Pilot Projects

2023

  • Crystal Yee To Ng

    The Role of Friends in the Lives of Dementia Caregivers: Implications for Daily Cardiovascular Health

    Crystal Yee To Ng

    Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute for Social Research and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan

    Co-Investigators

    • Kira Birditt
    • Anna Kratz

    Abstract

    This study aims to examine the role of friends in the daily experiences of African American (AA) and European American (EA) ADRD caregivers. This pilot study uses data from the Stress and Well-Being in the Everyday Lives of Caregivers study (SWELCare), a study of AA and EA men and women who are primary caregivers and co-reside with their family member or friend who is living with ADRD.

  • Jessica Faul

    Understanding the Speed of Aging Among Adults with Cerebral Palsy

    Jessica Faul

    Research Associate Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Co-Investigators

    • Mark Peterson

    Abstract

    This project aims to understand aging and disease burden in the cerebral palsy (CP) population by measuring and examining DNA methylation in two patient populations of adults with CP.

  • Kate Duchowny

    The Relationship Between Neighborhoods, Muscle Strength and Physical Disability in the National Health & Aging Trends Study (NHATS)

    Kate Duchowny

    Research Investigator, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    Using data from NHATS, this pilot examines neighborhood effects on muscle strength and whether it may serve as a mechanism linking neighborhoods to physical disability.

  • Jennifer Ailshire

    Colombian Survey of Aging (COSA) Biomarker Pilot

    Jennifer Ailshire

    Associate Professor, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California

    Co-Investigators

    • Mauricio Avendano, Universite de Lausanne, Switzerland
    • Carlos Cano, Universidad Javeriana, Colombia

    Abstract

    The Colombia Survey of Aging (COSA) aims to collect data on Colombian older adults that can be harmonized with the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and it sister studies around the world to improve not only our understanding of aging in the Colombian context, but in Latin America and globally.

2022

  • Iliya Gutin

    Life Expectancy Trends among U.S. States and Peer Countries, 1980-2020: Estimating the Impact of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic on Widening Differences

    Iliya Gutin

    Postdoctoral Fellow, Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin

    Co-Investigators

    • Ryan Masters, University of Colorado Boulder

    Abstract

    This project uses restricted access state-level vital statistics data from the National Center for Health Statistics as well as national-level data for 18 high-income peer countries in the Human Mortality Database to help point to similarities in key structural advantages and social policies shared by specific states and peer countries that allowed for the COVID-19 pandemic to be managed more effectively and mitigated avoidable deaths at all ages.

    Outcomes
    • Gutin, Iliya and Ryan K. Masters. 2023. Illustrating the Racialized Mortality Experiences of the U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic via Quarter-Year Changes in U.S. Life Expectancy, 2019-2022. Population Association of America Meeting, New Orleans, LA.
    • Gutin, Iliya and Ryan K. Masters. 2022. Illustrating the Racialized Mortality Experiences of the U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic via Quarter-Year Changes in U.S. Life Expectancy, 2019-2022. Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science Meeting, Minneapolis, MN.
  • Theresa Andrasfay

    Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Functioning, Disability, and Associated Risk Factors among Older Adults in the United States

    Theresa Andrasfay

    Postdoctoral Fellow, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California

    Co-Investigators

    • Eileen Crimmins, University of Southern California

    Abstract

    This project assesses the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population-level trends in mobility and ADL limitations and their risk factors among older adults in the United States. Analyses draw upon four nationally representative data sources: the Health and Retirement Study, the National Health Interview Survey, the National Health and Aging Trends Study and the Understanding America Study.

    Outcomes
    • Theresa Andrasfay and Eileen Crimmins. “Trends in Physical Functioning and Disability among Older Adults in the United States 2010-2021: An Early Examination of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Oral presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Population Association of America, April 2023, New Orleans, LA.
    • Theresa Andrasfay and Eileen Crimmins. “Trends in risk factors for disability and reduced physical functioning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” Oral presentation at the Gerontological Society of America 2022 Annual Meeting, November 2022, Indianapolis, IN.
  • Helen Meier

    Immune Aging Phenotypes and COVID-19 Risk in the Health and Retirement Study

    Helen Meier

    Assistant Research Scientist, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    The goal of this pilot project is to determine if pre-pandemic features of immune aging (i.e., age associated T-cell subsets, inflammation, and epigenetic age) are associated with COVID-19 infection and disease severity.  The pilot draws upon data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative longitudinal study of adults over 55 years.

2021

  • Sarah E. Patterson

    When Family Care Isn’t Available: Examining Unmet Care Needs of Kinless, Distanced, and Disconnected Older Adults

    Sarah E. Patterson

    Research Investigator, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Co-Investigators

    • Rachel Margolis, University of Western Ontario

    Abstract

    This pilot project will examine unmet care needs across time and related well-being outcomes for older adults among three at-risk groups  – the kinless (no partner or children), the distanced (no partner or children nearby), and the disconnected (partner and children are disengaged).  Analyses will draw upon the 2015-2019 National Health and Aging Trends Study, a panel study of Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older. 

    Outcomes
    • Patterson SE, Margolis R. Family Ties and Older Adult Well-Being: Incorporating Social Networks and Proximity. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2023 Dec 6;78(12):2080-2089. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbad139. PMID: 37738615; PMCID: PMC10699742.
    • Patterson, Sarah E and Rachel Margolis. When Family Ties Are Not Available: Unmet Care Needs Among Kinless, Distanced, and Disconnected Older Adults. Annual Meeting of the Population Association of America, April 6-9, 2022, Atlanta, GA.
    • Patterson, Sarah E and Rachel Margolis. When Family Ties Are Not Available: Unmet Care Needs Among Kinless, Distanced, and Disconnected Older Adults. Demography of Family Caregiver Network meeting, May 2, 2022, Ann Arbor, MI.
  • Yulya Truskinovsky

    The Lasting Impacts of COVID-19 on Long-Term Care Expectations and Outcomes for High-Need Older Adults

    Yulya Truskinovsky

    Assistant Professor, Wayne State University

    Co-Investigators

    • Emily Wiemers, Syracuse University

    Abstract

    Documenting changes related to the pandemic in long-term services and supports and family care is crucial in understanding the immediate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable older adults and for establishing a nationally representative baseline to study longer-run effects.  This pilot project will use data from the Health and Retirement Study to examine the effect of the COVID-19 on long-term services and supports and care decisions among older adults who need help with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) or with probable dementia (high need older adults). 

