined by participant performance on multiple neuropsychological tests evaluating numerous domains of memory: visuospatial, attention, immediate memory, delayed memory and executive function. Results: Independent t tests were conducted to compare cognition among controlled and uncontrolled diabetics. Uncontrolled diabetics performed worse on WMS digit span t(167)=2.1, p Conclusions: Uncontrolled diabetes was associated with poorer performance in the areas of attention and executive functioning among cognitively normal Mexican Americans. No differences were found in immediate and delayed memory, and visuospatial scores. Ongoing work will determine if these links are associated with neuroimaging and other biomarker signatures that may identify those Mexican Americans at greatest risk for cognitive loss associated with poor diabetic control.
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    Preconditioning Underlies Testosterone’s Protective Effects Against Neurodegeneration
    (2017-03-14) Cunningham, Rebecca; Snyder, Brina D.
    Purpose: The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease is expected to rise over the next 40 years. Diagnosis occurs at advanced stages, and there is no cure or treatment for ND. Early identification of risk factors for ND may provide effective therapy targets. Because ND arises differently between men and women, major sex hormones may play a role. Many studies have examined the effects of estrogen, but not testosterone (T). T has been shown to be protective or damaging depending on the oxidative stress (OS) environment in cells. Sleep apnea is a comorbidity of ND, occurs more frequently in men than women, and is associated with decreased T. Our lab has shown that a rodent model of mild sleep apnea, chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), elevates OS and inflammation in brain regions associated with early-stage ND. We propose that T will protect against CIH-induced damage. Methods: Male Long-Evans rats will be divided into 3 groups: gonadectomized with cholesterol (GDX+C) or physiological T (GDX+T); gonadally intact (Intact). Afterwards, rats were exposed to eight minute cycles of alternating 10% and 21% oxygen to mimic the hypoxemia experienced by patients with sleep apnea. This cycle ran continuously for eight hours a day during the light phase for seven days. Following 7 days of CIH, behaviors associated with memory and motor function were assessed: Morris Water Maze, the novel object task, and a modified open field assay. Plasma and tissue punches from the entorhinal cortex (ETC) and substantia nigra (SN) were collected and tested for levels of OS, T, and inflammation, using Advanced Oxidative Protein Products (AOPP), ELISA, and multiplex immunoassays, respectively. Results: GDX+T had significantly more T than Intact and GDX+C, due to the CIH-induced decline in endogenous T levels in Intact rats. CIH increased OS and inflammation in GDX+C and Intact rats, whereas there was no effect in GDX+T. Rats exposed to room air were not impaired, regardless of hormone status. Conclusions: Maintenance of T is protective against OS and inflammation, key markers of ND. T loss was associated with behavioral deficits following an OS insult.
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    Expansion of a Fall Prevention Home Assessment Program in Partnership with Faith Community Nurse Program
    (2017-03-14) Robbins, Amanda; Camp, Kathlene; Severance, Jennifer; Mannala, Samantha
    Background: With the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) receiving approximately 3500 calls last year related to falls at home, collaborative efforts are needed to combat this high prevalence of falls in the community. Fort Worth Safe Communities Falls Prevention Task force (FPTF) expanded their fall prevention programs in the community by providing home and environmental safety education for faith communities. Members of the FPTF developed and evaluated a training for Faith Community Nurses. Methods: Trainees were recruited by Texas Health Resources’ Faith Community Nursing Program to participate in a three-hour training provided by the FPTF. Participants received information about fall hazards and community resources related to fall prevention. Participants received training on using the FWFD’s home evaluation assessment tool and practiced using this tool to identify fall hazards in a room decorated to stimulate a home environment. Pre and post evaluation surveys asked trainees to assess the overall quality of the training, and rated their knowledge and skills using a pre-post 4-point Likert-scale. Results: The participants rated their knowledge of fall risks, fall factors, the FWFD’s home assessment tool and community resources that prevent falls before and after the training. In all areas, participants’ knowledge and confidence level increased after the training. The biggest increase came in knowledge in using the home assessment tool, with the average on the 4-point scale, increasing from a 2.21 to a 3.77. The next largest increases came in awareness of the factors that lead to falls (3.00-3.62) and talking about community resources for preventing falls (2.50-3.15). The smallest increase came in identifying fall risks, which increased from a 3.07 to a 3.54. 78.5% of the participants also agreed or strongly agreed that they felt more confident and planned to continue helping older adults. 100% agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend the training. Analysis of qualitative feedback indicated the resources provided in the training, and the sample fall room were very helpful in learning about falls. Conclusions: Results suggest that Faith Community Nurses benefit from this training, based on the increases in knowledge of falls and confidence in helping older adults. This training will allow for expansion of the home safety assessment component to fall risk reduction in the faith community.
