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, New York Academy of Medicine

Fellow, Gerontological Society of America

Fellow, Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

Family functioning and patients' depressive symptoms : comparison in perceived family function between patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke and their primary family caregivers - a cross-sectional study

Li, J., Kong, X., Wang, J., Zhu, H., Zhong, J., Cao, Y., & Wu, B. (2023). In BMJ open (Vols. 13, Issues 11). 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068794

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to compare perceived family functioning between Chinese patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and family caregivers, and explore the association between family functioning and patients' depressive symptoms. Design This is a cross-sectional study design. Setting Stroke centres of two tertiary hospitals in Nanjing, China. Participants One hundred and sixty-nine dyads of patients who had an AIS and family caregivers. Primary and secondary outcome measures Family functioning of patients who had an AIS and their primary family caregivers was assessed by the Family Assessment Device (FAD, Chinese version). Depressive symptoms of patients who had an AIS was assessed by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. We test the agreement and differences in family functioning. Multivariate linear regression models were used to test the association of differences of family functioning within dyads with patients' depressive symptoms. Results AIS families demonstrated unhealthy family functioning. A total of 115 patients (76.9%) and 124 caregivers (73.4%) had a score of 2 or higher in FAD-general functioning (GF), indicating unhealthy family functioning. The intraclass correlation coefficient of FAD subdomain between patients who had an AIS and caregivers ranged from 0.15 to 0.55, which indicating the agreement of family functioning within dyads was poor to moderate. There was a significant difference between the FAD-GF scores of the patients and those of their caregivers (Z=-2.631, p=0.009), with caregivers reporting poorer general family functioning. Poor family functioning and greater difference of perceived family functioning within dyads were related to higher level of patients' depressive symptoms (β=5.163, p

Geroscience : Aging and Oral Health Research

Wu, B., Weintraub, J. A., Kaeberlein, M., Perissinotto, C., Atchison, K. A., Chen, X., D’Souza, R. N., Feine, J. S., Ghezzi, E. M., Kirkwood, K. L., Ryder, M., Slashcheva, L. D., Touger-Decker, R., Wu, B., & Kapila, Y. (2023). In Advances in dental research (Vols. 31, Issue 1, pp. 2-15). 10.1177/08959374231200840

Abstract

Abstract

Research in aging has significantly advanced; scientists are now able to identify interventions that slow the biologic aging processes (i.e., the “hallmarks of aging”), thus delaying the onset and progression of multiple diseases, including oral conditions. Presentations given during the 3-part session “Geroscience: Aging and Oral Health Research,” held during the 2023 American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research meeting, are summarized in this publication. Speakers’ topics spanned the translational research spectrum. Session 1 provided an overview of the geroscience and health span (disease-free and functional health throughout life) concepts. The common molecular mechanisms between oral cancer and aging were discussed, and research was presented that showed periodontal microflora as a potential factor in Alzheimer’s disease progression. Session 2 focused on behavioral and social science aspects of aging and their oral health significance. The keynote provided evidence that loneliness and isolation can have major health effects. These social conditions, along with poor oral health, tooth loss, and cognitive decline, could potentially affect healthy eating ability and systemic health in older adults. Research could help elucidate the directions and pathways connecting these seemingly disparate conditions. Session 3 focused on the delivery of oral care in different settings and the many barriers to access care faced by older adults. Research is needed to identify and implement effective technology and strategies to improve access to dental care, including new delivery and financing mechanisms, workforce models, interprofessional provider education and practice, and use of big data from medical–dental integration of electronic health records. Research to improve the “oral health span,” reduce oral health disparities, and increase health equity must be tackled at all levels from biologic pathways to social determinants of health and health policies.

Health Behavior Patterns and Associated Risk of Memory-Related Disorders Among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Couples

Kong, D., Lu, P., Lee, Y. H., Wu, B., & Shelley, M. (2023). In Research on Aging. 10.1177/01640275231157784

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: Studies on the interdependence of couples’ health behaviors and subsequent cognitive outcomes remain limited. Methods: Longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018) were used (N = 1869 heterosexual couples). Latent class analysis identified the dyadic pattern of health behaviors in 2011 (i.e., alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity). Stratified Cox models examined the association of latent classes with risk of developing memory-related disorders in 2013–2018. Results: Three classes were identified: class 1 (21.25%, only husband smoke, and both active), class 2 (47.55%, both inactive, neither drink nor smoke), and class 3 (31.20%, both drink and smoke, and both active). Couples’ sedentary lifestyle was associated with an increased risk of memory-related disorders among both husbands and wives. Conclusion: Couples were moderately concordant in their physical activity but weakly in smoking and drinking. Couple-based interventions, especially promoting physical activity, may reduce cognitive aging among middle-aged and older Chinese couples.