    Outcomes
    • Yulya Truskinovsky, Emily E Wiemers, Paid care among older adults with long-term care needs declined in the first year of COVID-19 while families stepped in, Health Affairs Scholar, Volume 1, Issue 4, October 2023, qxad040, https://doi.org/10.1093/haschl/qxad040
    • Truskinovsky, Yulya and Emily Wiemers. The Lasting Impacts of Covid-19 on Long-Term Care Expectations and Outcomes for High-Need Older Adults. Demography of Family Caregiving Network Meeting. May 2, 2022, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • National Institute on Aging. R01AG080583. The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Long-Term Care for High-Need Older Adults with and without Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. Role: PI
  • Joelle Abramowitz

    Effects of California’s Paid Family Leave on Work and Caregiving of Older Adults

    Joelle Abramowitz

    Associate Research Scientist, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Co-Investigators

    • Marcus Dillender, University of Illinois

    Abstract

    Paid family leave laws have the potential to alter older adults’ allocation of time spent in work and caregiving, which can in turn affect their own physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. In 2004, California became the first state to require that employers provide paid family leave to their employees.  Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, this pilot project examines changes in older adults' time spent in work and caregiving before and after California’s 2004 paid family leave law.

    Outcomes
    • Abramowitz, Joelle, and Dillender, Marcus. Effects of California’s Paid Family Leave Law on Caregiving by Older Adults, Journal of Aging & Social Policy (Forthcoming).
    • Abramowitz, Joelle and Marcus Dillender. Effects of California’s Paid Family Leave on Work and Caregiving of Older Adults. Association for Public Policy and Management (APPAM) Fall Research Conference, March 27-29, 2022. Washington, DC.
    • Abramowitz, Joelle and Marcus Dillender. Effects of California’s Paid Family Leave on Work and Caregiving of Older Adults. American Society of Health Economists Annual Conference, June 22, 2021.
    • Abramowitz, Joelle and Marcus Dillender. Effects of California’s Paid Family Leave on Work and Caregiving of Older Adults. Population Association of American Annual Meeting (Poster Session), May 5, 2021. Atlanta, GA.
    • Abramowitz, Joelle and Marcus Dillender. Effects of California’s Paid Family Leave on Work and Caregiving of Older Adults. The New School Political Economy of Aging Workshop, April 15, 2021.
  • Joshua Ehrlich

    The Synergistic Impact of Late Life Vision Impairment and Genetic Risk on Cognitive Decline and Dementia

    Joshua Ehrlich

    Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical School
    Research Assistant Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Co-Investigators

    Abstract

    This pilot study will test the central hypothesis that vision impairments is a “second hit” that potentiates the risk of cognitive decline and dementia among those that carry the APOE ε4 allele. This hypothesis will be tested using data from the nationally-representative Health and Retirement Study and its sub-study, the Aging, Demographics and Memory Study.

    Outcomes
    • National Eye Institute. R01EY034479 (09/30/23 - 06/30/28). Vision Impairment in the National Health and Aging Trends Study: Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health, and Adverse Late Life Outcomes. Role: PI
    • Kolli A, Zhou Y, Chung G, Ware EB, Langa KM, Ehrlich JR. Interactions between the Apolipoprotein E4 Gene and Modifiable Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment: A Nationally Representative Panel Study. BMC Geriatr. 2022. doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-03652-w.
    • Ehrlich JR, Kolli A, Zhou Y, Chung G, Ware E. The Joint Effects of Vision Impairment and Apolipoprotein E on the Hazard of Incident Cognitive Impairment. Scientific Poster. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Annual Meeting. Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022.
    • Ehrlich JR, Swenor BK, Zhou Y, Langa KM. The Longitudinal Association of Vision Impairment With Transitions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Findings From the Aging, Demographics and Memory Study. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. 2021 November 15;76(12):2187-2193. PubMed PMID: 34061956; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8599065; DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab157.
  • Mengyao Hu

    Dementia Diagnosis Classification Using Deep Learning Neural Networks Based on Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and Medicare claims

    Mengyao Hu

    Adjunct Assistant Research Scientist, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Co-Investigators

    • Yi Lu Murphey, University of Michigan-Dearborn

    Abstract

    This pilot study will develop advanced deep learning neural networks to analyze Clock-Drawing Test images to predict dementia diagnosis. The pilot will draw upon Medicare claims linked with a large, publicly available repository of clock images from the 2011-2019 National Health and Aging Trends Study, a panel study of Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older. 

