搜索结果：Innovation in aging

People living with dementia are at increased risk of missing episodes, which can have serious safety consequences for the individual as well as increasing burden for families, emergency services, and care services. A UK police safeguarding scheme was developed in response to reduce the risk of missing incidents through proactive risk management and early intervention. This study evaluates whether the safeguarding scheme effectively reduces the risk of missing incidents for individuals taking part in the scheme. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a police database of 846 individuals living with dementia taking part in the safeguarding scheme. Descriptive statistics and proportion comparisons were used to evaluate changes in missing incident characteristics before and after joining the scheme, stratified by risk level and dementia subtype. We found that there were fewer missing incidents and fewer individuals with a recorded missing episode after joining the safeguarding scheme. Individuals with first missing incidents occurring after joining the scheme were found significantly faster (2.73 hours) than those with a first incident occurring before joining the scheme (5.39 hours). Among those identified as high-risk-individuals with a previous missing incident-81.21% did not go missing again after participating in the scheme. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease were more likely to go missing after taking part in the safeguarding scheme than those with vascular dementia. While individuals with a history of missing incidents remained at higher risk, the majority did not go missing again after joining the scheme. Overall, the safeguarding scheme was effective in reducing the rate of missing incidents among people with dementia. These findings promote the proactive use of police safeguarding programs and suggest that widespread implementation could improve safety and independence for people living with dementia.

Digital literacy is critical for older adults to maintain social connections, access information, and support overall mental well-being. However, many older adults struggle with using digital devices. Guided by the self-fulfilling prophecy theory, this study investigates how digital reverse mentoring (DRM), referring to younger individuals assisting older adults in learning and using digital technology, is associated with digital literacy, with self-perceptions of aging and self-efficacy as mediators. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 402 community-dwelling older adults aged 60+ in Macao, China. Control variables include gender, age, education, income, self-rated health, and home internet access. Structural equation modeling was employed to test hypothesized relationships and mediation effects. DRM significantly improved digital literacy (B = .31, 95% CI: .19, .43). Positive perceptions of aging were positively associated with digital literacy (B = .05, p < .001), whereas negative perceptions showed a negative association (B = .09, p < .001). Contrary to expectations, self-efficacy did not show a significant association with digital literacy. Indirect effects revealed that DRM was positively associated with all mediators (B = .12, 95% CI: .04, .20), suggesting that improving perceptions of aging through DRM may enhance digital literacy. This study highlights the importance of DRM educational interventions in boosting digital literacy among older adults by positively shaping their perceptions of aging. Addressing these perceptions can break down barriers and promote more inclusive digital participation. Future research should investigate the longitudinal effects and effective intervention strategies to enhance digital literacy. This study addresses the age-related digital divide by examining DRM as a strategy to improve digital literacy among older adults. Using a psychological framework, we identify perceived aging as a key mediator, showing that increased positive perceptions of aging and reduced negative perceptions of aging enhance digital outcomes. Findings suggest that DRM, as an empowering approach, can be effectively integrated into social service programs and policies to promote digital inclusion and reduce the age-related digital divide. This work offers a practical and evidence-based model for improving individual and societal outcomes in later life through intergenerational engagement.

Financial capability, the interaction of financial literacy, access, and behavior, can influence individuals' ability to manage finances and build economic stability over the life course. However, empirical evidence linking financial capability and economic well-being in old age is limited. We examine the components and mechanisms of the financial capability framework and investigate the differences between middle-aged (aged 50-64) and older adults (aged 65+) using population-based data in the United States. The respondents, 12,840 individuals aged 50 and over, were selected from the population-based 2018 National Financial Capability Study. Structural equation modeling and multigroup analyses were used to examine the mechanisms of financial capability on economic well-being and the moderating effects of age. Financial literacy and access are positively associated with financial behavior and subsequent economic well-being. The mediation results show that financial literacy and access are equally important in contributing to economic well-being in later life. However, age has no moderating effect, suggesting these associations operate similarly in middle-aged and older adults. Strategies to promote economic well-being in later life through effective finance should be multifaceted, targeting each aspect of financial capability. Financial practices such as financial coaching and guidance, credit counseling, and financial assessments should be integrated into social services. Policy innovations that expand financial inclusion, particularly investments in accessible and appropriate financial products, should be developed to reach and cover the financially underserved, especially those with limited financial literacy and restricted access to mainstream financial services.

