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

Are expectations for community mental health increasing among older adults in China?

Olesiuk, W. J., & Wu, B. (2017). Psychological Services, 14(3), 397-402. 10.1037/ser0000084
Abstract
Abstract
In recent years, the Chinese government began expanding access to social services to older adults. This study examined whether older adults have increasing expectations that psychological consulting services will be provided by their communities. We analyzed the responses of participants in a prospective cohort study at 2 time points: 2005 and 2008. We utilized logistic regression with survey weights to determine whether there were any changes in attitudes toward community mental health services during the study period, and to determine the correlates of this change. The study participants had a higher expectation that their government would provide psychological consulting services in 2008 than 2005. The multiple logistic regressions conducted indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship between expectations for community-provided psychological consulting services and being a rural resident (odds ratio [OR] = 0.553, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.353, 0.865]), change in gross regional product per capita (OR = 0.967, 95% CI [0.937, 0.997]), the interaction of those 2 variables (OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.03, 1.11]), and increase in psychological well-being (OR = 0.971, 95% CI [0.954, 0.988]). Our study highlights the role that economic development can play in changing attitudes toward communityprovided psychological consulting services. It suggests that as economic development occurs, expectations for local communities to provide mental health services will increase.

Are expectations for community mental health services increasing among older adults in China?

Olesiuk, W., & Wu, B. (2017). Psychological Services.

Association between migration and cognitive status among middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review

Xu, H., Zhang, Y., & Wu, B. (2017). BMC Geriatrics, 17(1). 10.1186/s12877-017-0585-2
Abstract
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to synthesize the current literature examining the association between migration and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: We used the PRISMA as a guideline for this systematic review and searched the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Global Health. Results: Twenty-five published studies were included. Twenty-two studies were focused on international migrants, while only 3 studied internal migrants. Fourteen studies were conducted in the United States, followed by UK (n = 2), Israel (n = 2), India (n = 2) and other countries like Canada and Australia. Some studies showed that middle-aged and older migrants demonstrated poorer cognitive function comparing to non-migrants in hosting places; while other studies indicated no association between migration and cognitive function. A higher level of acculturation was associated with better performance on cognitive function tests among migrants. Conclusion: It is unclear how or whether migration and cognitive function are related. The quality of current literature suffered from methodological deficiencies. Additional research is needed to examine the linkages using more comprehensive measures of migration and cognitive function.

Association between tooth loss and cognitive decline: A 13-year longitudinal study of Chinese older adults

Li, J., Xu, H., Pan, W., & Wu, B. (2017). PloS One, 12(2). 10.1371/journal.pone.0171404
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives To examine the association between the number of teeth remaining and cognitive decline among Chinese older adults over a 13-year period. Design A large national longitudinal survey of Chinese older adults Setting The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) (1998-2011). Participants A total of 8,153 eligible participants aged 60+ interviewed in up to six waves. Measurements Cognitive function and teeth number were measured at each interview. Cognitive function was measured by the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Number of natural teeth was self-reported. Individuals with severe cognitive impairment were excluded. Covariates included demographic characteristics, adult socioeconomic status characteristics, childhood socioeconomic status, health conditions, and health behaviors. Linear mixed models were applied in the analysis. Results The mean teeth number at baseline was 17.5(SD = 0.1), and the mean of baseline cognitive function was 27.3(SD = 0.0). Cognitive function declined over time (β = -0.19, P < .001) after controlling covariates. But, regardless of time, more teeth were associated with better cognitive function (β = 0.01, P < .001). The interaction of teeth number and time was significant (β = 0.01, P < .001), suggesting that the participants who had more teeth showed a slower pace of cognitive decline over time than those with fewer teeth after controlling for other covariates. Conclusion This study showed that tooth loss was associated with cognitive decline among Chinese older adults. Further studies are needed to examine the linkages between cognitive decline and oral health status using clinical examination data.

Change of cognitive function in U.S. Chinese older adults: A population-based study

Li, L. W., Ding, D., Wu, B., & Dong, X. Q. (2017). Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 72, S5-S10. 10.1093/gerona/glx004
Abstract
Abstract
Background: This study aims to assess cognitive change in a 2-year period among U.S. Chinese older adults and examine sociodemographic characteristics associated with the change. Methods: Data were from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) in which 2,713 participants (aged 60 and older) received in-home interviews at both the baseline and 2-year follow-up. A battery of cognitive tests that assessed episodic memory, working memory, perceptual speed, and overall cognitive status were administered in both times. A composite global cognition was constructed using all tests. Mixed-effect regression was conducted. Results: Older age was associated with worse baseline cognition (ie, in all cognitive abilities) and faster decline in global cognition, episodic memory, and perceptual speed—rates of decline increased by .006, .004, and .009 standard score units, respectively, for each year older. More education was associated with better baseline cognition, but each year of additional schooling increased rates of decline in global cognition and episodic memory by .004 and .012 standard score units, respectively. Men performed better than women in most cognitive abilities at baseline but had faster rates of decline in working memory. Higher income was associated with better cognition at baseline and reduced rates of decline in working memory. Conclusions: Findings suggest differences in the rates of cognitive change by age, sex, education, and income. Those in advancing age are vulnerable to cognitive decline. The effects of education and sex on baseline performance versus change suggest a role for life experiences in cognition.

Domestic helpers as frontline workers in China’s home-based elder care: A systematic review

Wang, J., & Wu, B. (2017). Journal of Women and Aging, 29(4), 294-305. 10.1080/08952841.2016.1187536
Abstract
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of the existing empirical studies focusing on Chinese domestic helpers in mainland China and foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong who provide care for community-dwelling older adults. There are very limited studies specifically focusing on this population. The findings synthesized domestic helpers’ characteristics, acknowledged their contributions to elder care in China, and showed multiple challenges facing them, such as issues related to their physical health and emotional well-being, lack of legal rights protection, difficulties of adapting life in the host city, lack of training, and risk of abuse and sexual harassment. Our findings support the need for developing training and educational programs about legal rights protection and cultural competency for domestic helpers and the need to promote domestic helpers’ access to health care and social welfare and opportunities for career advancement, and provide respectful working conditions.

