Bei Wu

Dr. Wu is Dean’s Professor in Global Health and Vice Dean for Research at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She is an inaugural Co-Director of the NYU Aging Incubator. Prior to joining NYU, she was the Pauline Gratz Professor of Nursing at Duke University School of Nursing. Prof. Wu is an internationally-known leader in gerontology.

As a principal investigator, Prof. Wu has led numerous projects supported by federal agencies and private foundations, including the NIH and CDC. She is currently leading several NIH-funded projects including a clinical trial to improve oral health for persons

with cognitive impairment, and a large secondary data analysis to examine how the co-occurrence of diabetes and poor oral health may lead to the development of dementia and cognitive decline. She co-leads the newly funded Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity. Through this center, she also leads a 5-year intervention study that focuses on supporting Chinese and Korean dementia caregivers who are at increased risk for high blood pressure and diabetes due to the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. She is a director of the Research and Education Core for the NIA-funded Asian Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR).

As a scholar, Prof. Wu is an internationally known leader in gerontology. Her scholarship has been distinguished by interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers in various disciplines, including nursing and dentistry, in the US and abroad. Her research areas cover a wide range of topics related to aging and global health, including oral health, long-term care, dementia, and caregiving. She is one of the first in the nation to study the linkages between oral health and cognitive decline in older adults. Her research has also addressed knowledge gaps in the linkages between oral health and diabetes.

Prof. Wu has devoted much of her time to training the next generation of aging and nursing scientists from dozens of academic institutions in the U.S. and abroad. She has mentored hundreds of faculty members, visiting scholars, and students from various disciplines, including nursing, gerontology, dentistry, medicine, social work, demography, public health, sociology, public policy, geography, and economics. She is successful in mentoring several dozens of early-stage faculty members in receiving competitive funding from NIH, Robert Wood Johnson Scholars, the Alzheimer’s Society (UK), National Science Foundation of China, China Medical Board, National Medical Research Council (Singapore), and many others.

Prof. Wu is a productive researcher. She has published more than 600 peer-reviewed papers, books, reports, and conference abstracts. Her extensive publications cover a wide range of topics related to aging and global health. She has delivered presentations at hundreds of conferences as an invited speaker. Her work has been widely recognized in the field. Research findings from her team have been featured by the National Institute on Aging, and in numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, BBC, U.S. News and World Report, MarketWatch, CBS News, Reuters, AARP Bulletin, China Daily, Daily Mail, South China Morning Post, and Financial Review.

Her achievement has been recognized by many international and national organizations and she is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, and the New York Academy of Medicine. She is an honorary member of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, and is the former president of the Geriatric Oral Research Group of the International Association for Dental Research. She has served on a number of NIH review panels and is a frequent reviewer for multiple international funding agencies. She was honored as the 2017 IADR Distinguished Scientist in Geriatric Oral Research. She is the recipient of the 2022 Wei Hu Inspiration Award from the China Health Policy and Management Society.

PhD - Gerontology Center, University of Massachusetts, Boston

MS - Gerontology Center, University of Massachusetts, Boston

BS - Shanghai University

Gerontology

Global

Honorary Member, Sigma Theta Tau International - Honor Society of Nursing

Distinguished Scientist Award for Geriatric Oral Research, International Association for Dental Research (2017)

Pauline Gratz Professorship, Duke University School of Nursing (2014)

J. Morita Junior Investigator Award in Geriatric Oral Health, International Association for Dental Research (2007)

Fellow, Gerontological Society of America

Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine

Fellow, Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

Adaptation and validation of a condom-related stigma scale for older adults in China

Peng, W., Wu, B., Chen, J., Shen, Y., Deng, Q., & Li, X. (2025). BMC Public Health, 25(1). 10.1186/s12889-025-21589-8