Be EPIC-VR, developed to improve dementia care by teaching person-centered communication skills through virtual reality (VR) simulation training, integrates conversational artificial intelligence and structured feedback. Although VR training offers unique immersive learning experiences, implementing it to train care providers in long-term and home care settings remains challenging. This study aimed to examine factors influencing the implementation of Be EPIC-VR. This longitudinal qualitative study was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Eight managers from 4 care organizations participated in semi-structured interviews pre-implementation, 2 weeks post-implementation, and 5 months post-implementation. Data were analyzed using the framework method. Three themes emerged across time points: (1) a strong perceived need for dementia-specific person-centered communication training, indicating an urgency for change; (2) Be EPIC-VR's alignment with organizational values around person-centered and learning-centered care fostered engagement and sustained commitment; and (3) openness to VR training increased over time as managers observed implementation-relevant signals of feasibility and fit. Initial concerns about technology, staffing, and workflow integration diminished through experience and facilitator support. Managers developed tailored strategies such as phased rollouts, peer champions, and timing training to mesh with operational needs. Successful implementation and early sustainment planning required aligning Be EPIC-VR with organizational goals and workforce priorities. Experiencing Be EPIC-VR helped ease managers' concerns about staffing, technology, and compatibility with workflows and organizational values. Findings highlight the value of longitudinal qualitative inquiry and working collaboratively with managers to inform integration of VR-based training in dementia care.

Telomere shortening is a hallmark of aging and immune dysfunction, offering a reliable indicator of cellular replicative history and biological age. Measuring telomere length in defined immune subsets provides critical insights into immune aging and disease-associated remodeling. However, conventional methods often require prior cell sorting or compromise surface marker detection, limiting their ability to integrate telomere length with immunophenotyping. The advent of spectral flow cytometry enables highly multiplexed single-sample analysis, overcoming many of these technical constraints. Here, we present a streamlined protocol that combines flow cytometry-based fluorescence in situ hybridization (flow-FISH) with spectral cytometry to measure relative telomere length (RTL) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This 18-color panel simultaneously captures RTL across 15 immune subsets, alongside five functional and phenotypic markers reflecting activation, differentiation, senescence, and exhaustion. Our flow-FISH method integrates telomere analysis and immune profiling into a single, reproducible workflow. Key optimizations include dual fixation to preserve membrane staining, use of the 1301 cell line as an internal telomere reference, and exclusion of dividing cells via cell cycle staining to ensure accurate RTL quantification. Validation in PBMCs from older adults demonstrated the method's ability to detect expected RTL decreases with T-cell differentiation and senescence progression, confirming its utility for studies on immune aging, chronic infection, and other age-related conditions. &#xa9; 2026 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Staining and flow cytometry for flow-FISH to measure telomere length and immunophenotype in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) Support Protocol: Preparation and cryopreservation of 1301 internal control cell line Basic Protocol 2: Data analysis and interpretation for telomere length and immunophenotype measurements in PBMCs.

Navigation is a complex, multisensory process in which subtle changes may emerge before the onset of symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated whether navigation abilities were associated with amyloid and tau pathology in cognitively normal older adults. Among 285 cognitively unimpaired older adults, navigation and objective driving behaviors were assessed using the self-reported Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD) and a datalogger, respectively. Amyloid and tau burden were quantified using PET-MRI 2 years post-initial driving data collection. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the associations between biomarker status and longitudinal navigation changes. At baseline, there were no significant differences in SBSOD, trip chaining, or entropy, a metric that quantifies the variability in one's driving patterns based on PET biomarker status. Over 6.1 years (SD&#x2009;=&#x2009;3.3), compared to amyloid- participants, amyloid+ participants experienced faster declines in SBSOD and entropy and increases in trip chain counts and percentages of chained trips/distances, indicating more deliberate compensatory planning for subtle deficits. Conversely, tau+ participants exhibited slower declines in SBSOD and greater increases in driving unpredictability (i.e., higher entropy, greater percentages of chained trips/distances) across 5.6 years (SD&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.9), but not in total trip counts compared to tau- participants. Changes in navigation may reflect the accumulation of amyloid (compensatory planning) and tau (diminished planning, increased randomness) in distinct brain regions. These findings highlight the promise of driving and navigation metrics as sensitive, noninvasive markers of preclinical AD, underscoring a critical window for intervention.