    Outcomes
    • Hu, M., Murphey, Y.L., Wang, S., Qin T., Zhao Z., Gonzalez, R., Freedman V. A. & Zahodne L. (July 2023) Exploring the Use of Deep Learning Neural Networks to Improve Dementia Detection: Automating Coding of the Clock-Drawing Test. 2023 European Survey Research Conference, Milan, Italy.
    • Hu, M., Murphey, Y.L., Wang, S., Qin T., Zhao Z., Gonzalez, R., Freedman V. A. & Zahodne L. (May 2023) Exploring the Use of Machine Learning to Automate the Coding of the Clock-Drawing Test. 78th American Association for Public Opinion Research Annual Conference. Philadelphia.
    • Hu, M., Murphey, Y.L., Wang, S., Qin T., Zhao Z., Gonzalez, R., Freedman V. A. & Zahodne L. (Nov 2022) Exploring the Use of Deep Learning Neural Networks to Improve Dementia Detection: Automating Coding of the Clock-Drawing Test. Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meetings 2022, Indianapolis.
    • Hu, Mengyao; Murphey, Yi Lu; Wang, Song Qin Tian; Zhao Zixuan; Gonzalez, Richard; Freedman Vicki A.; Zahodne Laura (2022) Exploring the Use of Deep Learning Neural Networks to Improve Dementia Detection: Automating Coding of the Clock-Drawing Test. NHATS/NSOC Research in Progress Seminar, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

2020

  • Yajuan Si

    Confidentiality and Privacy Protection after Record Linkage: Laying the Groundwork for Synthetic Record Linkage

    Yajuan Si

    Research Associate Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Co-Investigators

    • David S. Johnson

    Abstract

    Augmenting surveys with information about the places sample members have lived can enhance the value of survey data. Restricted enclaves with remote access are valuable for sharing such data, yet barriers to use outside such environments remain because of confidentiality and privacy concerns. The Census Bureau has recently taken steps to create synthetic versions of some of its data products, but the robustness of such data to answer questions not explicitly considered by the synthetic data generation technique has been questioned. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this pilot project will develop and evaluate procedures to create survey data linked with synthetic geographic data designed to address confidential and privacy as well as analytic concerns.

    Outcomes
    • National Science Foundation. 2217456. Enhancing Synthetic Data Techniques for Practical Applications. Role: Co-PI.
    • Si, Y and Johnson, D. Confidentiality and Privacy Protection after Record Linkage: Laying the Groundwork for Synthetic Record Linkage. 4th Annual MiCDA Pilot Project Virtual Symposium. May 18, 2021
  • Lindsay Kobayashi

    Investigating Cross-National Variation in Later-Life Cognitive Health Inequalities

    Lindsay Kobayashi

    Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health

    Abstract

    By 2050, nearly 70% of global dementia cases are projected to occur in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is an urgent need to build up scientific evidence and resources to understand the etiology of cognitive aging outcomes in LMICs. A first step is to understand the measurement properties of various cognitive tests administered in these countries. This pilot project will use new data from five internationally harmonized longitudinal studies of aging using the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP), including three LMICs and two high-income countries. Psychometric methods will be used to equate cognitive test item scores across countries so that cross-national comparisons may proceed.

    Outcomes
    • Cho TC, Yu X, Gross AL, Zhang YS, Lee J, Langa KM, Kobayashi LC. Negative wealth shocks in later life and subsequent cognitive function in older adults in China, England, Mexico, and the USA, 2012-18: a population-based, cross-nationally harmonised, longitudinal study. Lancet Healthy Longev. 2023;4(9):e461-e469. doi: 10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00113-7. PMCID: PMC10529910.
    • Kobayashi LC, Morris EP, Harling G, Farrell MT, Kabeto MU, Wagner RG, Berkman LF. Subjective social position and cognitive function in a longitudinal cohort of older, rural South African adults, 2014-2019. Journal of epidemiology and community health. 2022 April;76(4):385-390. PubMed PMID: 34556542; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8919590; DOI: 10.1136/jech-2021-217059.
    • TC Cho, X Yu, AL Gross, YS Zhang, LC Kobayashi. Association of short-term wealth change with cognitive function among older adults in China, England, Mexico, and the United States, 2012-2018. Society for Epidemiologic Research Annual Meeting, June 14-17 2022.
    • Yu X, Zhang W, Kobayashi LC. Duration of subjective poverty in relation to subsequent cognitive performance and decline among adults aged ≥64 in China, 2005-2018. Soc Sci Med. 2021 Jun 30;283:114188. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114188. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34225036.
    • National Institute on Aging. R01AG070953. Socioeconomic and Cardiovascular Sources of Cross-National Variation in Cognitive Health Among Older Adults. Role: PI
    • Kobayashi, L, Investigating Cross-National Variation in Later-Life Cognitive Health Inequalities. 4th Annual MiCDA Pilot Project Virtual Symposium. May 18, 2021.
    • Kobayashi LC, Gross AL, Gibbons LE, Tommet D, Sanders RE, Choi SE, Mukherjee S, Glymour MM, Manly JJ, Berkman LF, Crane PK, Mungas DM, Jones RN. You say tomato, I say radish: can brief cognitive assessments in the US Health Retirement Study be harmonized with its International Partner Studies? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2020 Nov 29:gbaa205. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa205. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33249448.
  • HwaJung Choi

    Care Allocation among Adult Children of Older People with Dementia

    HwaJung Choi

    Research Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School
    Faculty Associate, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    Adult children often take on central roles in caring for aging parents-especially when a parent develops dementia. How families allocate care among adult children, how this allocation changes over the course of dementia, and implications for the course of the disease remain largely unexplored. Using nearly 20 years of data from the Health and Retirement Study, the proposed pilot project will explore new measures of care allocation among adult children in families in which a parent has dementia.