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Condom use has long been recommended as an effective method for preventing HIV/AIDS. However, a large proportion of older adults in China reported not using condoms, leading to an alarming increase in HIV prevalence among this population. Negative attitudes, especially condom-related stigma, have been identified as the main barrier. However, no condom-related stigma scale has been developed or validated for older adults in the Chinese cultural context. This study aimed to adapt and validate a condom-related stigma scale for older adults (CRSS-OA) in China, based on a scale previously developed for men who have sex with men (CRSS). Methods: Based on qualitative interviews, we adapted and revised the CRSS to better address the ageism and unique stigma faced by older adults in the Chinese cultural context. The reliability and validity of the adapted CRSS-OA were examined using a random sample of 498 older adults in Hunan Province, south-central China. Reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Concurrent validity was assessed by examining the correlation between each factor of the CRSS-OA and two criterion scales (the HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale and the Aging Sexual Attitudes Scale). Predictive validity was evaluated by analyzing the association between condom-related stigma and engagement in condomless sexual behavior. Results: The adapted scale included 16 items, loading on three factors, and collectively explaining 70.646% of the variance. These factors were named “labeling condom use,” “shaming condom purchase,” and “violating traditional sex beliefs,” demonstrating strong internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.942, 0.850, and 0.852, respectively. Concurrent validity was established by evaluating the correlation between each factor of the CRSS-OA and two criterion scales, with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.227 to 0.508 (p < 0.05). Predictive validity was assessed by measuring the scale’s ability to correctly predict condomless sexual behavior, with an average predictability of 0.77. Conclusions: The adapted CRSS-OA has proven to be a valid and cultural-adaptive tool for assessing condom-related stigma among older adults in China. Further studies are needed to explore the external validity of this scale in the future.

Adverse events and contributing factors in Chinese nursing homes: a multisite cross-sectional study

Wang, Z., Qi, X., Shi, Y., Shao, L., Li, W., Xie, X., Wu, B., & Zhang, J. (2025). Frontiers in Public Health, 13. 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1518552

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Adverse events in nursing homes, which are unintended incidents causing unnecessary harm to older residents. Previous studies in Chinese populations often focused on adverse events in hospitals, rather than residents in nursing homes. Additionally, they tended to focus on single incident rather than multiple types of adverse events. This study aims to assess the occurrence and contributing factors of multiple adverse events perceived by staff in Chinese nursing homes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 691 frontline staff from 11 nursing homes in Southern China (August 2021–January 2022). Data were collected using a General Information Questionnaire, the Adverse Event Reporting Awareness Scale, and the Adverse Event Reporting Habit Scale. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the contributing factors of adverse events. Results: A total of 13 types of adverse events were screened out in nursing homes, and 477 (69.0%) participants reported that the adverse events “had happened” in the past year. The most common events were falls, unplanned extubation, and pressure sores. Clinical staff were 2.06 times more likely than frontline workers to report adverse events (95% CI = 1.13–3.76). Increased awareness (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.15–1.34) and habitual reporting of adverse events (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.08) were positively associated with higher reporting rates. Conclusion: A significant proportion of staff reported adverse events, with clinical staff and those with better reporting habits noting higher occurrences. To enhance resident safety, nursing homes must prioritize preventing high-risk adverse events. Targeting frontline workers with lower reporting awareness and habits is crucial for effective interventions.

Assistance with oral hygiene care among family dementia caregivers in Chinese American Communities in New York City

Mao, W., Wu, B., & Pei, Y. (2025). Aging and Health Research, 5(1). 10.1016/j.ahr.2024.100210