Cognitive and functional impairments can both influence and result from deteriorating social health (SH), yet their interplay during aging remains poorly understood. This study investigated the concordance and discordance of trajectories in SH, cognitive, and daily functioning. We analyzed 15-year follow-up data (2001-2015) from 2,848 initially dementia-free older adults in the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. Cognition and daily functioning were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination and activities of daily living (ADLs)/instrumental ADLs. SH encompassed indices of social participation, connections, and support. Trajectories across these five dimensions were identified using latent growth curve analyses, latent class growth analyses, and growth mixture models. Two cognitive trajectories-relatively preserved (91%) and fast decline (9%)-and two daily functioning trajectories-stable (95%) and declining (5%)-were identified. SH trajectories included stable groups, gradually declining social participation (70%), and low initial social connections (29%). Social support showed stable (95%), declining (2%), and increasing (3%) trajectories. Women were more likely to belong to the initially low-stable social connections group, whereas higher education was linked to favorable trajectories across most dimensions but not social support. Concordance was observed among those with the lowest cognitive, daily functioning, and SH profiles. Notably, increasing social support was linked to low cognition but high daily functioning (odds ratios [OR]&#x2009;=&#x2009;4.2, 95% CI: 2.3, 7.6). Findings underscore the central role of SH in aging, particularly how dynamic changes in social participation, connections, and support relate to cognitive and functional outcomes.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation contributes to photoaging and skin cancer by causing DNA damage and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). It also induces telomere shortening, a key factor in cellular aging. However, no studies have investigated whether sunscreen can prevent short-term telomere shortening caused by UV exposure to human skin. We have examined whether the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen product can protect at the telomere level from the harmful effects of UV light. Human keratinocytes and a 3D skin model were exposed to 10&#xa0;J/cm2 of solar-simulated UV radiation under three conditions: non-exposed, exposed, and exposed with broad-spectrum sunscreen. DNA damage, assessed by &#x3b3;H2AX levels, was measured at 30&#xa0;min and 24&#xa0;h post-irradiation. Telomere length was evaluated by high-throughput quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (HT Q-FISH) at 24&#xa0;h post-irradiation. Histological analysis of 3D skin samples was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to assess tissue integrity. A decrease in cell number, increased DNA damage, and telomere shortening, accompanied by a higher proportion of critically short telomeres, were observed in UV-exposed keratinocytes and reconstructed human skin following exposure to 10&#xa0;J/cm2 of solar-simulated UV radiation. The 3D skin architecture was also compromised, showing loss of keratinocytes spatial organization, evidence of epidermal cell death, and significant dermal thinning. However, cells and 3D skin samples protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen remained comparable to non-exposed controls, showing no detectable structural or molecular alterations. These findings provide initial evidence that a broad-spectrum sunscreen product can mitigate UV-induced telomere shortening and DNA double-strand damage (DSBs), thereby preventing photodamage associated with solar exposure.

While early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) can help delay progression and improve outcomes, limited research is available on dementia-related health behavior, such as screening intention among American Indian/Alaska Native communities. Guided by the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and the Health Belief Model, this study examines whether self-efficacy mediates the association between dementia knowledge and intention to seek ADRD screening among American Indian adults. Using a community-based participatory research approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 248 American Indian adults (18 years and over) from a partner tribal community in the Northern Plains region in 2024. Measures included dementia knowledge, self-efficacy, screening intention, perceived susceptibility, stigma, and demographic factors. Mediation was tested using the Baron and Kenny framework and Sobel-Goodman tests. Dementia knowledge significantly predicted both ADRD screening intention and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy also significantly predicted screening intention and partially mediated the relationship between knowledge and intention. Approximately 32% of the effect of dementia knowledge on screening intention was mediated by self-efficacy. Findings underscore self-efficacy as a critical mechanism through which dementia knowledge translates into ADRD screening intention in American Indian communities. Interventions to promote early ADRD detection could enhance both knowledge and individual confidence. Future research should include more diverse groups within American Indian communities to identify common and unique dynamics among knowledge, self-efficacy, and screening intention, informing effective intervention strategies to reduce stigma and confidence in seeking timely ADRD screening.

