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

Efficacy of a culturally tailored intervention on perceived stigma among women living with HIV/AIDS in China: A randomized clinical trial

Yang, Z., Han, S., Qi, X., Wang, J., Xu, Z., Mao, W., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Y., Wu, B., & Hu, Y. (2025). Ethics in Science and Medicine, 374, 118072. 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118072

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence supporting the efficacy of culturally tailored interventions in reducing stigma, such approaches are lacking for women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHAs) in China. We conducted this study to determine the efficacy of the culturally tailored Helping Overcome Perceived Stigma (HOPES) intervention in reducing perceived stigma among WLWHAs in China.METHODS: A single-blinded, two-arm parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted from 2023 to 2024 in South and Southwest China. WLWHAs from four hospitals were assigned using a WeChat-embedded randomization application to the control group (usual care) or the HOPES intervention. Data analysts remained blinded. Interventions were conducted virtually using Leave No One Behind (LNOB) platform for 3 months. The primary outcome, perceived stigma score, was assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 3 months post-intervention using 7 items from the HIV/AIDS Stigma Experience Questionnaire (HASEQ), with data analyzed through repeated measures analysis.RESULTS: Of 136 WLWHAs screened, we randomized 101 WLWHAs (50 HOPES; 51 controls). The HOPES group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in perceived stigma scores immediately after the intervention (-3.86 points, 95 % CI: 5.34 to -2.38, P < .001) and at three months post-intervention (-5.83 points, 95 % CI: 7.20 to -4.47, P < .001) compared to the control group.CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate HOPES' efficacy in reducing perceived stigma in WLWHA. However, the clinical significance of these changes needs further investigation. Future research should focus on defining meaningful patient-reported thresholds, assessing long-term impact, and optimizing delivery methods.

Evaluating reliable and clinically significant changes in health outcomes of a mindfulness-based cognitive defusion training program among older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

Ren, Y., Wu, B., Ge, C., Shi, L., Zhang, C., Zhu, M., Zhao, D., & Wang, L. (2025). Age and Ageing, 54(4). 10.1093/ageing/afaf069

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Recognizing perceived stress as a modifiable risk factor, mindfulness-based programs show promise for stress mitigation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Objective: To assess the efficacy of a mindfulness-based contextual cognitive defusion training (M-bCCDT) program on perceived stress and other health outcomes, and to examine the reliable and clinically significance of these improvements at individual-level among older adults with MCI. Design: A two-arm, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Settings and participants: 102 community-dwelling older adults with MCI. Methods: Participants were randomly allocated to either a M-bCCDT program (weekly 60-minute sessions for 8 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of unsupervised practice) or health promotion classes. Measures of perceived stress, memory function, global cognitive function, psychomotor speed and mindfulness awareness were collected at baseline (T0), 8-week (T1) and 20-week (T2). Intervention effects were assessed at a group level (Generalized Estimating Equation, GEE) and individual level (Reliable and Clinically Significant Changes, RCSC). Results: The M-bCCDT program demonstrated significant interaction effects in perceived stress compared to the wait-list control group by GEE analysis (βT1 = -3.686, 95% CI [-5.397, -1.976]; βT2 = -7.608, 95% CI [-9.387, -5.829]). Furthermore, this program also showed significant efficacy in memory function, psychomotor speed and mindfulness awareness. RCSC indicated that 30 participants (59%) in the intervention group showed statistically significant improvement in perceived stress at 8-week, with 7 (14%) clinically significant. This increased to 38 (75%) with 20 (39%) clinically significant at 20-week. Secondary outcomes also showed statistically and clinically significant improvements over time, but no improvement in global cognitive function at the individual level. Conclusions: The M-bCCDT program positively impacted perceived stress and mindfulness awareness in older adults with MCI, facilitating the improvements in memory and psychomotor speed, with these benefits sustained for 20 weeks. It offers a systematic approach for community healthcare providers in MCI stress management.