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Oral hygiene care is instrumental to maintaining optimal oral health. As dementia progresses, individuals face challenges performing adequate oral hygiene care and become dependent on their caregivers. The role of family caregivers in assisting with oral hygiene care becomes increasingly critical. This study explored the association between caregiving circumstances, care recipient characteristics, and assistance in oral hygiene care among dementia caregivers in Chinese American communities. Methods: Data came from a pilot study on Chinese dementia caregivers in New York City collected between November 2021 and June 2022. Purposive sampling was used to recruit family caregivers to participate in a survey (online or via telephone). Current caregivers (n = 76) were included. Caregiver assistance with oral hygiene care was measured by assistance with toothbrushing (yes or no) and assistance with flossing (yes or no). Descriptive analyses, group comparisons, and logistic regressions were conducted. Results: Female caregivers tended to assist with toothbrushing. Caregivers with an average of 2.4 years in providing care tended to assist with flossing. Care recipients with tooth pain were 5.12 times more likely to receive assistance with toothbrushing. Care recipients with more natural teeth were 1.07 times more likely to receive assistance with toothbrushing. Care recipients with severe dementia were 94 % less likely to receive assistance with flossing. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of understanding the factors that influence caregivers’ assistance with oral hygiene care. This study is a crucial first step toward developing effective, caregiver-led interventions to improve the oral hygiene of individuals with dementia.

Association Between Oral Hygiene Behaviours and Cognitive Decline in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zhu, Z., Yang, Z., Qi, X., Mao, W., Pei, Y., & Wu, B. (2025). Journal of Advanced Nursing, 81(5), 2277-2289. 10.1111/jan.16525

Abstract

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the association between oral hygiene behaviour and cognitive decline in adults. The outcomes include changes in global cognitive function, visual attention, task switching and the risk of dementia. Design: We conducted a systematic review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Data Sources: A systematic search of 11 databases and grey literature sources was conducted from inception to January 2024. We included interventional trials or cohort studies that investigated the effect of oral hygiene behaviours (e.g., toothbrushing, mouth washing, flossing, using toothpicks and cleaning dentures) on cognitive decline in adults. Methods: Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers with expertise in conducting systematic reviews. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic and χ2 test. Results: A total of eight studies (six intervention studies and two cohort studies) met inclusion criteria, including 261,772 participants. Follow-up periods ranged from 30 days to 48 months for interventions and 9 to 18 years for cohorts. Toothbrushing was associated with a significantly slower decline in global cognitive overtime. Toothbrushing in older adults with moderate/severe dementia could achieve significant changes in cognitive decline. There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of toothbrushing performed by professionals and caregivers. Other oral hygiene behaviours, including dental flossing, using mouthwash, using toothpicks and cleaning dentures, were not associated with the risk of dementia. Conclusions: Toothbrushing is linked to a decreased risk of dementia and improved global cognitive function. Promoting toothbrushing at least twice daily may significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Impact: These findings highlight the urgent need for programmes that encourage daily toothbrushing, particularly in nursing home settings and among older adults with moderate-to-severe dementia.

Association between personality profiles and motoric cognitive risk syndrome in community-dwelling older adults: a person-centered approach

Zhang, J., Wang, L., Zhang, C., Wang, X., Sun, X., Wang, C., Liu, G., Shi, L., & Wu, B. (2025). BMC Psychiatry, 25(1). 10.1186/s12888-025-06634-5

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome is a predementia syndrome characterized by subjective cognitive complaints and slow gait in the absence of dementia and mobility disability. Although past research has suggested that personality traits could play a significant role in the onset and progression of MCR among older adults, the exact relationships between specific personality profiles and MCR remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between personality profiles and MCR among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to January 2022. Personality traits, including openness, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism, were measured using the 40-item brief version of the Chinese Big Five Inventory. The Latent profile analysis was used to identify personality profiles among these older adults who shared similar patterns of personality traits. The Lanza, Tan, and Bray’s approach was employed to investigate the personality profile-specific differences in MCR prevalence. Furthermore, a stepwise multinomial logistic regression revealed unique population characteristics for different personality profiles. Results: A total of 538 eligible participants were included in this study. The mean age was 73.25 years (SD = 9.0) and 62.50% were females. This study identified four distinct personality profiles: the resilient, ordinary, reserved, and anti-resilient profiles. The resilient profile exhibited the lowest prevalence of MCR (mean = 6%, SE = 0.024), whereas the anti-resilient profile had the highest (mean = 20.3%, SE = 0.043). The prevalence of MCR differed among personality profiles (overall χ2 = 14.599, p = 0.002). Personality profile membership was characterized by different population characteristics. Notably, the anti-resilient profile was association with symptoms of depression (OR = 28.443, 95%CI = 11.095–72.912), while the reserved profile was linked with advanced age (OR = 1.031, 95%CI = 1.003–1.061). Overall, a low education level and poor sleep quality were the robust attribution factors. Conclusions: This study revealed that personality profiles may assist in identifying older adults at greater risk of MCR. Increased awareness and management of personality profiles may contribute to the prevention of MCR.