Hukou Status and Cognitive Function Among Older Chinese Adults : Does Support from Friends Matter?

Peng, C., Burr, J. A., Wu, B., & Li, M. (2023). In Journal of Aging and Health. 10.1177/08982643231206819

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined whether older Chinese adults with different types of hukou status (government household registration system) exhibited different cognitive outcomes and whether receiving support from friends, an under-appreciated resource, helped mitigate the negative impacts of agricultural hukou status on cognitive health disparities. Methods: Using nationally representative data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this study tested these relationships with well-validated measures. Results: Our results showed that older Chinese adults with agricultural hukou were more likely to have worse cognitive function than those with non-agricultural hukou. Further, friend support characteristics moderated the association between hukou status and cognitive function, whereby having better friend support was related to a weaker negative effect of agricultural hukou status on cognitive function. Discussion: The findings suggested that agricultural hukou status reflects the effects of accumulated disadvantage across the life course with negative consequences for late-life cognition. The cognitive health disparities between agricultural and non-agricultural residents may be reduced in the context of a higher level of friend support, supporting a stress buffering hypothesis.

Lived experiences of maintaining self-identity among persons living with young-onset dementia : A qualitative meta-synthesis

Tang, X., Wang, J., Wu, B., Navarra, A. M., Cui, X., & Wang, J. (2023). In Dementia. 10.1177/14713012231193547

Abstract

Abstract

Background: The self-identity of persons with young-onset dementia (YOD) is affected by the disease progression. However, the lived experience of maintaining self-identity along the disease trajectory is understudied. This meta-synthesis integrated qualitative data on the challenges, coping strategies, and needs of persons living with YOD and how their experiences affected their self-identity over time. Methods: Four English (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO) and two Chinese (CNKI and Wanfang) electronic databases were searched for published literature peer-reviewed from the time of database inception to 2022. We used thematic analysis to extract and synthesize data from the literature concerning the long-term lived experiences of persons living with YOD. Results: A total of five peer-reviewed publications were eligible for inclusion in this meta-synthesis study. We identified four themes: (1) declining cognitive function and a prolonged diagnostic process threaten the self-identity of persons living with YOD, (2) struggling to accept the diagnosis of YOD and maintain self-identity, (3) maintaining self-identity and the normalcy of life through social support and person-centered care, and (4) living with YOD through self-development and self-identity reshaping at a later stage of the disease. Conclusions: Persons living with YOD experience challenges maintaining their self-identity throughout the disease trajectory. These challenges are affected by their cognitive function, experiences of personal and social stigma associated with the disease, perceived social support, and person-centered care. Study findings have implications for developing tailored supportive programs for persons living with YOD at various stages of the disease trajectory.

Longitudinal associations between social relationships and cognitive function among Chinese older adults : The mediating role of healthy lifestyles

Ma, W., Wu, B., Yu, Y., & Zhong, R. (2023). In Geriatric Nursing (Vols. 53, pp. 102-108). 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.06.016

Abstract

Abstract

Background: We aimed to explore whether social relationships and cognitive function were reciprocally related and whether healthy lifestyles mediate their association. Methods: This study included 3372 Chinese adults from the years 2014–2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Results: Baseline social relationships were negatively associated with a change in cognitive function (β = –0.030, p = 0.043). Participants with a 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in social relationships had an approximately 6% reduced risk of developing cognitive impairment. However, baseline cognitive function did not independently predict social relationships. The association between △social relationships and △cognitive function was partially mediated by △a healthy lifestyle (B = 0.025, 95% CI = 0.013–0.041). Conclusions: The association between social relationships and cognitive function may be unidirectional. Policies that promote cognitive function based on social relationships would benefit by taking into account lifestyle factors.