Genetic risk factors for periodontitis: a genome-wide association study using UK Biobank data

Gao, C., Iles, M. M., Bishop, D. T., Larvin, H., Bunce, D., Wu, B., Luo, H., Nibali, L., Pavitt, S., Wu, J., & Kang, J. (2025). Clinical Oral Investigations, 29(2). 10.1007/s00784-025-06205-8

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: Periodontitis is linked with many health conditions, but its genetic basis is not yet understood. This genome-wide association study (GWAS) aimed to investigate the genetic variants associated with periodontitis. Materials and methods: This study utilised UK Biobank participants of European descent. Individuals were categorised as “having periodontitis” if they self-reported having ‘painful gums’, ‘bleeding gums’ or ‘loose teeth’ (n = 68,482), or as “controls” for those without these symptoms (n = 307,342). We conducted GWAS of this binary periodontitis phenotype using logistic regression models with PLINK2.0 adjusting for age, sex and the first 15 principal components to account for population stratification. Results: There were 376,611 participants (mean baseline age = 57 ± 7.9 SD) included in the GWAS, and four significant loci were identified: rs775476621 on chromosome 11 (Odds Ratio, OR[T]: 3.08, p = 1.01 × 10− 8), rs751014048 on chromosome 11 (OR[G]: 3.07, p = 1.04 × 10− 8), rs149922301 on chromosome 4 near gene RP11-61G19.1 (OR[A]: 1.18, p = 2.71 × 10− 8) and rs368467810 on chromosome 6 near gene HIST1H3L (OR[TTTA]: 0.96, p = 3.88 × 10− 8). Conclusions: Within the current limitations, such as self-reported phenotype and older age of the study population, four loci were detected for periodontitis that have not previously been linked with this condition. Further exploration of the function of these loci may contribute to improved understanding of periodontitis aetiology and subsequent drug development. Clinical relevance: These findings offer new targets for future research to investigate the genetic impact on periodontitis and aid the future understanding of periodontitis pathology and the disease’s progression.

Health changes from trans-theoretical model-based education in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial

Shi, L., Wu, B., Liu, X., Ren, Y., Zhang, C., Wang, X., & Wang, L. (2025). International Journal of Nursing Studies, 162. 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104961

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Low awareness and misconceptions surrounding mild cognitive impairment highlight the urgent need for effective health education. Reluctance to seek intervention and poor adherence to management strategies make behavior-oriented health education essential. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and clinical significance of a trans-theoretical model-based health education program on cognitive-behavioral outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Design: A two-arm and assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Settings and participants: 100 community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment in Huzhou, China. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to a trans-theoretical model-based health education program (weekly 45–60 min sessions for 8 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of unsupervised practice) or a wait-list control group receiving standard health education. Disease knowledge, behavioral stage, and adherence to health management behaviors were assessed at baseline, 8-week, and 20-week. Effects were evaluated at the group level via generalized estimating equation and at the individual level using reliable and clinically significant change. Results: The trans-theoretical model-based health education program demonstrated significant effects over the wait-listed control. Generalized estimating equation analyses showed statistically significant effects on behavioral stage (β8-week = 1.04, 95%CI = 0.34–1.75; β20-week = 1.72, 95%CI = 0.95–2.49), disease knowledge (β8-week = 1.14, 95%CI = 0.26–2.02; β20-week = 1.78, 95%CI = 0.87–2.69), and adherence to health management behaviors (β8-week = 6.20, 95%CI = 2.03–10.37; β20-week = 10.74, 95%CI = 6.47–15.01) at both measured intervals. Additionally, global cognitive function (β8-week = 0.60, 95%CI = − 0.18–1.38; β20-week = 2.42, 95%CI = 1.64–3.20), Purdue Pegboard Test Assembly and Bimanual Tasks (β8-week = 0.16/0.38, 95%CI = − 0.21–0.53/− 0.18–0.94; β20-week = 0.96/1.80, 95%CI = 0.57–1.35/1.17–2.43) improved significantly over time. Reliable and clinically significant change analyses at 8 weeks indicated significant improvements in the intervention group: 57 % of participants improved in disease knowledge (22 % clinically significant), 90 % in adherence to health management behaviors (17 % clinically significant), and 61 % in global cognitive function (10 % clinically significant). By 20 weeks, these rates increased to 63 % (29 %), 100 % (25 %), and 78 % (27 %). However, non-significant improvements in depression symptoms and sleep quality were found at individual-level assessment. Conclusions: This study shows that the trans-theoretical model-based health education program effectively enhances cognitive-behavioral health outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, with benefits persisting for 12 weeks. Future research should further explore the potential mechanisms underlying the cognition and behavior-enhancing effects of this program. Registration number: ChiCTR1900028351.