This study examined the longitudinal relationship between pain intensity and depressive symptoms among older adults and assessed the buffering effects of social and physical activities. In addition, it explored whether these buffering effects vary by gender and educational attainment. Using 8 waves (2006-2020) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, we analyzed a sample of 7,238 older adults aged 65 years and older. Longitudinal fixed-effects models were employed to assess how within-person changes in pain intensity were associated with within-person changes in depressive symptoms. Interaction terms were included to test the buffering effects of informal and formal social activity, as well as physical activity. Stratified analyses were conducted to explore potential heterogeneity by educational attainment and gender. The fixed-effects models indicated that increases in pain intensity were significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Interaction analyses revealed that this positive association was moderated by informal social activity, formal social activity, and physical activity. Specifically, older adults with higher levels of social or physical activity exhibited a weaker association between pain and depressive symptoms than those with lower levels of engagement. No clear differences in moderating effects were observed by education or gender. These findings highlight that social and physical activities act as key protective factors against the adverse psychological consequences of pain among older adults. Integrative interventions that promote sustained social engagement and physical activity may help mitigate depression risk in this population.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a preclinical stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Although dance training has been shown to be beneficial for mental health, cognitive function, and neural activity in older adults with MCI, its effect on SCD remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of dance training on the aforementioned factors and on oxytocin secretion in older adults with SCD. Participants (aged 65-84 years) were assigned to either the intervention group (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;22) with a 12-week dance training program or the control group without any alternative training (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;22). Apathy, depression, Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores, urinary oxytocin levels, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging indices, including amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and functional connectivity (FC), were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Compared to the control group, the intervention group exhibited significantly higher urinary oxytocin levels and significantly higher ALFF in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex post-intervention. Moreover, the intervention group showed more enhanced FC between the left medial orbitofrontal cortex and the left precuneus post-intervention than the control group. However, mental health or cognitive performance was not significantly different between the groups. Our results are particularly important in light of previous findings that older adults with SCD show a reduced FC between the medial orbitofrontal cortex and the precuneus, and that oxytocin levels are positively associated with the prefrontal-amygdala oxytocinergic circuit in socioemotional processing. Thus, dance training may contribute to socioemotional resilience-related neural and molecular adaptations in SCD.

As the number of older adults experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity grows, there is an increasing need for responses aimed at preventing housing loss in later life. Because Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve older adults across the socioeconomic spectrum and all older adults in the United States have access to AAA programs that support maintaining community-based living, they are well-positioned to address housing challenges. However, little is known about the implementation of these programs, limiting the adoption of practices across the AAA network. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), this study aims to identify facilitators and barriers to implementing a shallow rental subsidy program at an AAA. We used a sequential mixed-methods implementation science design. Quantitative data were collected from AAA staff through a survey, and qualitative data were collected through focus groups. Barriers and facilitators were identified across the 11 constructs within the CFIR inner-setting domain. Facilitators to implementation included the AAA's client-centered culture and structural characteristics (e.g., having an established Housing Assistance Program). Barriers to implementation included incompatibility with case manager workloads and a short timeframe that created confusion about the program. Findings highlight opportunities for AAAs to implement shallow rental subsidy programs. Having an existing housing team structure is a facilitator for implementing new housing-related programs (e.g., shallow subsidies). Additionally, clear, targeted communication about the rationale for program elements and adequate time for referral, screening, and enrollment are essential for successful implementation.

Latinxs are a growing aging population in California and nationwide. However, limited research exists on middle-aged and older Latinx caregivers and the multidimensional toll of caregiving. This study examines Latinx-White disparities in 2 indicators of caregiving-related strain: financial distress and physical and mental health strain. Using pooled cross-sectional data from the California Health Interview Survey (2019, 2020), we employ multivariable logistic regression models to examine financial distress associated with caregiving and caregiver-related health strain among Latinx and White adults aged 50 and older. Latinx caregivers were more likely to live below the federal poverty level, be younger, report poor or fair health, be employed, and care for a family member than their White counterparts. Latinx caregivers had higher odds of reporting financial distress due to caregiving (odds ratio [OR]: 1.3, 95% CI, 1.06-1.59) than White caregivers; however, socioeconomic factors and caregiving dynamics explained this relationship. Compared to White caregivers, Latinx caregivers were less likely (OR: 0.60, 95% CI, 0.43-0.84) to report caregiver health strain, even in the fully-adjusted models and despite worse self-rated health. Findings from this study underscore the need for targeted policies that alleviate the financial burden of caregiving for older Latinx adults, especially given their disproportionate exposure to economic precarity and high-intensity caregiving. While Latinx caregivers report lower caregiving-related health strain-potentially due to cultural resilience or social support-this should not obscure the structural disadvantages they face.