    Outcomes
    • Choi H, Heisler M, Norton EC, Langa KM, Cho TC, Connell CM. Family Care Availability And Implications For Informal And Formal Care Used By Adults With Dementia In The US. Health Aff (Millwood). 2021 Sep;40(9):1359-1367. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.00280. PMID: 34495713.
    • Choi, H. Care allocation among adult children of older people with dementia. 4th Annual MiCDA Pilot Project Virtual Symposium. May 18, 2021.
  • Jessica Faul

    The Effects of Collection Procedures on DNA Methylation Measurement in Population-based Surveys of Aging

    Jessica Faul

    Research Associate Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Co-Investigators

    • Colter Mitchell

    Abstract

    Epigenetics—the study of gene modifications that do not involve changes to the nucleotide sequence—holds great promise as a potential indicator of molecular change from contextual effects and aging and consequently an early signal of health disparities. Over the last few years aging studies have assayed thousands of genetic samples at great expense. However, despite evidence suggesting sensitivity of epigenetics assays to external stimuli, no research has explored the effects of collection and storage conditions on epigenetic data. This pilot project extends prior work on DNA quality and genomic assay stability to include DNA methylation—the most widely used (and most stable) measure of epigenetics in aging studies.

    Outcomes
    • Mitchell, Colter. Collection and storage artifacts in DNA Methylation. Royal Statistical Society, May 23, 2022. (Virtual)
    • Faul, Jessica and Mitchell, Colter. The Effects of Collection Procedures on DNA Methylation Measurement in Population-based Surveys of Aging. 4th Annual MiCDA Pilot Project Virtual Symposium. May 18, 2021.

2019

  • Neika Sharifian

    The Cognitive Costs and Benefits of Social Technology use in Older Adulthood

    Neika Sharifian

    Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Psychology, College of Literature, Science & the Arts

    Co-Investigators

    • Laura Zahodne

    Abstract

    Social engagement is an important protective factor for age-related cognitive decline and dementia. However, it is unclear whether social engagement through social technologies (i.e., texting, social media, video chat, email) demonstrate the same protective effects as face-to-face social interactions. The proposed study will assess whether previously-established social technology measures demonstrate measurement equivalence across younger and older adult populations and are psychometrically sound for use in older adults. 

    Outcomes
    • Lee JH, Sol K, Zaheed AB, Morris EP, Meister LM, Palms JD, Zahodne LB. Coping Styles and Cognitive Function in Older Non-Hispanic Black and White Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2023 Jan 11:gbad005. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbad005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36630289.
    • Palms JD, Zaheed AB, Morris EP, Martino A, Meister L, Sol K, Zahodne LB. Links between early-life contextual factors and later-life cognition and the role of educational attainment. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2022 Dec 20:1-8. doi: 10.1017/S135561772200090X. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36537155.
    • Zahodne LB. Biopsychosocial pathways in dementia inequalities: Introduction to the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project. Am Psychol. 2021 Dec;76(9):1470-1481. doi: 10.1037/amp0000936. PMID: 35266748; PMCID: PMC9205325.
    • Sharifian N, Sol K, Zaheed AB, Morris EP, Palms JD, Martino AG, Zahodne LB. Depressive Symptoms, Leisure Activity Engagement, and Global Cognition in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. 2021 August 13. PubMed PMID: 34387343; DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab153.
    • Sharifian N, Kraal AZ, Zaheed AB, Sol K, Morris EP, Zahodne LB. Measurement Invariance of Social Media Use in Younger and Older Adults and Links to Socioemotional Health. Innov Aging. 2021 Mar 11;5(2):igab009. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igab009. PMID: 33928196; PMCID: PMC8057130
    • Sharifian, N., Zaheed, A. B., & Zahodne, L. B. (2021). The role of envy in linking active and passive social media use to memory functioning. Psychology of Popular Media. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000318
    • Hamlin, A.B., Kraal, A.Z., & Zahodne, L.B. (2020, November). Social engagement and episodic memory in non-Hispanic Black and White older adults. Poster presented at the 73rd annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America (virtual conference).
    • National Institute on Aging. R01AG082307. Mechanisms of Inequalities in ADRD Risk Across Race and Place in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project. Role: PI
    • National Institute on Aging. F31AG077758. Multilevel Biopsychosocial Stress Mechanisms Underlying Racial Disparities in ADRD Risk. Role: Sponsor PI
    • National Institute on Aging. K01AG073588. Risk and Resilience Mechanisms Underlying Race Disparities in ADRD: An Examination of Neighborhood Resources, Social Networks, Brain Integrity and Cognition. Role: Co-Mentor
    • National Institute on Aging. F31AG067717. Racial and gender disparities in sleep as modifiable determinants of cognitive aging. Role: Sponsor PI
    • Zaheed, A.B., & Zahodne, L.B. (2023, February). The role of CPAP treatment on associations between obstructive sleep apnea and cognition among Black and White older adults. Paper presented at the 50th annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, San Diego, CA.
    • Sol, K., Esposito, M., Clarke, P., & Zahodne, L.B. (2022, August). Changes in neighborhood disadvantage over 18 years contribute to racial disparities in later-life cognition. Paper presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, San Diego, CA.
    • Hamlin, A.B., Kraal, A.Z., & Zahodne, L.B. (2020, August). Which aspects of social engagement are most strongly associated with episodic memory in older adults? Poster presented at the 128th annual convention of the American Psychological Association (virtual conference).
    • Sharifian, N., Zaheed, A. B., & Zahodne, L. B. Social Media Use and Memory Functioning Adulthood: The Mediating Role of Social Comparison Processes. In K. Sol (Chair), Life Course Mechanisms and Moderators of Associations between Social Relations and Cognitive Aging. Paper presented at the American Psychological Association Virtual Conference. August 2020.
    • Martino, A. G., Sharifian, N., & Zahodne, L. B. Active Versus Passive Use Does Not Moderate the Association Between Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms. Poster presented at the Association for Psychological Science Virtual Poster Showcase. June-September, 2020.
    • Sharifian, N. The Cognitive Costs and Benefits of Social Technology use in Older Adulthood. 3rd annual MiCDA Pilot Project Virtual Symposium. May 21, 2020.  
  • Frederick Conrad

    Surveying Older Populations using Video Communication Technologies

    Frederick Conrad

    Research Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research
    Professor, Department of Psychology, College of Literature, Science & the Arts

    Abstract

    This research project will examine age-related differences in data quality, participation, respondent experience, and costs in two types of interviews: video-mediated (live two-way communication via platforms like Skype) and video self-administered (video-recorded interviewers asking questions and respondents answering by typing or clicking). These two survey modes are promising because they use off-the-shelf video technology and are less costly than face to face interviews, but they are not yet widely deployed. The project will provide new insights regarding how video-based interviewing affects respondent behavior and experience in surveys, in particular, for older populations.