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    Pilot Testing a Brief Elder Abuse and Neglect Screening Tool for Emergency Medical Services: Results from the DETECT Project
    (2017-03-14) Cannell, Brad; Reingle Gonzales, Jennifer; Livingston, Doug; Jetelina, Katelyn; Animashaun, Rafiu
    Objective: To pilot test and evaluate the effectiveness of a brief elder abuse and neglect screening tool (DETECT) for Emergency Medical Services. Methods: The DETECT screening tool was pilot tested from September 17th, 2015 to October 27th, 2015 at a large mobile healthcare provider in North Texas. During this testing period, all medics were prompted to complete the DETECT tool when responding to a call for a community-dwelling patient who was 65 years of age or older. If the DETECT tool indicated a suspected cases of elder abuse, medics were instructed to contact APS. . The frequency of change in medic reporting to APS was evaluated, along with the predictive performance of the individual screening items. Results: The DETECT screening tool was successfully pilot tested for more than a month. Following the introduction of the DETECT screening tool, there was a 152% improvement in reporting rates with an increase of 3.6 (p Conclusions: Our study provides support for DETECT as an effective intervention for enhancing medics’ ability to identify and report EA.
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    Is Chronic Alcohol Use a Risk Factor for Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Women?
    (2017-03-14) Luna, Silas; Naguit, Ashley; Barron, Kirk; Hartos, Jessica; Chustz, Erica
    Introduction: Cognitive impairment and alcohol consumption are both significant health concerns in the United States; however, there is insufficient research regarding a possible relationship between these two variables in women and the elderly. Based on these gaps in the literature, the purpose of this study was to assess whether there is a relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment in women aged 55-64. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used 2014 BRFSS data for females ages 55-64 from AL, AR, KY, and MS. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between heavy alcohol use and cognitive impairment, while controlling for education level, employment status, income level, history of stroke, weight, and ethnicity. Results: A minority of the target population reported cognitive impairment, defined as serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions in the last 30 days (17-21%), and an even smaller minority reported heavy alcohol use of 1+ drinks daily (2-5%). After controlling for demographic factors, medical history, and socioeconomic status, cognitive impairment was not significantly related to alcohol use in any of the 4 states. Conclusions: In adjusted analyses, cognitive impairment was not significantly related to alcohol consumption in females aged 55-64 in any state. Education level, employment status and income level were all inversely related to alcohol consumption in all states. This study was unable to obtain any history of the patients’ alcohol use or cognitive impairment over time. Primary care providers may not need to screen for cognitive impairment or chronic alcohol use in women aged 55-64, unless indicated by patient presentation, since these conditions are low prevalence, and providers should should be aware of possible relations between cognitive impairment and education level, employment status, and income.
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    Chronic BZD Perturbs Mitochondrial Membrane Proteins and Provokes the Aging Like Effect on Motoric Function
    (2017-03-14) Metzger, Daniel; Jung, Marianna
    Purpose: Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are CNS depressants and are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat hyperexcitatory disorders such as insomnia. However, its high or a repeated dose is frequently administered to patients who are resistant to the therapeutic effects of BZD. A high or a repeated dose of BZD often provokes side effects including respiratory suppression and motoric impairment which can be more severe in elderly than young persons. Here, we investigated the adverse effects of BZD (lorazepam) on the integrity of mitochondria in the brain of mice. Methods: Young adult male mice were injected with BZD (1 mg/kg) for 14 days and tested for motoric function using Rotarod. Older mice (12 months old) were injected with a vehicle for 14 days and tested for Rotarod test. Mice were then euthanized to collect a whole brain. The expression of mitochondrial membrane proteins such as mitochondrial (peripheral) benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), mitochondrial creatin kinase (mCK), and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) was measured in the prefrontal cortex using the immunoblot method. Results: Compared to young control mice, young mice injected with chronic BZD showed poorer Rotarod performance by more quickly falling from Rotarod. The latency to fall from Rotarod of younger BZD mice (3 months old) was as short as that of older control mice (12 months old). Young mice injected with chronic BZD showed an increase in the expression of PBR and COX and a decrease in mCK. Conclusions: These data suggest that a chronic dose of BZD can facilitate the aging process through damaging the integrity of mitochondrial membranes. Supported by NIH/AA018747.