The rapid aging of the global population presents complex challenges for health systems, families, and societies. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies-from predictive analytics and conversational agents to robotic caregivers and remote monitoring-offer scalable solutions to support older adults throughout their life courses. This article examines the evolving landscape of AI-enabled care for aging populations, structured around the geriatric 4Ms: what Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. We synthesize current evidence on the application of AI in personalized medicine, cognitive support, fall detection, and chronic disease management while exploring the cultural, economic, and policy contexts that influence technology adoption. The market for age-related technology is expanding; however, disparities in access, digital literacy, and algorithmic bias risk exacerbating inequities. We identify persistent gaps in implementation, including the underrepresentation of diverse older adults in training data sets, limited longitudinal studies, and a lack of integration across diagnostic and therapeutic systems. We propose a future research agenda centered on five priorities: (1) establishing life-course AI research agendas, (2) promoting inclusive and participatory development processes, (3) advancing gerontological design principles, (4) expanding AI literacy across the aging services workforce, and (5) developing robust ethical and regulatory infrastructures. The article calls for interdisciplinary collaboration among gerontologists, engineers, policymakers, and ethicists to ensure that AI innovations are safe, equitable, and responsive to the lived experiences of older adults. Ultimately, we argue that AI must be implemented not as isolated tools but as components of comprehensive care ecosystems that support aging in place, reduce caregiver burden, and preserve human dignity.

In the digital era, smart care products (SCPs) for older adults have opened up a new potential for satisfying the tailored demands of older adults and encouraging positive aging. However, the digital divide among older adults has emerged as a critical barrier to the widespread adoption and promotion of such products. The existing literature has yet to clarify whether and how the digital literacy (DL) of older adults influences their SCP adoption intention. To address this gap, this study investigates the relationship between DL and SCP adoption intention. This study analyzes questionnaire data collected offline from 627 Chinese older adults, constructing a research model grounded in task-technology fit (TTF) theory and employing structural equation modeling for empirical validation. Findings show that older adults' intention to use SCPs is positively influenced by their DL level. Perceived TTF (PTTF) mediates the relationship between DL and adoption intention. Furthermore, positive aging attitudes (PAA) moderate the relationship between PTTF and adoption intention. In addition, the indirect positive effect of DL on adoption intention via PTTF is amplified when older individuals exhibit elevated PAA. This study confirms the crucial role of DL in influencing the adoption of SCPs by older adults. It enhances theoretical comprehension of the effect of DL on technology adoption, broadens the potential use of TTF theory within the domain of smart older adult care, and provides practical recommendations for the advancement of SCPs.

Civil money penalties (CMPs) are an important tool for holding nursing homes accountable for regulatory noncompliance. These fines can range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, many nursing homes operate under financial strain, which has been linked to compromised quality of care. This study assesses the impact of CMPs on 2 indicators of financial performance: net income margin and short-term debt. These indicators were regressed on penalty size using a 2-way fixed effects model, encompassing 87,249 facility-year observations from U.S. nursing homes from 2012 to 2019. The dollar amount of penalties was expressed in equivalent days of operating expenses to account for variation in facility sizes, and the analysis controlled for the nursing home characteristics and market conditions. A negative relationship was found between the size of penalties and net income margin. Penalties equivalent to less than 1 day of expenses were associated with a 0.86 percentage-point decrease in net-income margin; 1-day penalties with a 1.48-point decline; 2-day penalties with a 2.49-point reduction; and those equivalent to 3+ days corresponded to a 3.56-point decline. Effects on short-term debt were minimal, with only modest increases seen. These findings raise a concern for regulators that CMPs, if not carefully calibrated, have the potential to cross the boundary from deterring violations to jeopardizing the financial stability of nursing homes. If a facility struggles to absorb the cost, a CMP could inadvertently affect the care provided to residents.