    Outcomes
    • Conrad, F.G., M.F. Schober, A.L. Hupp, B.T. West, K.M. Larsen, A.R. Ong, & T. Wang. Video in Survey Interviews: Effects on Data Quality and Respondent Experience. Methods, Data, Analyses, 2022; doi: 10.12758/mda.2022.13
    • West, B. T., A.R. Ong, F.G. Conrad, M.F. Schober, K.M Larsen, A.L. Hupp. Interviewer Effects in Live Video and Prerecorded Video Interviewing, Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology, 2021; smab040, https://doi.org/10.1093/jssam/smab040
    • Conrad, F., M.F. Schober, A.L. Hupp, B.T. West, K. Larsen, A.R. Ong. 2020. Interviewers, Video, and Survey Data Collection. American Association for Public Opinion Research Annual Conference. June 2020.
    • Conrad, F. Surveying Older Populations using Video Communication Technologies. 3rd annual MiCDA Pilot Project Virtual Symposium. May 21, 2020.    
  • Noah J. Webster

    Housing Context and Functional Health Among Lower Income Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Social Resources

    Noah J. Webster

    Associate Research Scientist, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    Housing characteristics and disability in later life are closely tied, but whether housing can positively influence functioning through social resources is unclear. Using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), this pilot study will determine if and which social resources are a pathway through which housing is related to functional health in later life.

    Outcomes
    • Webster, N., & Brauer, S.G. 2021. Moves to age-restricted housing and functional health trajectories among independent living older adults. Presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Virtual Conference. Peer reviewed abstract in Innovation in Aging (forthcoming).
    • Webster, N. 2020. Housing context and social networks among lower income older adults. Presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Virtual Conference. Peer reviewed abstract published in Innovation in Aging, 4(Suppl 1): 712, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2505.
    • Webster, N. 2020. Housing context and functional health among lower income older adults: The mediating role of social resources. Presented at the 3rd annual MiCDA Pilot Project Virtual Symposium.
    • Webster, N. 2019. Housing context and functional health among lower income older adults. Presented at the annual scientific meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Austin, TX. Peer reviewed abstract published in Innovation in Aging, 3(Suppl 1): 968, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igz038.3509.

2018

  • Kristine J. Ajrouch

    Measuring Alzheimer’s Disease in Arabic-Speaking Populations

    Kristine J. Ajrouch

    Adjunct Research Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    The incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is higher among many racial/ ethnic minorities, but rates among Arab Americans, who exhibit more cardiovascular and other risk factors than whites, are unknown.  The first of its kind, this pilot study translates and validates established measures of cognition, function and behavior commonly used in MCI and ADRD diagnosis so they may be used with aging Arab Americans.

    Outcomes
    • Ajrouch, K. 2019. Measuring Alzheimer's Disease in Arabic-Speaking Populations. 2nd annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. March 28, 2019, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • National Institute on Aging. R01AG057510. Alzheimer’s Disease Risk and Ethnic Factors: The Case of Arab Americans. PI: K. Ajrouch
  • Joshua Ehrlich

    Vision Impairment, Participation and Subjective Wellbeing in Older Adults

    Joshua Ehrlich

    Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical School
    Research Assistant Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    Blindness and vision impairment affects 1 in 11 adults over age 65 in the United States. Among older adults, vision impairment is associated with loss of independence, decreased quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. In this study, we explore the pathways through which vision impairment influences poorer subjective wellbeing and whether this association is mediated through participation or activity limitations.

    Outcomes
    • National Eye Institute. R01EY034479 (09/30/23 - 06/30/28). Vision Impairment in the National Health and Aging Trends Study: Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health, and Adverse Late Life Outcomes. Role: PI
    • Shah K, Frank CR, Ehrlich JR. The association between vision impairment and social participation in community-dwelling adults: a systematic review. Eye (Lond). 2020;34(2):290-298. doi:10.1038/s41433-019-0712-8
    • Xiang X, Freedman VA, Shah K, Hu RX, Stagg BC, Ehrlich JR. Self-reported Vision Impairment and Subjective Well-being in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Mediation Analysis. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2020 Feb 14;75(3):589-595. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glz148. PMID: 31169894; PMCID: PMC7328199.
    • Xiang X, Freedman VA, Shah K, Hu R, Stagg BC, Ehrlich JR. Self-Reported Vision Impairment and Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Mediation Analysis. Scientific paper, Gerontological Society of America, Austin, TX. 2019.
    • National Institute on Aging. U01AG032947. National Health and Aging Trends Study. Role: Co-Investigator
  • Sela Panapasa

    The Prevalence, Distribution and Correlates of Disability and Comorbidity in the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Aging Population: Results of a Population-based Study

    Sela Panapasa

    Associate Research Scientist, Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    This project undertakes the first systematic analysis of the 2014 Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander-National Health Interview Survey (NHPI-NHIS) to understand the burden of disease and disability among the aging NHPI population. This project will provide important baseline information on the aged NHPI population and inform future directions for research, intervention, and policy.

