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

Social isolation and psychological well-being among older Chinese Americans : Does resilience mediate the association?

Qi, X., Zhang, W., Wang, K., Pei, Y., & Wu, B. (2022). In International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (Vols. 37, Issues 8). 10.1002/gps.5791

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: Social isolation imposes risks to an individual's psychological well-being. However, few studies have examined the role of resilience on these associations among older Chinese Americans, the fastest-growing aging population across all racial/ethnic groups in the United States. We aim to examine the associations of social isolation with indicators of psychological well-being and the mediating role of resilience in these associations. Methods: Data were derived from 398 Chinese older adults aged over 55 residing in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2018. Psychological well-being was measured by psychological distress, life satisfaction, and happiness. Multivariate linear regressions and ordered logistic regressions were conducted. Results: Social isolation was positively associated with psychological distress and negatively associated with life satisfaction and happiness (all p < 0.05). By contrast, resilience was associated with lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the findings supported our hypothesis that resilience mediated the association between social isolation and psychological well-being. With regard to social isolation, resilience contributed to 32.0% of its association with distress, 24.9% of the association with life satisfaction, and 16.3% of the association with happiness. Conclusion: Our findings revealed a significant association between social isolation and psychological well-being and the mediating role of resilience in the association of older Chinese Americans in Hawaii. The study findings expand our understanding of psychological resources in older Chinese Americans and emphasize the importance of developing intervention programs to foster social connection and resilience among an understudied population.

Social isolation, loneliness and accelerated tooth loss among Chinese older adults : A longitudinal study

Qi, X., Pei, Y., Wang, K., Han, S., & Wu, B. (2022). In Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 10.1111/cdoe.12727

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to numerous determinants of health and well-being. However, the effects of social isolation and loneliness on oral health remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of social isolation and loneliness on the number of remaining teeth and the rate of tooth loss over time among Chinese older adults. Methods: We used three waves of data (2011/2012, 2014 and 2018) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with 4268 older adults aged 65 and older who were interviewed in at least two waves. The number of remaining teeth was first evaluated at baseline and then subsequently at follow-up visits. Mixed-effects Poisson regression was used to examine the associations between social isolation, loneliness, and both the number of remaining teeth and the rate of tooth loss. Results: Social isolation was associated with fewer remaining teeth (β = −.06, 95% CI = −0.13 to 0.00, p

A Social Media–Based Diabetes Intervention for Low-Income Mandarin-Speaking Chinese Immigrants in the United States : Feasibility Study

Hu, L., Islam, N., Trinh-Shevrin, C., Wu, B., Feldman, N., Tamura, K., Jiang, N., Lim, S., Wang, C., Bubu, O. M., Schoenthaler, A., Ogedegbe, G., & Sevick, M. A. (2022). In JMIR Formative Research (Vols. 6, Issues 5). 10.2196/37737

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Chinese immigrants bear a high diabetes burden and face significant barriers to accessing diabetes self-management education (DSME) and counseling programs. Objective: The goal of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability and to pilot test the potential efficacy of a social media–based DSME intervention among low-income Chinese immigrants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in New York City. Methods: This was a single group pretest and posttest study in 30 Chinese immigrants with T2D. The intervention included 24 culturally and linguistically tailored DSME videos, focusing on diabetes education and behavioral counseling techniques. Over 12 weeks, participants received 2 brief videos each week via WeChat, a free social media app popular among Chinese immigrants. Primary outcomes included the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Feasibility was evaluated by recruitment processes, retention rates, and the video watch rate. Acceptability was assessed via a satisfaction survey at 3 months. Secondary outcomes, that is, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), self-efficacy, dietary intake, and physical activity, were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Descriptive statistics and paired 2-sided t tests were used to summarize the baseline characteristics and changes before and after the intervention. Results: The sample population (N=30) consisted of mostly females (21/30, 70%) who were married (19/30, 63%), with limited English proficiency (30/30, 100%), and the mean age was 61 (SD 7) years. Most reported an annual household income of

Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a care partner assisted intervention to improve oral health of individuals with mild dementia

Wu, B., Plassman, B. L., Poole, P., Siamdoust, S., Bunn, M., Burwell, B., Pei, Y., Downey, C., Gomes, D., Kamer, A. R., Yu, G., Leak Bryant, A., & Anderson, R. A. (2022). In BMJ open (Vols. 12, Issues 6). 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057099