Korea is undergoing one of the fastest demographic transitions among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, with rural communities experiencing the sharpest consequences of aging and depopulation. In these areas, older adults face multiple disadvantages, including social isolation, limited income and education, and restricted access to health and welfare services. In response, national policies have promoted smart care technologies-sensors, monitoring devices, and AI-based services-as part of community-based integrated care. Although these technologies are expected to reduce service gaps, less attention has been paid to how frontline providers understand what constitutes "good care" in this context. Our study examined the perspectives of village care managers, who coordinate health, welfare, and smart care resources in rural communities. Sixteen managers involved in a pilot smart integrated care project in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk-do, were interviewed through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Our findings suggest that good care cannot be solely achieved through technological monitoring or efficiency. It still requires relational qualities-sincerity, respect, and social connection-combined with professional competence and coordination across fragmented services. Participants highlighted that smart technologies may support safety and access but cannot substitute for human interaction, local collaboration, and skilled guidance in bridging digital divides. By foregrounding providers' perspectives, this study adds to ongoing debates about the meaning of good care in digitally integrated rural care settings. Smart technologies can support safety and access, but their value depends on how they are embedded in practices of empathy, respect, professional guidance, and community collaboration.

While intrinsic capacity (IC) impairment and adverse neighborhood environments are established independent risk factors for dementia, their interaction effects and potential mediating pathways remain poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the independent, interactive, and mediating associations of IC, neighborhood environment, and dementia risk among middle-aged and older adults. We analyzed data from 8,107 adults aged 50+ in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2020). IC was quantified using a composite impairment score encompassing locomotor, cognitive, sensory, psychological, and vitality domains. Neighborhood environment was classified by resource availability and social provisions (low risk; moderate risk; high risk). Cox proportional hazards models evaluated associations between IC, neighborhood environment, and dementia risk. The four-way decomposition model was used to examine the potential interaction and mediation effects of IC. Over a median follow-up of 9 years, 909 incident dementia cases occurred. Adjusted analyses revealed dose-dependent relationships: each 1-point increase in IC impairment score elevated dementia risk by 26% (hazard ratio [HR]&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-1.36). Compared with low-risk neighborhoods, moderate-risk (HR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.47), and high-risk neighborhoods (HR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.41, 95% CI: 1.13-1.77) independently increased dementia risk. Four-way decomposition revealed the association between adverse neighborhood environments and increased dementia risk was partially explained by the pure mediation effect of IC, with no significant interaction-only/mediated interaction effects observed. IC impairments and adverse neighborhood environments independently escalate dementia risk, with IC partially mediating the environmental effects. Integrating interventions targeting both individual capacity and community-level infrastructure may optimize dementia prevention strategies.

In beef cattle breeding and improvement, in vitro maturation (IVM) technology serves as the foundation of in vitro production (IVP) technology. However, oocytes inevitably suffer from aging damage during the IVM process, which severely impairs their quality and developmental potential, therefore developing in vitro culture strategies that can improve the quality of aged oocytes is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of IVP. Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is a redox cofactor with multiple biological functions; it can exert cytoprotective effects by regulating processes such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and autophagy, and its biological effects are often associated with the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. This study aimed to clarify whether PQQ improved the quality and developmental potential of aged bovine oocytes by activating the Nrf2 pathway, and to investigate the effects of supplementing PQQ during IVM on relevant indicators of aged bovine oocytes. The results showed that supplementation with 10&#xa0;&#x3bc;mol/L PQQ significantly increased the cleavage rate and blastocyst rate of aged bovine oocytes; simultaneously, it significantly downregulated the mRNA expression level of Keap1 and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, Akt, and their downstream target genes (SOD1, SOD2, HO-1, NQO1, and GCLC).The protein expression levels determined by Western blotting were consistent with the mRNA expression levels detected. In conclusion, PQQ activates the Nrf2 pathway to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, enhance mitochondrial function, inhibit apoptosis, thereby improving aged bovine oocytes' quality and developmental potential, providing a theoretical and practical reference for optimizing bovine oocyte IVM systems.