A longitudinal study of self-report tooth loss impacting functional status among Chinese older adults : Moderated mediation of social relationships and psychological resilience

Ma, W., Wu, B., Yu, Y., & Zhong, R. (2023). In Journal of Dentistry (Vols. 139). 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104767

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to discern the longitudinal association between tooth loss and subsequent functional status, specifically investigating the moderated mediation effects of social relationships and psychological resilience. Methods: Data from the 2011, 2014, and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were analyzed, we included 2834 older adults aged 65 and over in the study. The longitudinal relationship between tooth loss and functional status was analyzed using the generalized estimating equation. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS was utilized to study the mediating and moderating effects. Results: In the fully adjusted model, the number of natural teeth at T1 was positively associated with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) score at T3, but not activities of daily living (ADL) score. Compared with 20+ teeth, participants with complete tooth loss at T1 had a higher risk of developing ADL and IADL disability. Participants with 1–9 teeth at T1 had a 38 % risk of developing IADL disability at T3 (OR = 1.38, 95 % CI = 1.07–1.76, p = 0.012). Social relationships mediated the association between tooth loss and IADL only among participants whose psychological resilience was average (B = 0.0006, 95 % CI = 0.0001–0.0014) or high (B = 0.0013, 95 % CI = 0.0003–0.0026). Conclusion: Psychological resilience moderated the mediating effects of social relationships on the association between tooth loss and functional ability. Clinical significance: This longitudinal study contributes to elucidating parts of social-psychological mechanisms underlying tooth loss and functional disability. It suggests that by cultivating positive social relationships and enhancing psychological resilience, the adverse impacts of tooth loss on functional disability may be mitigated.

Mechanisms of Change in Cognitive Function Domains Among Older Adults in Cognitive Deterioration and Improvement Groups : Evidence From Phenotypic Network Structure

Zhu, Z., Zwerling, J. L., Qi, X., Pei, Y., Zheng, Y., & Wu, B. (2023). In Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.08.022

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how cognitive function domains change in phenotypic networks in cognitive deterioration and improvement groups.DESIGN: Secondary data analysis.SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Respondents in the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) who were 70 years or older at the time of the data collection in 2000 or 2002.METHODS: This study used data from the ADAMS in Wave A and Wave B. We assessed 12 cognitive function domains. Latent profile transition analysis (LPTA) and the cross-lagged panel network model were used to the dynamic interactions of the 12 cognitive function domains over time in both the deterioration and improvement groups.RESULTS: A total of 252 participants were included in the final analysis. LPTA identified 5 subgroups and categorized all samples into 3 main categories: improvement group (n = 61), deterioration group (n = 54), and no change group (n = 137). "D9: psychomotor processing" showed the largest value of out-strength in the deterioration group (r = 0.941) and improvement group (r = 0.969). The strongest direct positive effect in the deterioration group was "C9: psychomotor processing" -> "C8: attention" (β = 0.39 [0.00, 1.13]). In the improvement group, the strongest direct positive effect was "C9 = psychomotor processing" -> "C7 = visual memory" (β = 0.69 [0.07, 1.30]).CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Psychomotor processing affected other cognitive domains, and it played a crucial role in changes of cognitive function. The paths of psychomotor processing to attention and visual memory were found to be major factors in cognitive deterioration and improvement. Targeting psychomotor processing may lead to the development of more effective and precise interventions.

Mechanisms of Change in Cognitive Function Domains Among Older Adults in Cognitive Deterioration and Improvement Groups: Evidence From Phenotypic Network Structure

Zhu, Z., Zwerling, J. L., Qi, X., Pei, Y., Zheng, Y., & Wu, B. (2023). In Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (Vols. 24, Issues 12, pp. 2009-2016).

Abstract

Abstract

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Mental health and cognitive function among medical students after the COVID-19 pandemic in China

Cheng, J., Liao, M., He, Z., Xiong, R., Ju, Y., Liu, J., Liu, B., Wu, B., & Zhang, Y. (2023). In Frontiers in Public Health (Vols. 11). 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1233975

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Chinese people experienced a nationwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic after the adjustment of epidemic response policies from December 2022 to January 2023. This study aims to explore the prevalence of mental and cognitive symptoms and their associated factors among medical students after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 27th and March 8th, 2023. The symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cognitive function among medical students were examined using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6), and the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire-Depression-5 (PDQ-D-5). Data on demographic information was also collected. Statistical analyses were conducted to describe the prevalence and explore the associated factors of mental and cognitive symptoms. Results: Among 947 participants, the proportion of students experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD symptoms was 37.8, 39.3, 28.3, and 29.5%, respectively. The self-reported COVID-19 infection rate was 72.2%. Higher grades, childhood, and current rural residence were identified as potential risk factors for mental and cognitive symptoms. Gender, age, average monthly household income, and COVID-19 diagnosis were not associated with mental and cognitive symptoms among medical students. Conclusion: Our findings revealed a high prevalence of mental and cognitive symptoms among Chinese medical students after the COVID-19 pandemic. Special attention should be paid to the mental health of higher-grade students and those residing in rural areas.