Immigrant Status, Social Support From Children, and Resilience for Older Parents’ Perceived Oral Health Among Chinese Americans

Jiang, N., Wu, B., & Zhang, W. (2025). Journal of Applied Gerontology, 44(5), 747-758. 10.1177/07334648241288665

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Improving the oral health of older immigrants is an important public health priority in the United States, but the role of children’s support has received little attention. This study investigated the relationship between support from adult children and perceived oral health among foreign-born and U.S.-born Chinese Americans. We also examined the mediating role of resilience. Methods: Data were derived from a sample of 377 Chinese American older adults aged 55 or older in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Using a path analysis with structural equation models, we conducted a comparison of self-rated oral health and oral health problems between foreign-born and U.S.-born Chinese Americans. Results: For foreign-born participants, more emotional support from children was directly associated with better perceived oral health and indirectly linked to perceived oral health via resilience. For U.S.–born Chinese Americans, financial support from children was directly related to worse perceived oral health. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for resilience pathways linking social support from children and older immigrants’ oral health, which can help health professionals and family counselors develop culturally tailored interventions.

The Impact of Later-Life Learning on Trajectories of Cognitive Function Among U.S. Older Adults

Wang, N., Xu, H., Dhingra, R., Xian, Y., McConnell, E. S., Wu, B., & Dupre, M. E. (2025). Innovation in Aging, 9(5). 10.1093/geroni/igaf023

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Low education in early life is a major risk factor for dementia. However, little is known about how education in later life is related to cognitive function in older adults. We assessed whether later-life learning was associated with better cognitive function over time and whether the associations differed by sex, race/ethnicity, and prior education. Research Design and Methods: We used data from the 2008–2018 Health and Retirement Study, including participants aged 65+ without baseline dementia and followed for up to 6 years. Global cognition was measured using a summary score. Later-life learning was measured at every wave at least once a month or more, not in the last month, or never. Results: Of 12 099 participants, 10.2% attended an educational or training course “at least once a month or more,” 45.5% reported “not in the last month,” and 43.3% reported “never” at each wave of the study. Results from adjusted mixed-effects models showed that engaging in any later-life learning, either at least once a month (0.56 points higher, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.40–0.73) or not in the last month (0.55 points higher, 95% CI = 0.45–0.65) was associated with better cognitive function compared to never engaging in these activities. The association remained consistent as people aged. The benefits of later-life learning on cognitive function were greater in women than in men—at least once a month versus never was 0.30 points greater in women than men (95% CI = −0.03 to 0.63, p = .0760); not in the last month versus never was 0.24 points greater in women than men (95% CI = 0.04–0.43, p = .016). There were no significant differences by race/ethnicity or prior education.

Insights from recruiting individuals with mild dementia and care partners for a multi-site oral hygiene intervention

Wang, J., Siamdoust, S., Xu, Z., Mott, C., Plassman, B. L., Anderson, R. A., Zwerling, J., & Wu, B. (2025). Aging and Health Research, 5(3). 10.1016/j.ahr.2025.100236

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Maintaining oral health is essential for individuals with dementia, yet they often need support. We sought to identify insights gained during the recruitment process for an intervention designed to teach care partners skills to guide individuals with mild dementia in proper oral hygiene techniques and provide reminders to practice oral hygiene care. Methods: Throughout the study, research team members from two research sites met regularly to discuss their experiences in recruiting participants. Notes from these meetings served as the basis for identifying key challenges and effective strategies. Results: Recruitment involved direct patient engagement, collaboration with dementia research centers and community organizations, and the use of electronic health record systems, including MyChart. Recruitment coordinators connected study personnel with organizations and support groups, thereby broadening the recruitment base. Barriers to recruitment included the reduced frequency of patient visits to clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited in-person recruitment opportunities, as well as the time required to establish new relationships with non-affiliated hospitals and community organizations. Recruitment efforts successfully integrated long-standing relationships with dementia research centers and healthcare providers alongside the establishment of new partnerships with community organizations and non-affiliated hospitals. Conclusion: Flexibility, participant-centered communication, and a multifaceted approach were critical for overcoming pandemic-related challenges and addressing recruitment barriers, ensuring diverse and well-retained participation in this study.