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    Novel Androgen Receptor Protein in Brain: Implication for Parkinson's Disease
    (2017-03-14) Duong, Phong; Snyder, Brina; Cunningham, Rebecca; Garza-Contreras, Jo
    Objective: Men have a two-fold increased risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD) than women. Testosterone, the major male sex hormone, can increase calcium influx and cell death in dopamine neurons via a putative membrane androgen receptor (mAR). The mAR induced calcium increase may be due to activation of Gaq protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is involved in calcium mobilization. Currently, the mAR remains unidentified. Recent studies only found miniscule levels of androgen receptors (AR) in the substantia nigra (SN). This low AR expression in the SN may be due to absence of full length classical AR that contains an N terminus domain (NTD), especially as these studies used an antibody targeting the AR NTD. It is possible that ARs in the SN consist of a splice variant that does not possess a NTD, such as AR45. AR45 is not able to be assayed using an NTD antibody, and thus we used a C-terminus domain (CTD) antibody. Therefore, we hypothesize that the putative mAR is the AR45 splice variant that acts through a Gaq GPCR. Materials and Methods: We examined the expression of classical full length AR and AR45 in a dopaminergic N27 cell line and rat SN. Protein expression of AR and AR45 was quantified by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We used antibodies targeting either the NTD or CTD of the AR, along with antibodies targeting Gαq, Gαs and Gαo GPCRs. To determine the association between mAR and GPCR subunits we performed co-immunoprecipitation using AR-CTD and Gaq antibodies. Results: Our results showed that the SN and the N27 cells express very low AR-NTD positive cells, indicative of low full length classical AR expression. However, both N27 cells and SN showed very high levels of AR-CTD positive cells. Furthermore, protein expression of AR-CTD was observed at 45 kDa molecular weight, which is consistent with the AR splice variant, AR45. This AR45 splice variant was found to be associated with Gaq in both N27 cells and SN. Conclusions: Our data indicates that the mAR in dopaminergic neurons is the AR45 splice variant, which is associated with a Gaq subunit. These results provide a mechanism for our prior studies wherein testosterone increased intracellular calcium levels. This is the first observation of an AR splice variant in neuronal tissue. Further characterization of this protein may provide a novel therapeutic target to slow the progression of PD in men.
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    Neurobehavioral Effects of N-phenylactyl-L-proglycine Ethyl Ester on Improving Cognition in Older Adults
    (2017-03-14) Forster, Michael; Sarker, Marjana; Pumphrey, Katherine
    Background: Much of current research focuses on diminishing the decline of cognition in older adults. Hypothesis: This study focuses on improving cognition in older adults, specifically using N-phenylactyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester (NPPEE), which is currently marketed in some countries to increase wakefulness. Materials and Methods: In a preliminary study, we tested this compound for its potential to promote wakefulness in young mice. Male Swiss-Webster mice were injected via the intraperitoneal route with varying doses of NPPEE ranging from 0.1 mg/kg to 4.0 mg/kg, using deionized water as the vehicle. Immediately after injection, the mice were placed into the locomotor activity study for 8 hours to test for stimulant and possible anxiolytic effect, as measured by their horizontal activity and center times, respectively. Results: In the first 10 minutes of the session, the mice injected with the NPPEE solution demonstrated significantly greater horizontal activity than those injected with deionized water only, but there was no effect on center time. This effect with horizontal activity was dose dependent, with 1 mg/kg having the maximum dose effect. These results suggest that NPPEE promotes wakefulness mildly. This effect was approximately 33% of the maximal stimulant effect of modafinil, which was tested as a standard. The next step is to examine the effects of NPPEE in mice on short term, working memory and cognitive flexibility using an active avoidance test. Conclusions: Thus far, the results suggest that this compound has potential as a psychogeriatric stimulant medication, and although the anxiolytic effect in the younger mice was not significant, other literature suggests that the effect is significant in older populations.