The association of hemopexin, muscle quality, and sarcopenia in Japanese older adults with cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study

Zeng, D., Mizutani, K., Qi, X., Asada-Utsugi, M., Wu, B., Kawasaki, T., Akiguchi, I., & Kinoshita, A. (2025). BMC Geriatrics, 25(1). 10.1186/s12877-025-05977-8

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To examine the cross-sectional associations of hemopexin, muscle quality, and sarcopenia status with cognitive function among older Japanese adults with cognitive impairment, and to explore the potential sex-specific differences. Methods: A total of 580 older adults (372 women, 208 men; mean age 83.3 ± 6.2 years) who presented with cognitive impairment at the Kyoto Dementia Comprehensive Center between 2018 and 2022 were enrolled. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Hemopexin level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Muscle quality was evaluated via phase angle (PhA) and grip strength, and sarcopenia status was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Multiple linear regression models, including sex-stratified analyses, were conducted to determine the relationships of these variables with MMSE scores. Results: Higher hemopexin levels (β = 1.19, p = 0.017), PhA (β = 0.59, p = 0.005), and grip strength (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) were independently associated with better MMSE scores, whereas sarcopenia was negatively linked to MMSE scores (β = − 2.28, p < 0.001). Notably, sex-stratified models indicated that hemopexin positively predicted MMSE scores in men but not in women; meanwhile, sarcopenia showed a stronger negative impact in women. Educational attainment also displayed a significant positive association with cognitive performance in both sexes. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study of older Japanese adults with cognitive impairment, hemopexin levels and muscle quality emerged as important correlates of cognitive function, particularly in men, while sarcopenia was negatively linked to cognition.

Barriers to Timely Dementia Diagnosis in Older Latinos With Limited English Proficiency: An Integrative Review

Fernandez Cajavilca, M., Squires, A., Wu, B., & Sadarangani, T. (2025). Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 36(1), 57-72. 10.1177/10436596241268456

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Timely diagnosis is critical for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) to ensure they receive adequate services; however, timely diagnosis may be prevented by a person’s English language skills. The purpose of this integrative review was to understand how limited English proficiency (LEP) impacts older Latino’s ability to access a timely ADRD diagnosis. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl’s methodological approach guided the review. Searches in five databases yielded 12 articles for inclusion. Results: Lack of culturally congruent health care systems, health care providers, and knowledge of ADRD resulted in delays in obtaining a timely ADRD diagnosis among older Latinos with LEP. Discussion: Latinos with LEP and risk for ADRD benefit from language assistance and support in navigating the health care system. Nurses must be advocates, even when a language barrier is present, and recognize that interpreters are not a single source solution.