    Outcomes
    • Panapasa, S and McNally, S. 2020. Prevalence of Chronic Disease and Frailty: Results from the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey, 2014. American Public Health Association 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting and Expo. October 24-28, 2020
    • Panapasa S, McNally JW. Prevalence and Correlates of Associated Comorbidities Among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Older Adults. Innov Aging. 2018;2(Suppl 1):175. Published 2018 Nov 11. doi:10.1093/geroni/igy023.631
    • Panapasa, S. 2019. The prevalence, distribution and correlates of disability and comorbidity in the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander aging population. 2nd annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. March 28, 2019, Ann Arbor, MI.
  • Roshanak Mehdipanah

    Examining the Role of Housing Tenure and Health on the Aging Population in the U.S.

    Roshanak Mehdipanah

    Associate Professor, Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health

    Abstract

    This pilot study examines the relationship between housing characteristics and health among older Americans. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we hypothesize that, homeownership will have a protective effect over negative health outcomes in disinvested neighborhoods and that affordable housing and good housing conditions protect against negative health outcomes.

    Outcomes
    • Roshanak Mehdipanah , Jaclyn Martin , Alexa K. Eisenberg , Amy J. Schulz , Lewis B. Morgenstern & Kenneth M. Langa (2021): Housing status, mortgage debt and financial burden as barriers to health among older adults in the U.S, Housing and Society, DOI:10.1080/08882746.2021.1881373
    • Mehdipanah R. 2019. Housing affordability and health. Panelist at Mayors’ Institute on Affordable Housing and Health: Advancing City-Level Strategies to Generate Sustainable Solutions. NeighborWorks and National League of Cities, April 2019, Detroit, Michigan.
    • Mehdipanah, R. 2019. Aging in Place: Helping individuals grow old at home. 2nd annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. March 28, 2019, Ann Arbor, MI.

2017

  • Neil Mehta

    How Do Socioeconomic Status, Behaviors, and Age Interact to Produce Death Risks?

    Neil Mehta

    Associate Professor, Preventative Medicine & Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

    Abstract

    This research evaluates the nature of interactions between two key socio-demographic variables (educational attainment, race/ethnicity) and two key behavioral risk factors (obesity and smoking) to determine whether the two sets of risk factors operate additively or multiplicatively with each to influence the chance of dying.

    Outcomes
    • Mehta, N. 2018. How do socioeconomic status, behaviors and age interact to produce death risks? 1st annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. May 7, 2018, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • Mehta, N.K., H. Zheng, M. Myrskylä. 2018. Do the effects of major sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors for mortality rise or fall with age? Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science. October 2018, Washington, D.C.
    • Mehta, N., Zheng, H., Myrskyläc, M. 2019. How do age and major risk factors for mortality interact over the life-course? Implications for health disparities research and public health policy SSM Popul Health. 2019 Aug; 8: 100438. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100438
    • National Institute on Aging. R03AG060404. Contribution of Behavioral Factors and Chronic Diseases to International Differences in Healthy Life Expectancy. PI: N. Mehta
  • Courtney Allyn Polenick

    Multimorbidity Patterns in Aging Couples: Longitudinal Associations with Functional Disability

    Courtney Allyn Polenick

    Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Medical School

    Abstract

    Using data from ten waves (1996 to 2014) of the Health and Retirement Studies, this study examines patterns of multi-morbidity both within and between spouses, focusing on concordance in the management activities required by multiple conditions.

    Outcomes
    • Polenick, C & Birditt K. 2018. Multi-morbidity patterns in Aging Couples: Longitudinal Associations with Functional Disability. 1st annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. May 7, 2018, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • Polenick, C. A., Birditt, K. S., & Kales, H. C. 2018. Chronic health conditions, depressive symptoms, and functional disability in aging couples. Poster presented at the 126th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association. August 2018, San Francisco, CA.
    • National Institutes on Aging. R03AG057838. Multimorbidity patterns in middle-aged and older couples: Implications for psychological well-being and health behaviors. PI: C. Polenick
    • Polenick CA, Birditt KS, Turkelson A, Kales HC. Individual-Level and Couple-Level Discordant Chronic Conditions: Longitudinal Links to Functional Disability. Ann Behav Med. 2020 Jun 12;54(7):455-469. doi: 10.1093/abm/kaz061. PMID: 31858110; PMCID: PMC7291341.
  • Melissa Y. Wei

    Chronic Diseases and Physical Functioning: Development and Validation of an ICD-coded Multimorbidity Index

    Melissa Y. Wei

    Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School

    Abstract

    This pilot study uses patient-reported outcomes in the nationally-representative Health and Retirement Study and Medicare claims to develop and internally validate a multimorbidity index for International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-coded chronic conditions weighted to physical functioning. The study will yield a validated multimorbidity measure that captures the impact of coexisting chronic diseases on physical functioning in aging adults relevant for clinical care, research, and policy.

    Outcomes
    • Wei MY, Luster JE, Ratz D, Mukamal KJ, Langa KM. Development, Validation, and Performance of a New Physical Functioning-Weighted Multimorbidity Index for Use in Administrative Data. J Gen Intern Med. 2021 Jan 19. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06486-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33469748.
    • Wei MY, Luster JE, Chan CL, Min L. Comprehensive review of ICD-9 code accuracies to measure multimorbidity in administrative data. BMC Health Serv Res. 2020;20(1):489. Published 2020 Jun 1. doi:10.1186/s12913-020-05207-4
    • Wei MY, Ratz D, Mukamal KJ. Multimorbidity in Medicare Beneficiaries: Performance of an ICD-Coded Multimorbidity-Weighted Index. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2020 May;68(5):999-1006. doi: 10.1111/jgs.16310. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 31917465; PMCID: PMC7234913.
    • Wei MY, Luster J, Ratz D, Langa KM. Chronic conditions and physical functioning: development of a new ICD-coded multimorbidity index. Society of General Internal Medicine Annual Meeting. Washington, D.C. May 8, 2019.
    • Wei MY, Ratz D, Mukamal KJ. Multimorbidity and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries: simple disease count, Elixhauser, and a new ICD-coded multimorbidity-weighted index for use in claims data. American Geriatrics Society Annual Meeting. Portland, OR. May 3-5, 2019 (Presidential Poster Session).
    • Wei MY, Ratz D, Mukamal KJ. Multimorbidity in Medicare beneficiaries: Performance of an ICD-coded multimorbidity-weighted index. Multiple Chronic Conditions Scholars Workshop/Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers Annual Meeting. Arlington, VA. April 24, 2019.
    • Wei, M. 2019. Chronic diseases and physical functioning: Development and validation of an ICD-coded multimorbidity index. 2nd annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. March 28, 2019, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • Dr. Wei’s self-reported Multimordibity Weighted Index (MWI) is currently available for use on ePrognosis.org (https://eprognosis.ucsf.edu/mwi.php) and was featured on GeriPal (https://www.geripal.org/2019/04/multimorbidity-quantifying-its-impact.html).
  • Laura Beth Zahodne