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    Development of A Geriatric Training Certificate For Family Medicine Residents
    (2017-03-14) Young, Richard; Knebl, Janice; Severance, Jennifer; Smith, Don; Prasad`, Subhada; Hartos, Jessica; Hadley, Lesca
    Background: With a lack of Geriatricians, Family Physicians must be prepared to care for older adults and provide team-based care in different settings. However, geriatric training for Family Medicine Residents is inconsistent, and their comfort level in caring for elderly patients varies. To expand the Family Physician’s understanding and collaboration with community partners in geriatrics care, Family Medicine Residency Programs at JPS Health Network and Plaza Medical Center integrated community-based experiential learning modules into Y2 and Y2 curriculum as part of a new Geriatric Certificate. Methods: Residency Directors at JPS Health Network, Plaza Medical Center and UNT Health Science Center, faculty, and representatives from community organizations identified evidence-based practices providing experiential opportunities for residents. The enhanced curricula includes a 4-hour home visit with a Meals on Wheels client; a 4-hour home visit with an Alzheimer’s Association patient and caregiver; a 1-hour group session for A Matter of Balance fall prevention program; and a 1-hour Virtual Dementia Tour. Residents completed evaluation surveys using a 5-point Likert scale to assess the quality of training, knowledge of older patient needs, and attitudes towards geriatric patient care. After pilot testing the modules with Geriatric Fellows in the Spring 2016, the modules were implemented with Family Medicine Residents in Fall 2016. Results: 12 Family Medicine Residents completed Meals on Wheels home visits, 10 completed Alzheimer’s Association home visits, and 57 completed the Virtual Dementia Tour. 13 Plaza Medical residents completing the Virtual Dementia Tour completed evaluation surveys, and reported gaining confidence in their knowledge of healthcare needs, and increasing in knowledge of services for older patients. They also reported increased confidence in talking with older adults about needs and services. 92% recommended the training. Qualitative feedback revealed major themes, including residents’ increased awareness of patient care considerations, caregiver roles and greater appreciation for working with older adults. Conclusions: Results suggest that Family Medicine Residents benefit from experiential geriatrics training developed in partnership with community based organizations.
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    Geriatric Leadership Training For Health Professionals In Emerging Health Systems
    (2017-03-14) Fairchild, Thomas; Knebl, Janice; Smith, Don; Severance, Jennifer; Prasad, Subhada; Hartos, Jessica; Hawley, Diane
    Background: Increasingly integrated health delivery systems require that healthcare practitioners work effectively in interprofessional teams and lead change in emerging health care environments. To prepare the next generation of leaders and in transforming geriatric systems of care, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas Christian University’s Nursing and Business Schools and the United Way’s Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County partnered together to develop a ten-month Geriatric Practice Leadership Institute (GPLI). Methods: Applying a Rapid Cycle Quality Improvement Approach, faculty developed curricula for three two-day sessions held in October, November, and December 2016. Curricular content focused on five domains: 1) Leading Self; 2) Leading Teams, 3) Leading Organizational Change, 4) Population Health Science, and 5) Aging Network and Healthcare Delivery for Older Adults. Six teams of 27 healthcare professionals were selected from JPS Health Network, Texas Health Resources, UT Southwestern, UNT Health Science Center, Brookdale Senior Living, and The Women’s Center. Teams developed a geriatrics-related quality improvement project in their areas of practice. Projects focused on caregiver support, combating isolation, fall prevention, and improving electronic health records systems. Coaches support project development. Evaluation surveys were completed by participants at the end of each session to assess the quality of the training, and its impact on project development, implementation, and professional practice. Results: The majority of respondents agreed the sessions were helpful for personal mindfulness of leadership attributes and skills, and in developing, implementing and evaluating their quality improvement projects. Qualitative responses indicate the trainees intend to make changes to their professional practice as a leader and team member. Comments include changes to “better define roles in the group setting to improve outcomes and efficiency” and “engage stakeholders.” Comments related to projects include changes “in the scope of the project to something more manageable and suited for our resources,” and to “identify the obstacles that may affect the success of the project.” 92% would recommend the training. Conclusions: Enhancing health professionals’ personal leadership skills can create meaningful interventions designed to improve geriatrics care in primary healthcare systems.
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    Impact of an Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Program relayed by Physical Therapy Students on the Older Adult Population of Tarrant County
    (2017-03-14) Severance, Jennifer; Bartha, Christina; Lopez, Gladys
    Introduction: A Matter of Balance (AMOB)/Volunteer Lay Leader (VLL) Model is an evidence-based fall prevention program for older adults. Each class consists of eight two-hour sessions designed to increase confidence in fall management and physical activity. Senior Citizen Services of Greater Tarrant County (SCSTC) hosts the program across Tarrant County and has partnered with the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) to train physical therapy students as lay leaders. This study uses pre- and post-survey data from older adult AMOB participants to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of this partnership during the 2016 year as a part of continuous quality improvement. Methods: SCSTC collected data from program graduates using pre- and post-program evaluation surveys distributed at the beginning and end of each class. Surveys included the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) to measure confidence in fall management. Class attendance logs provided information about class frequency, location and zip codes. Results: Ten classes were held at eight senior centers and one senior housing community. 24 zip codes were served. 106 of 136 participants (78%) completed the program. The majority of graduates were between the ages of 65 and 74 (51%), female (85%), and Black or African-American (61%). 58 graduates listed their primary language as English, 2 listed Spanish, and 1 listed Filipino. The average number of classes attended by graduates was 7. Graduates averaged a higher FES score (3.22) than all of the enrollees (3.13) at the end of the program. Conclusions: The averages FES scores for both enrollees and graduates increased, indicating that participants reported a greater level of confidence in managing falls. This finding confirms the efficacy of the VLL model of the AMOB program. The majority of graduates were women, African-American, and between the ages of 65 and 74. SCSTC’s partnership with UNTHSC students was effective in delivering the AMOB/VLL program to older adults in Tarrant County.