Classifying Continuous Glucose Monitoring Documents From Electronic Health Records

Zheng, Y., Iturrate, E., Li, L., Wu, B., Small, W. R., Zweig, S., Fletcher, J., Chen, Z., & Johnson, S. B. (2025). Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. 10.1177/19322968251324535

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Clinical use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasing storage of CGM-related documents in electronic health records (EHR); however, the standardization of CGM storage is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of CGM Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) classification criteria. Methods: We randomly chose 2244 (18.1%) documents from NYU Langone Health. Our document classification algorithm: (1) separated multiple-page documents into a single-page image; (2) rotated all pages into an upright orientation; (3) determined types of devices using optical character recognition; and (4) tested for the presence of particular keywords in the text. Two experts in using CGM for research and clinical practice conducted an independent manual review of 62 (2.8%) reports. We calculated sensitivity (correct classification of CGM AGP report) and specificity (correct classification of non-CGM report) by comparing the classification algorithm against manual review. Results: Among 2244 documents, 1040 (46.5%) were classified as CGM AGP reports (43.3% FreeStyle Libre and 56.7% Dexcom), 1170 (52.1%) non-CGM reports (eg, progress notes, CGM request forms, or physician letters), and 34 (1.5%) uncertain documents. The agreement for the evaluation of the documents between the two experts was 100% for sensitivity and 98.4% for specificity. When comparing the classification result between the algorithm and manual review, the sensitivity and specificity were 95.0% and 91.7%. Conclusion: Nearly half of CGM-related documents were AGP reports, which are useful for clinical practice and diabetes research; however, the remaining half are other clinical documents. Future work needs to standardize the storage of CGM-related documents in the EHR.

Coping with cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia: a scoping review

Cho, Y., Kamkhoad, D., Regier, N. G., Song, L., Anderson, R. A., Wu, B., Zou, B., & Beeber, A. S. (2025). Aging and Mental Health, 29(6), 951-960. 10.1080/13607863.2025.2453819

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: This scoping review aims to map out the coping strategies among Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment (PwMCI) and Persons with Mild Dementia (PwMD), identifying the facilitators and the barriers to the use of the strategies. Method: We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed studies in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Under the guidance of the Coping Circumflex Model, we identified coping strategies and then conducted thematic synthesis. Results: Our review of 17 studies revealed 13 themes for coping strategies among PwMCI and PwMD, categorized into problem-solving, positive emotional, problem avoidance, and negative emotional strategies. The strategies included utilization of reminders, active engagement in daily tasks, acceptance, and concealing memory problems. The themes for facilitators and barriers encompassed social interactions, assistance from informal care partners, support from professionals, and the influence of emotion. Conclusion: The review revealed the practical types of coping strategies and the influence of context on their use and development, highlighting the need for personalized coping strategies. These insights are crucial for developing tailored interventions to improve quality of life in PwMCI and PwMD. Future research should focus on how PwMCI and PwMD develop their effective coping strategies, considering their trajectory of cognitive decline.

Different Sources of Social Capital and Loneliness Among Adults in Shanghai, China: Exploring Sex Differences

Qi, X., Pei, Y., Li, G., Tang, W., Hall, B. J., & Wu, B. (2025). Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 35(2). 10.1002/casp.70089

Abstract

Abstract

Loneliness is a global health concern that negatively impacts physical/mental health. Social capital, encompassing resources from social networks, may protect against loneliness. We investigated the association between different sources of social capital and feelings of loneliness and examined whether these associations differ by sex. An online survey of 3220 Shanghai residents (mean age 34.5 years, 48.5% females) was conducted in 2022, Shanghai, China. We assessed bonding and bridging social capital using the revised 8-item Personal Social Capital Scale (PSCS) and used the revised three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale to measure loneliness. Multivariable linear regression analysis results suggest that both bonding (β coefficient: −0.152; SE: 0.035) and bridging social capital (β coefficient: −0.131; SE: 0.036) were significantly associated with lower loneliness, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and COVID-19-related factors. Notably, the mitigating effect of bonding social capital on loneliness was more pronounced in females, as indicated by significant interactions between sex and bonding social capital. Our study findings indicated that social capital serves as a protective factor against loneliness for Chinese adults, with bonding social capital having a stronger effect among females. Policies and interventions strengthening bonding social capital may facilitate reduced feelings of loneliness among Chinese, especially females.