Factors associated with consumption of alcohol in older adults - A comparison between two cultures, China and Norway: The CLHLS and the HUNT-study

Li, J., Wu, B., Selbæk, G., Krokstad, S., & Helvik, A. S. (2017). BMC Geriatrics, 17(1). 10.1186/s12877-017-0562-9
Abstract
Abstract
Background: There is little knowledge about the consumption of alcohol among Chinese and Norwegian older adults aged 65 years and over. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors related to alcohol consumption among older adults in China and Norway. Methods: The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) data in 2008-2009 conducted in China and The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study data in 2006-2008 (HUNT3) conducted in Norway were used. Mulitvariable logistic regression was used to test the factors related to alcohol consumption. Results: The prevalence of participants who drink alcohol in the Chinese and Norwegian sample were 19.88% and 46.2%, respectively. The weighted prevalence of participants with consumption of alcohol in the Chinese sample of women and men were 7.20% and 34.14%, respectively. In the Norwegian sample, the prevalence of consumption of alcohol were 43.31% and 65.35% for women and men, respectively. Factors such as younger age, higher level of education, living in urban areas, living with spouse or partner, and better health status were related to higher likelihood of alcohol consumption among Norwegian older women and men; while reported better health status and poorer life satisfaction were related to higher likelihood of alcohol consumption among Chinese. In addition, rural males and older females with higher level of education were more likely to consume alcohol. Conclusion: The alcohol consumption patterns were quite different between China and Norway. Besides economic development levels and cultures in the two different countries, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, overall health status, and life satisfaction were associated with alcohol consumption as well.

The impact of residential status on cognitive decline among older adults in China: Results from a longitudinal study

Xu, H., Dupre, M. E., Gu, D., & Wu, B. (2017). BMC Geriatrics, 17(1). 10.1186/s12877-017-0501-9
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Residential status has been linked to numerous determinants of health and well-being. However, the influence of residential status on cognitive decline remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to assess the changes of cognitive function among older adults with different residential status (urban residents, rural-to-urban residents, rural residents, and urban-to-rural residents), over a 12-year period. Methods: We used five waves of data (2002, 2005, 2008/2009, 2011/2012, and 2014) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with 17,333 older adults age 65 and over who were interviewed up to five times. Cognitive function was measured by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Multilevel models were used regarding the effects of residential status after adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, family support, health behaviors, and health status. Results: After controlling for covariates, significant differences in cognitive function were found across the four groups: rural-to-urban and rural residents had a higher level of cognition than urban residents at baseline. On average, cognitive function decreased over the course of the study period. Rural-to-urban and rural residents demonstrated a faster decline in cognitive function than urban residents. Conclusions: This study suggests that residential status has an impact on the rate of changes in cognition among older adults in China. Results from this study provide directions for future research that addresses health disparities, particularly in countries that are undergoing significant socioeconomic transitions.

Persistent use of psychotropic drugs in nursing home residents in Norway

Helvik, A. S., Šaltytė Benth, J., Wu, B., Engedal, K., & Selbæk, G. (2017). BMC Geriatrics, 17(1). 10.1186/s12877-017-0440-5
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of psychotropic drug (PTD) use in NH residents is high, but few have explored prevalence and persistency in PTD in NH residents and factors associated with persistency. This at the same time as we know that risk of side events may be higher with long- term use in older adults. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and persistence in use of PTD and to explore factors associated with persistence in use of PTD at two consecutive time points in nursing home (NH) residents. Methods: We included 1163 NH residents in a 72-month longitudinal study with five assessments. Use of PTD, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), severity of dementia and physical health were assessed each time. Results: The prevalence over time and persistent use of antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedatives at two consecutive time points were high in residents with and without dementia. There was an association between greater NPS at the first time point, and persistent use of these drugs, but changes in NPS between time points, did not explain such use. A longer NH stay increased the odds for persistent use of antipsychotics. Conclusion: Psychotropic drugs are frequently used as a long-term treatment among NH residents and are associated with severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms, but not with severity of dementia. Closer attention should be paid to follow-up of psychotropic drug treatment, and especially for long -term use of antipsychotics, since the duration of such treatment should be as short as possible.

Self-awareness of "gum Disease" among US Adults

Luo, H., & Wu, B. (2017). Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 23(2), e1-e7. 10.1097/PHH.0000000000000408
Abstract
Abstract
Background: To assess the extent of self-awareness of gum disease among adults in the United States. Methods: Data were from the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The outcome variable is self-awareness of gum disease. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between self-awareness and clinically diagnosed periodontitis. The analytical sample included 6876 participants. Results: Among those participants (30 years or older) who were classified as having periodontitis, 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.4-29.8) were self-aware of the disease (positive predicted value = 25%). Of those who self-reported having gum disease, 14.1% had a diagnosis of periodontitis (sensitivity = 75%). Older adults were less likely to be aware of gum disease (P <.05). Non-Hispanic blacks (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.53-0.85) were less likely to be aware of the disease than non-Hispanic whites. Adults with diabetes (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.25-2.06), or with lung disease (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.25-2.08), or current smokers (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.29-2.31) were more likely to be aware of the disease. Conclusion: The study showed that self-awareness of gum disease among adults was low. Our study findings suggest that there is a great need to improve oral health knowledge and awareness among the adult population in the United States.