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    Contribution of auditory inputs to balance in young and older adults
    (2017-03-14) Thibodeau, Linda; Patterson, Rita; Fox, Jordan; Kinzler, Brenda; Bugnariu, Nicoleta; Kowalewski, Victoria
    Hypothesis: Traditionally, 3 sensory inputs (visual, vestibular, and somatosensory) are associated with the control of balance and have been investigated for their potential contribution to increased risk of falls. Recent evidence suggests auditory inputs may also contribute to balance control. Although current evidence reveals an association between hearing loss and balance difficulty, the mechanisms behind how and why hearing loss affects balance are unknown. We investigated the contribution of auditory inputs to balance control in healthy young and older adults by simulating hearing loss.Methods: Twenty healthy young and older adults, cleared of any sensory and neurological deficits participated in the study. Participants completed 1 min standing balance, walking, and responding to 10 perturbations at 2m/s² in AP direction while completing a standardized audiology test (BKB-SIN). The audiology test required the subject to repeat back sentences played through the headphones under normal hearing (control) and simulated hearing loss conditions, randomly assigned. Simulated hearing loss was achieved using a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Adobe Audition was used to simulate moderate hearing loss. Outcomes included: Center of Pressure (COP) sway variability, number of compensatory steps, COP-COM during first compensatory step after perturbation, performance of auditory task, and self-selected gait speed. Clinical physical therapy outcome measures were also administered. ANOVA was conducted for each of the dependent variables with respect to group and condition of auditory task.Results: Compared to normal hearing, simulated hearing loss resulted in significantly increased COP sway variability significantly and more compensatory steps in response to perturbations in older adults. Preliminary results showed that in response to surface perturbations, the COP-COM distance was an average of 25cm and 15cm in young and older adults, respectively, reflecting the shorter, multiple steps taken by older adults.Conclusions: Simulated hearing loss negatively impacts postural control particularly in dual-task conditions when individuals simultaneously attend to auditory and postural tasks. The effect is stronger in older adults who have fewer resources to compensate for poor sensory input. Individuals with hearing loss may be at greater risk of falling than individuals without hearing loss.
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    Protective Factors and Risks for TIA/Stroke in Senior vs. Young Adults
    (2017-03-14) Nejtek, Vicki; Lomax, Jerica; Al-Dossari, Ranna
    Background: Since 1995, transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and strokes in seniors (55-84-years) have substantially declined, while risks have tripled in young adults (18-44-years). Traditional TIA/stroke risks include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. Protective factors explaining the decline of TIA/stroke in seniors are unclear. Previously, we found young adults with moderate/high (MH) risk had higher body and truncal fat, more stress, less coping abilities, and had worse memory recall than their low/no (NL) risk counterparts. To determine if these novel risks are present in seniors, we compared them to young adults to identify resilience or vulnerability for TIA/stroke in both age groups. Hypothesis: Anthropometric, psychological and cognitive (APC) outcomes will be protective factors for seniors and risk factors for young adults. Methods: A proof-of-concept study was designed and conducted on campus. Those eligible were young adults (20-45-years) and seniors (50-80-years) of all race/ethnicities with a minimum of 16-years education. Medical history, demographics, and anthropometric data were collected. Stress, coping, and nonverbal memory were assessed with standardized tests. Nonverbal memory using a percent retention score (PRS) was calculated from the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, ANOVA with post hoc corrections for multiple comparisons and regression modeling were used with a 95% confidence interval for significance. Results: Seniors (n=25), young adults with MH (n= 23) and young adults with NL (n=27) risks for TIA/stroke participated in the study. Anthropometrics were higher in seniors than either young group (p Conclusions: These data suggest that seniors’ retention of nonverbal memory is comparable to young adults with NL TIA/stroke risks. High stress and poor coping have been associated with traditional TIA/stroke risks and impaired memory. Reduced stress and better coping in seniors indicate resilience and may be considered protective factors. These data should be interpreted with caution as further research is needed with a larger sample.