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction Individuals with mild dementia are at high risk of poor oral health outcomes. To address this issue, we describe an intervention to teach care partners skills to guide individuals with mild dementia in proper oral hygiene techniques and provide reminders to practice oral hygiene care. By providing support to perform these tasks successfully, we aim to delay oral health decline among this vulnerable population. Methods and analysis This multisite study is a three-arm randomised controlled trial. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to improve oral hygiene outcomes by promoting positive oral hygiene behaviours and skills among individuals with mild dementia. Care partners' behaviour factors, such as oral care self-efficacy and implementation of the care plan, serve as mediators of the intervention. Participant-care partner dyads will be randomly assigned to either Treatment Group 1, Treatment Group 2 or the Control Group. All groups will receive an educational booklet. Treatment Group 1 and Treatment Group 2 will receive a smart electronic toothbrush. Treatment Group 2 (the intervention group) will also receive an oral hygiene care skill assessment, personalised oral hygiene instruction and treatment plan; and care partners will receive in-home and telephone coaching on behaviour change. Oral health outcomes will be compared across the three groups. The duration of the active intervention is 3 months, with an additional 3-month maintenance phase. Data collection will involve three home visits: baseline, 3 months and 6 months. The study enrollment started in November 2021, and the data collection will end in Spring 2024. Ethics and dissemination The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Duke University, and is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov. A Data Safety Monitoring Board has been constituted. The study findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and social media. Trial registration number NCT04390750.

Trajectories of General Health Status and Depressive Symptoms Among Persons With Cognitive Impairment in the United States

Zang, E., Guo, A., Pao, C., Lu, N., Wu, B., & Fried, T. R. (2022). In Journal of Aging and Health (Vols. 34, Issue 4-5, pp. 720-735). 10.1177/08982643211060948

Abstract

Abstract

ObjectivesTo identify and examine heterogeneous trajectories of general health status (GHS) and depressive symptoms (DS) among persons with cognitive impairment (PCIs). Methods: We use group-based trajectory models to study 2361 PCIs for GHS and 1927 PCIs for DS from the National Health and Aging Trends Survey 2011-2018, and apply multinomial logistic regressions to predict identified latent trajectory group memberships using individual characteristics. Results: For both GHS and DS, there were six groups of PCIs with distinct trajectories over a 7-year period. More than 40% PCIs experienced sharp declines in GHS, and 35.5% experienced persistently poor GHS. There was greater heterogeneity in DS trajectories with 55% PCIs experiencing improvement, 16.4% experiencing persistently high DS, and 30.5% experiencing deterioration. Discussion: The GHS trajectories illustrate the heavy burden of poor and declining health among PCIs. Further research is needed to understand the factors underlying stable or improving DS despite declining GHS.

Trajectories of physical functioning among US adults with cognitive impairment

Zang, E., Shi, Y., Wang, X., Wu, B., & Fried, T. R. (2022). In Age and Ageing (Vols. 51, Issues 6). 10.1093/ageing/afac139

Abstract

Abstract

Background: physical functioning impairment is common among persons with cognitive impairment, but little is known about physical functioning trajectories across the US population or how trajectories may differ among persons with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Objective: To examine trajectories of physical functioning among persons with MCI and dementia in the USA. Design: we used data from the National Health and Aging Trends study (NHATS) 2011-18. Physical functioning was assessed using the NHATS Expanded Short Physical Performance Battery. Participants: The 661 individuals with MCI and 980 individuals with dementia were included in this study. Methods: we applied group-based trajectory models to identify latent groups and estimate their trajectories. Multinomial logistic regressions were applied to examine relationships between sociodemographic and health characteristics and trajectory group memberships. Results: both MCI-and dementia-specific trajectories differed at baseline levels and declined at varying rates across groups. Approximately, 78.43% of persons with MCI were in trajectories with a moderate rate of decline, with only 9.75% in a trajectory with good physical function and 11.82% with poor physical function without as much change over time. Among persons with dementia, approximately 81.4% experienced moderate or fast declines, and 18.52% with virtually no functional ability remained at this same low level. Worse physical functioning trajectories were found among persons who were females, Blacks, with at least four comorbidities, and among persons who had a low socioeconomic status. Conclusions: persons with both dementia and MCI experienced steady declines in physical functioning. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have worse physical functioning trajectories.