    Cognitive Resilience to Depressive symptoms in Diverse Older Adults

    Laura Beth Zahodne

    Associate Professor, Psychology, College of Literature, Science & the Arts
    Faculty Associate, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    Significant knowledge gaps regarding the depression-dementia link include modifiable factors that attenuate this link and reasons for differences in resilience across racial groups. This pilot addresses these gaps by recruiting a racially diverse, population-representative sample of older adults for psychosocial, cognitive, and functional assessment and by examining how modifiable psychosocial resources that differ across race promote cognitive resilience to depressive symptoms.

    Outcomes
    • Zahodne, L. 2018. Cognitive resilience to depressive symptoms in diverse older adults. 1st annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. May 7, 2018, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • Zahodne, L. Pilot project from P30 AG024824 (Yung) and P30 AG053760 (Paulson). Inflammation, Social Stress, and Racial Disparities in Cognitive Aging 07/10/2018-06/30/2019.
    • Dr. Zahodne’s pilot resulted in initiating a new longitudinal cohort of adults transitioning into older adulthood: the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (MCAP; PI Zahodne). MCAP has collected comprehensive measures of psychosocial functioning, health, and cognitive domains in over 400 racially and socioeconomically diverse adults assessed face-to-face. MCAP serves as a foundation for an ongoing longitudinal study that now includes the collection of blood-based biomarkers and neuroimaging data.

2016

  • Christine Cigolle

    Rural Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment and Chronic Disease: A Mixed Methods Study of Social and Health Factors in Their Care

    Christine Cigolle

    Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Medical School Associate Professor, Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Medical School

    Abstract

    This pilot undertakes a mixed-methods study of older adults with dementia in rural Michigan. The pilot addresses how rural older adults with dementia are cared for in their communities, as viewed by primary care physicians in those communities.

    Outcomes
    • Abe, Michiko, Shinji Tsunawaki, Masakazu Matsuda, Christine T. Cigolle, Michael D. Fetters, Machiko Inoue. Perspectives on disclosure of dementia diagnosis among primary care physicians in Japan: a qualitative study. BMC Fam Pract. 2019 May 23;20(1):69. doi: 10.1186/s12875-019-0964-1. PMID: 31122197 PMCID: PMC6533714
    • Cigolle, C. 2017. Rural Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment and Chronic Disease: A Mixed Methods Study of Social and Health Factors in Their Care. Shizuoka Family Medicine, Kikugawa, Japan, February 2017.
    • Veterans Education and Research Association of Michigan. Home-based team transitional telecare to optimize mobility and physical activity in recently hospitalized older Veterans. PI: C. Cigolle
    • Pfizer Health Research Foundation (Japan). Rural and urban primary care physicians' approaches to the care of patients with dementia: comparative research between Japan and the United States. PI: M. Inoue
    • Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Optimizing safe medication use in older adults via in-home telepharmacy. PI: C. Cigolle
  • Philippa J. Clarke

    Muscle Weakness among Older Adults: A Silent Epidemic

    Philippa J. Clarke

    Research Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research
    Professor, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health

    Abstract

    This pilot project charts new territory in investigating the long-term health consequences of dynapenia to: 1) predict whether individuals who fall below these proposed cut-points are at risk for developing future negative health outcomes; 2) examine proposed cut-points in predicting future health risks above and beyond traditional indicators of morbidity and mortality; and 3) understand the role obesity may play in exacerbating future negative health outcomes among those who are considered weak.

    Outcomes
    • Duchowny, K., Clarke, P.J., Peterson, M.D. Muscle weakness and physical disability in older Americans: Longitudinal findings from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. 2018;22(4):501–507 PMID: 29582889 PMCID: PMC6472265.
    • Duchowny, K., Peterson, M.D., Alexander, N.A. & Clarke, P.J. Cut Points for Clinical Muscle Weakness Among Older Americans. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2017;53(1), 63-69. PMID: 28190692 PMCID: PMC5497994.
    • Duchowny, K. & Clarke P. 2018. Muscle weakness among older adults: A silent epidemic. 1st annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. May 7, 2018, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • Weakness in Older Americans: Sex/Race-specific Cutpoints and Prevalence Estimates from the Health and Retirement Study. K Duchowny, M Peterson, PJ Clarke. Presented at the 68th Annual Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. November, 2015, Orlando, FL.
  • Cindy Lustig

    Cholinergic Genetic Effects on Health and Cognition in Older Adults: Longitudinal Analysis

    Cindy Lustig

    Professor, Department of Psychology, College of Literature, Science & the Arts

    Abstract

    Using the HRS representative sample of approximately 20,000 Americans over the age of 50, this pilot examines how limits in cholinergic function are related to changes in measurements of attention, memory, and cognitive status and physiological health across multiple time points.

