Bei Wu

Faculty

Bei Wu headshot

Bei Wu

FAAN FGSA PhD

Dean's Professor in Global Health
Vice Dean, Research
Affiliated Professor, Ashman Department of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry
Co-director, NYU Aging Incubator

1 212 992 5951

433 First Ave
New York, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

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

End-of-Life Care Preference: Examination of Chinese Adults with Children and Those Who Lost Their Only Child

Liang, Y., Cui, H. L., Wang, J., Xu, H., & Wu, B. (2018). Journal of Palliative Medicine, 11, 1596-1603. 10.1089/jpm.2018.0043
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Little is known about the end-of-life (EOL) care preference and its associated factors among community-dwelling adults in Mainland China. This study investigated the EOL care preference and its associated factors among community-dwelling Chinese adults in Shanghai, China.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shanghai, China, from April to June in 2013. A total of 1200 older adults aged 60 years and older and another 200 middle-aged and older adults aged 45 years and older who lost their only child were included in the current study. In the current study, the EOL care preference included three categories: preferred family care, preferred care provided by visiting healthcare professionals, and preferred care in a specialized EOL care institute. Childlessness was coded as lost the only child, had children but not coresiding, and had coresiding children. Mor and Hiris's model of choices of setting at the EOL was used to explore the EOL care preference and its associated factors, including sociodemographic characteristics, support networks, functional characteristics, and healthcare system. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate the factors associated with their EOL care preference.Results: In terms of EOL care preference, adults who lost their only child preferred care provided by a specialized EOL care institute (58.43%), while adults who had children preferred family care at home (46.72% for adults who did not coreside with children and 49.04% for those who did). Results from multinomial logistic regressions showed that adults with higher income, having properties, and having children tended to opt for family care at home. Participants with friends' support preferred EOL care provided by visiting healthcare professionals or specialized EOL care institutions over family care at home.Conclusions: Income, wealth, having children, and having friends' support were significant factors that were associated with the EOL care preference among Chinese adults. Home-based EOL care, professional and individualized hospice, or palliative care provided by institutions need to be developed in China.

An mHealth intervention to improve medication adherence among patients with coronary heart disease in China: Development of an intervention

Ni, Z., Liu, C., Wu, B., Yang, Q., Douglas, C., & Shaw, R. J. (2018). International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 5(4), 322-330. 10.1016/j.ijnss.2018.09.003
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: With this study, we aimed to develop a mobile technology (mHealth) intervention to improve medication adherence among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: The study was conducted in two phases with CHD patients from a Cardiology Department of a hospital located in China. Each phase was independent from the other. Phase 1 tested the integration of the two apps — “WeChat” and “BB Reminder” — as an mHealth intervention. All participants received the same educational materials via WeChat every two days. Participants in the experimental group received a reminder from BB Reminder for every dose of their medications. The duration of Phase 1 was 30 days for each participant. Phase 2 refined the intervention, in which educational materials were sent every five days rather than every two days, and medication-taking reminders were sent daily rather than every dose. Results: In Phase 1, an mHealth intervention was developed by integrating two mobile apps. In Phase 2, medication adherence increased at 30-day follow-up in both groups compared to baseline. At the 30-day follow-up, the mean of the decrease in medication non-adherence score in the experimental group (M = −1.35, SD = 2.18, n = 36) was more than the decrease in control group (M = −0.69, SD = 1.58, n = 36), which means the medication adherence improved more in the experimental group. Conclusion: The feasibility of using mHealth to remind CHD patients to take their medications is high.

Migration and cognitive function: a conceptual framework for Global Health Research

Xu, H., Vorderstrasse, A. A., McConnell, E. S., Dupre, M. E., Østbye, T., & Wu, B. (2018). Global Health Research and Policy, 3(1). 10.1186/s41256-018-0088-5
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Migration is a fundamental demographic process that has been observed globally. It is suggested that migration is an issue of global health importance that can have an immediate and lasting impact on an individual’s health and well-being. There is now an increasing body of evidence linking migration with cognitive function in older adults. In this paper, we synthesized the current evidence to develop a general conceptual framework to understand the factors contributing to the association between migration and cognitive function. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted on the associations between migration and cognition among middle-aged and older adults. Results: Five potential mechanisms were identified from the literature: 1) socioeconomic status—including education, occupation, and income; 2) psychosocial factors—including social networks, social support, social stressors, and discrimination; 3) behavioral factors—including smoking, drinking, and health service utilization; 4) physical and psychological health status—including chronic conditions, physical function, and depression; and 5) environmental factors—including both physical and social environment. Several underlying factors were also identified—including early-life conditions, gender, and genetic factors. Conclusions: The factors linking migration and cognitive function are multidimensional and complex. This conceptual framework highlights potential implications for global health policies and planning on healthy aging and migrant health. Additional studies are needed to further examine these mechanisms to extend and refine our general conceptual framework.