Longitudinal association between creative arts participation with cognitive function in late life

Petrovsky, D. V., Mobarki, A. M., Sefcik, J. S., Rahemi, Z., Bacsu, J. D. R., Smith, M. L., & Wu, B. (2025). International Psychogeriatrics. 10.1016/j.inpsyc.2025.100048

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: Examine relationships between arts participation in high school and later life, cognition, and cognitive change among older adults in the United States. Design: Longitudinal retrospective Setting: Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) including the Life History Mail Surveys (LHMS) and Consumption and Activities Mail Survey (CAMS). Participants: A sample of HRS respondents with cognition data from Wave 3 (1996) through Wave 14 (2018). We merged LHMS and CAMS responses (2017 and 2019) about high school arts participation, eliminating respondents < 50 years of age, without cognitive data in the last three waves, or with normal cognition following previously reported dementia. Measurements: Respondents were categorized into 4 groups for musical and for visual arts): (1) lifelong learners; (2) high school learners; (3) current learners; and (4) no interest. Cognitive function was measured as a continuous summary score on a 27-point cognitive battery of items in the Langa-Weir Classification total Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status, TICS. Results: Musical arts participation at time of the survey was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in the entire sample (3505 participants in musical and 3507 in visual arts) and the War Babies cohort. Those who participated in musical arts at the time of the survey and while in high school experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline in the AHEAD-CODA cohort only. No relationships were found between cognition and times of visual arts participation. Conclusions: Some types of arts participation at different periods of life may benefit cognition later in life.

Measurement Practice of Slow Gait Speed for Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Wang, L., Su, L., Shi, L., Zhao, D., Zhang, C., & Wu, B. (2025). Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 26(1). 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105361

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: Individuals with motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome have a high dementia risk. However, a knowledge gap exists in the measurement procedure for slow gait speed, which is a crucial component of MCR diagnosis. The study aimed to systematically review slow gait speed measurement practices in MCR diagnosis to identify critical constructs in gait speed measurement procedure. Design: Systematic review. Setting and Participants: Included studies were conducted in clinical and community settings, involving participants with MCR receiving gait speed measurement. Methods: A systematic search across PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINHAL (EBSCO), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertation from inception until January 2024 for articles with detailed MCR diagnosis. Study quality was evaluated with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists and slow gait speed measurement methods were summarized through narrative synthesis. Results: From 27,600 unique entries, 50 relevant studies with 55 cohorts were identified and included in the review. Slow gait speed measurement methods in existing MCR studies showed heterogeneity in measurement tools, start/end protocols and buffer distance, walking test distance, number of tests, calculation methods, and cutoff values. Commonly, manual stopwatches and 4-meter walking test distance with a 2-meter buffer at each end at a usual pace were used, averaging 2 tests for gait speed analysis, with the need for cohort-specific slow gait cutoff values. Conclusions and Implications: The measurement practices of slow gait speed in MCR diagnosis were heterogeneous. A relatively comprehensive gait speed measurement procedure with 7 constructs was initially delineated in this study based on synthesis analysis, with the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and consistency of MCR, although further validation is still needed.

Multiple approaches to advance health equity in nursing science: Recruitment, data, and dissemination

Wu, B., & Zhu, Z. (2025). Nursing Outlook, 73(1). 10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102343

Abstract

Abstract

Ensuring equitable care and health outcomes for all populations is essential in nursing science. However, achieving health equity in nursing science necessitates a multifaceted approach to address the complex factors influencing health disparities. This paper presented the keynote address delivered at the Advanced Methods Conference hosted by the Council for Advancement of Nursing Science in 2023. We identified critical gaps in health equity within nursing science, emphasizing the need for innovative recruitment strategies, comprehensive data analysis, and targeted dissemination efforts. This paper underscores the importance of equity in artificial intelligence research, highlighting issues such as biases in machine learning models and the underrepresentation of minoritized groups. Bridging the current gaps in health equity research within nursing science requires a systematic and forward-thinking approach.