    Outcomes
    • Jantz, T. & Lustig, C. 2018. Cholinergic genetic effects on health and cognition in older adults: Longitudinal analysis. 1st annual MiCDA Pilot Project Symposium. May 7, 2018, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • Jantz, T & Lustig, C. Depression interacts with cholinergic genetic variant to affect cognition in older adults. LIFE Spring Academy 2017. May 21-24, 2017 Ann Arbor, University of Michigan.
    • Jantz, T., Zhou, L., & Lustig. C. (2017). Genetic variance in cholinergic efficiency interacts with depression to impact cognition in later life. Poster presented at the Psychonomic Society Annual Meeting. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  • Lauren Schmitz

    Demographic and Socioeconomic Differences in Polygenic Risk of Cardiovascular Health in the Health and Retirement Study

    Lauren Schmitz

    Postdoctoral Research Associate, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    This pilot examines the extent to which polygenic scores (PGSs) are associated with cardiovascular risk factors (i.e. systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol use) and how these associations are modified by key demographic (i.e. sex, age) and socioeconomic factors across the life course.

    Outcomes
    • Gard AM, Ware EB, Hyde LW, Schmitz LL, Faul J, Mitchell C. Phenotypic and genetic markers of psychopathology in a population-based sample of older adults. Translational psychiatry. 2021 April 24;11(1):239. PubMed PMID: 33895785; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8068727; DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01354-2.
    • Schmitz LL, Goodwin J, Miao J, Lu Q, Conley D. The impact of late-career job loss and genetic risk on body mass index: Evidence from variance polygenic scores. Scientific reports. 2021 April 7;11(1):7647. PubMed PMID: 33828129; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8027610; DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86716-y.
    • Schmitz LL, Gard AM, and Ware EB. Examining sex differences in the association between genetic risk for depressive symptoms and smoking behavior. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2019. Jun 20. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32748. [Epub ahead of print]. PubMed PMID: 31219244.
    • National Institutes on Aging. K99AG056599. Life course determinants of epigenetic age acceleration and subsequent dementia. PI: L. Schmitz.

2015

  • Martha J. Bailey

    Changes in Health and Longevity over the 20th Century: Evidence from North Carolina

    Martha J. Bailey

    Professor, Department of Economics, College of Literature, Science & the Arts
    Research Professor, Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of creating large-scale linked vital records to study changes in health and longevity over the 20th century. The pilot lays the groundwork for a multi-state resource called The Longitudinal, Intergenerational Family Electronic Micro-Database Project (LIFE-M), a large scale longitudinal database to cover men and women born 1881-1930.

    Outcomes
    • Bailey M, Cole C, Henderson M, Massey C. How well do automated linking methods perform? Lessons from US Historical data. 2020. Journal of Economic Literature. 58(4): 997-1044.
    • Bailey M, Cole C, Henderson M, Massey C. How Well Do Automated Linking Methods Perform? Lessons from U.S. Historical Data. J Econ Lit. 2020 Dec;58(4):997-1044. doi: 10.1257/jel.20191526. PMID: 34294947; PMCID: PMC8294155.
    • Bailey M, Cole C, Massey C. Simple Strategies for Improving Inference with Linked Data: A Case Study of the 1850-1930 IPUMS Linked Representative Historical Samples. Hist Methods. 2020;53(2):80-93. doi: 10.1080/01615440.2019.1630343. Epub 2019 Oct 31. PMID: 33005066; PMCID: PMC7523567.
    • Bailey, M., Karimova A., Murto MJ. 2018. The Determinants of Life Expectancy in the 20th Century U.S. NBER Cohort Studies Meeting, Cambridge, MA, May 2018.
    • National Institute on Aging. R21AG056912. How Does Automated Record Linkage Affect Inferences about Population Health? PI: M. Bailey.
    • National Institute on Aging. R01AG057704. Longitudinal and Intergenerational Determinants of Aging and Mortality. PI: M. Bailey
    • National Institute on Aging. R01AG057679 (via Minnesota). Multigenerational Longitudinal Panel for Aging Research. Consortium PI: M. Bailey.
    • National Science Foundation. NSF 1539228. Cyberinfrastructure Framework for 21st Century Science and Engineering (CIF21). Longitudinal Intergenerational Family Electronic Micro-Database (LIFE-M). PI: M. Bailey.
  • Jessica Faul

    The Effects of Collection Procedures on Telomere Length

    Jessica Faul

    Research Associate Professor, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research

    Abstract

    Telomeres serve an important role in the protection of chromosomal DNA and the regulation of cellular senescence. The goal of this project is to examine the stability of salivary telomere length when stored at room temperature for periods of up to 1 year.

    Outcomes
    • Faul J, Mitchell C, Smith J, Zhao W. 2016. Estimating Telomere Length Heritability in an Unrelated Sample of Adults: Is Heritability of Telomere Length Modified by Life Course Socioeconomic Status? Biodemography and Social Biology, 62(1): 73-86. PMID: 27050034 PMCID: PMC5117361.
    • Smith, Jennifer A. Minjung Kho, Wei, Zhao, Miao Yu, Colter Mitchell, and Jessica D. Faul. (2018). Genetic effects and gene-by-education interactions on episodic memory performance and decline in an aging population. Social Science & Medicine 10 Nov. pii: S0277-9536(18)30653-1. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.11.019PubMed [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 30449520 PMCID: In progress.
    • Faul JD, Ware EB. Moving Beyond European Only Genetic Associations — An Examination of Within and Trans-Racial PGS and Gene-Region Associations. Integrating Genetics and Social Sciences Conference, Boulder, CO, October 19-21, 2017. Invited talk.
    • National Institutes on Aging. R01AG055654. Identifying modifiable aspects of gene-by-SES and gene-by-work interplay in later-life cognitive decline. MPI: J. Faul and T. Galama.