Perceived Empowerment, Social Support, and Quality of Life Among Chinese Older Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities

Wang, J., Wang, J., Cao, Y., Jia, S., & Wu, B. (2018). Journal of Aging and Health, 30(10), 1595-1619. 10.1177/0898264318795724
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: This study examines how older residents’ social support and perceived empowerment are associated with their quality of life (QOL) in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Shanghai, China, controlling for their health-related conditions, facility type, and other socio-demographic characteristics. Method: Using a convenient sampling approach, we selected nine LTC facilities in Shanghai, China. We surveyed 515 older residents from these facilities. Results: Older participants in this study rate their QOL, social support, and perceived empowerment as moderate, and these variables are positively associated with their QOL. Older residents who live in government-owned and private-run LTC facilities are more likely to have a higher level of perceived QOL compared with those living in government-run facilities. Discussion: There is an urgent need to increase staff awareness and capacity to empower older residents, and to engage them in their care plan and delivery. LTC facilities could provide more opportunities for older residents’ social networking within and outside LTC facilities. Improvement of older residents’ QOL is critical in the future development of resident-centered care models in LTC facilities.

Place of Residence and Cognitive Function among the Adult Population in India

Xu, H., Ostbye, T., Vorderstrasse, A. A., Dupre, M. E., & Wu, B. (2018). Neuroepidemiology, 50(3), 119-127. 10.1159/000486596
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The place of residence has been linked to cognitive function among adults in developed countries. This study examined how urban and rural residence was associated with cognitive function among adults in India. Methods: The World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health data was used to examine cognition among 6,244 community-residing adults age 50+ in 6 states in India. Residential status was categorized as urban, rural, urban-to-urban, rural-to-urban, rural-to-rural, and urban-to-rural. Cognition was assessed by immediate and delayed recall tests, digit span test, and verbal fluency test. Multilevel models were used to account for state-level differences and adjusted for individual-level sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health-related factors. Results: Urban residents and urban-to-urban migrants had the highest levels of cognition, whereas rural residents and those who migrated to (or within) rural areas had the lowest cognition. The differences largely persisted after adjustment for multiple covariates; however, rural-to-urban migrants had no difference in cognition from urban residents once socioeconomic factors were taken into account. Conclusion: Cognition among adults in India differed significantly according to their current and past place of residence. Socioeconomic factors played an important role in the cognitive function of adults in urban areas.

Resident challenges with daily life in Chinese long-term care facilities: A qualitative pilot study

Song, Y., Scales, K., Anderson, R. A., Wu, B., & Corazzini, K. N. (2018). Geriatric Nursing, 39(1), 18-23. 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2017.05.001
Abstract
Abstract
As traditional family-based care in China declines, the demand for residential care increases. Knowledge of residents’ experiences with long-term care (LTC) facilities is essential to improving quality of care. This pilot study aimed to describe residents’ experiences in LTC facilities, particularly as it related to physical function. Semi-structured open-ended interviews were conducted in two facilities with residents stratified by three functional levels (n = 5). Directed content analysis was guided by the Adaptive Leadership Framework. A two-cycle coding approach was used with a first-cycle descriptive coding and second-cycle dramaturgical coding. Interviews provided examples of challenges faced by residents in meeting their daily care needs. Five themes emerged: staff care, care from family members, physical environment, other residents in the facility, and personal strategies. Findings demonstrate the significance of organizational context for care quality and reveal foci for future research.

Self-reported cognitive impairment across racial/ethnic groups in the United States, national health interview survey, 1997-2015

Luo, H., Yu, G., & Wu, B. (2018). Preventing Chronic Disease, 15(1). 10.5888/pcd15.170338
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: The primary objectives of this study were 1) to examine trends of self-reported cognitive impairment among 5 major racial/ethnic groups during 1997-2015 in the United States and 2) to examine differences in the trends across these groups. Methods: Data were from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The sample consisted of 155,682 people aged 60 or older. Respondents were asked to report whether any family member was "limited in any way because of difficulty remembering or because of experiencing periods of confusion." Race/ethnicity categories were non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Native American, Hispanic, and Asian. We applied hierarchical age-period-cohort cross-classified random-effects models for the trend analysis. All analyses accounted for the complex survey design of NHIS. Results: The overall rate of self-reported cognitive impairment increased from 5.7% in 1997 to 6.7% in 2015 (P for trend <.001). Among non-Hispanic white respondents, the rate increased from 5.2% in 1997 to 6.1% in 2015 (slope = 0.14, P for trend <.001). We observed no significant trend in rate of cognitive impairment in other groups. After we controlled for covariates, we found that Asian (B = 0.31), non-Hispanic black (B = 0.37), Hispanic (B = 0.25), and Native American (B = 0.87) respondents were more likely than non-Hispanic white respondents to report cognitive impairment (P <.001 for all). Conclusion: We found an increased rate of self-reported cognitive impairment in older adults of 5 major racial/ethnic groups from 1997 through 2015 in the United States. However, the rate of self-reported cognitive impairment was low, which may suggest underreporting. There is a need to further promote awareness of the disease among individuals, family members, and health care providers.