Use of tangible, educational and psychological support services among Chinese American dementia caregivers

Liu, J., Lou, Y., Cheung, E. S., & Wu, B. (2022). In Dementia (Vols. 21, Issues 6, pp. 1914-1932). 10.1177/14713012221099781

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Though many studies have examined the service utilization of dementia caregivers, there is limited empirical evidence from Asian Americans in this field. Guided by Andersen’s behavioral model of health services use, we aimed to understand what factors were associated with utilizing multiple types of services among Chinese American dementia caregivers. Research Design and Methods: We collected survey data from 134 Chinese dementia caregivers in New York City. Logistic regression models were conducted to test the associations between predisposing, enabling, and need factors and the likelihood of using tangible (home health aide, adult daycare, respite care), educational (lectures and workshops), and psychological (peer support groups and psychological counseling) support services. Results: Several variables conceptualized by Andersen’s model, including caregiver’s knowledge about services, caring tasks, length of care and burden, and care recipient’s physical and cognitive deteriorations, were significantly associated with higher possibilities of using multiple types of services. Three sociocultural factors—residing in Chinatown, availability of alternative family caregivers, and diagnosis of cognitive deterioration—were also associated with higher likelihood of using educational or psychological services. Discussion and Implications: The findings extend the existing literature on service utilization of caregivers by highlighting the importance of distinguishing types of services and considering sociocultural factors in future research and practice.

Which wound cuts deeper : loss of an only child or loss of a spouse? An examination of bereavement in older adults within a Chinese cultural context

Liang, Y., Xu, H., Chen, F., Liang, H., & Wu, B. (2022). In Aging and Mental Health (Vols. 26, Issues 6, pp. 1217-1225). 10.1080/13607863.2021.1913473

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether the loss of spouse had similar impacts on psychological well-being as the loss of the only child, and whether the presence of one mitigated the absence of the other. Methods: We used data from a 2013 survey conducted in Shanghai, China. The sample included 1,200 older adults aged 60+, and 200 adults aged 45+ who lost their only child. Psychological well-being consisted of three dimensions: depression, loneliness, and life satisfaction. We applied logistic regression models to assess the impact of loss of spouse or children on psychological well-being. We further tested whether the impact differed by gender and whether social support mediated the relationship. Results: Participants who have at least one living child but lost their spouse had less psychological distress than those who have a living spouse but lost their only child. This effect appeared to be stronger in women than in men. Social support mediated the relationship between bereavement and loneliness among women. Conclusion: The findings suggested the loss of the only child is a more devastating event than the loss of spouse in Chinese adults. The loss of the only child is a major chronic stressor that has cumulative negative effect on psychological well-being.

Worry about old-age support : Chinese rural bachelors’ perspective

Wang, Y., Liu, H., Pei, Y., & Wu, B. (2022). In Current Psychology. 10.1007/s12144-021-02547-0

Abstract

Abstract

China’s gender imbalance has led to severe bachelorhood for decades. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between potential availability of family support and worry about old-age support for themselves and their parents from the perspective of rural bachelors. Data was drawn from a cross-sectional survey “Mobility, Sexuality, and Quality of Life of Never Married Men in Rural China”, which was conducted in 9 provinces in 2017. The sample included 359 men who were at least 28 years old, have rural household registration (hukou, in Chinese), and never married. Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between potential availability of family support, measured by living parents and siblings, and worry about old-age support. Results showed that rural bachelors who had a sister(s) were less likely to worry about both their own and their parents’ old-age support than those without sister(s) (OR = 0.496, p < 0.01; OR = 0.494, p < 0.01). Bachelors with a non-bachelor brother(s) were less likely to worry about their parents’ old-age support than those without brother(s) (OR = 0.436, p < 0.01). Our findings highlight the importance of potential availability of family support in determining worries about old-age support for bachelors and their parents. Considering the low level of social security in rural China and the rapid increase in the number of aging bachelors, policies that compensate for the lack of family support should be implemented to relieve vulnerable bachelors’ worries.

“The Sun Came Up Because You Got Here…” : A Qualitative Exploration of Person-Centered Care Strategies Used by Adult Day Care Centers to Manage Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Boafo, J., David, D., Wu, B., Brody, A. A., & Sadarangani, T. (2022). In Journal of Applied Gerontology. 10.1177/07334648221128283

Abstract

Abstract

In order to reduce care partner strain and support aging in place for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), adult day centers (ADCs) must manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of this paper is to identify person-centered care strategies used by center staff to manage BPSD. Six focus groups with center staff (n = 31) were conducted. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis guided by Kitwood’s conceptual approach to cultivating personhood in dementia care. Themes were identified and organized within Kitwood’s framework. The results demonstrate that staff incorporate evidence-based person-centered approaches to AD/ADRD care that align with Kitwood’s principles of comfort, attachment, inclusion, and identity. Staff individualize their approach to people with AD/ADRD within a group setting. They monitor, engage, socially stimulate, and, when needed, de-stimulate them. Centers are flexible social environments with underrecognized expertise managing BPSD using person-centered approaches.