Successful ageing or resilient ageing: perceptions from elderly Chinese in Hawai’i

Zhang, W., Lacanienta, J., Liu, S., & Wu, B. (2018). China Journal of Social Work, 11(3), 236-245. 10.1080/17525098.2018.1550863
Abstract
Abstract
Increasing studies document the discrepancy between scholarly criteria of successful ageing versus subjective perceptions of successful ageing among older adults. To address this gap, this study aims to examine the lay perceptions of successful ageing among elderly Chinese in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Qualitative data were collected from two focus groups to examine respondents’ perceptions of successful ageing. Many interesting themes relevant to successful ageing emerged from the focus group discussions, including but not limited to: (a) “laughter” and the related concepts of happiness and joy; (b) social engagement; (c) good eating habits; (d) the dependence and independence dilemma; and (e) Hawai’i’s natural environment. Findings suggest that elderly Chinese in Hawai’i have unique perceptions of successful ageing that go beyond the traditional biomedical dimension to include more psychosocial, resilient and environmental components. This indicates a cultural variation of successful ageing.

Technology-Based Cognitive Training and Rehabilitation Interventions for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

Ge, S., Zheng, Z., Wu, B., & McConnell, E. S. (2018). BMC Geriatrics, 18(1). 10.1186/s12877-018-0893-1
Abstract
Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at heightened risk of developing dementia. Rapid advances in computing technology have enabled researchers to conduct cognitive training and rehabilitation interventions with the assistance of technology. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of technology-based cognitive training or rehabilitation interventions to improve cognitive function among individuals with MCI.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review using the following criteria: individuals with MCI, empirical studies, and evaluated a technology-based cognitive training or rehabilitation intervention. Twenty-six articles met the criteria.ResultsStudies were characterized by considerable variation in study design, intervention content, and technologies applied. The major types of technologies applied included computerized software, tablets, gaming consoles, and virtual reality. Use of technology to adjust the difficulties of tasks based on participants’ performance was an important feature. Technology-based cognitive training and rehabilitation interventions had significant effect on global cognitive function in 8 out of 22 studies; 8 out of 18 studies found positive effects on attention, 9 out of 16 studies on executive function, and 16 out of 19 studies on memory. Some cognitive interventions improved non-cognitive symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and ADLs.ConclusionTechnology-based cognitive training and rehabilitation interventions show promise, but the findings were inconsistent due to the variations in study design. Future studies should consider using more consistent methodologies. Appropriate control groups should be designed to understand the additional benefits of cognitive training and rehabilitation delivered with the assistance of technology.

Trends in annual dental visits among US dentate adults with and without self-reported diabetes and prediabetes, 2004-2014

Luo, H., Bell, R. A., Wright, W., Wu, Q., & Wu, B. (2018). Journal of the American Dental Association, 149(6), 460-469. 10.1016/j.adaj.2018.01.008
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The authors assessed the trends of annual dental visits in dentate adults with diabetes or prediabetes or no diabetes, and assessed whether the racial and ethnic disparities in dental visits changed from 2004 through 2014. Methods: Data for this analysis came from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a US health survey that looks at behavioral risk factors that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in cooperation with state health departments. Respondents indicated whether they had a dental visit in the past 12 months. Weighted proportions were calculated for annual dental visits in adults by diabetes status, and trends were assessed by racial and ethnic groups. Results: From 2004 through 2014, the proportion of annual dental visits declined from 66.1% to 61.4% (trend P =.02) in the diabetes group, 71.9% to 66.5% (trend P =.01) in the no diabetes group, and 66.0% to 64.9% (trend P =.33) in the prediabetes group. Age, income, and health insurance were moderators of the association between diabetes status and dental visits. Overall, the racial and ethnic disparity in dental visits did not change significantly during the period. Conclusions: Dental visits and services were less frequent in people with diabetes and prediabetes. Racial and ethnic disparities in use of dental services persisted during the observed period. Practical Implications: All patients, especially those with diabetes, are encouraged to visit a dentist at least annually. It is important for health care providers, such as primary care physicians and dental care and public health professionals, to make concerted efforts to promote oral health care in diabetes management. Improving access to dental services is vital to achieving this goal.