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

Social support, social strain, and cognitive function among community-dwelling U.S. Chinese older adults

Ge, S., Wu, B., Bailey, D. E., & Dong, X. Q. (2017). Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 72, S16-S21. 10.1093/gerona/glw221

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Limited research is available on the relationship between social support, social strain, and cognitive function among community-dwelling U.S. Chinese older adults. This study aims to examine the associations between social support/strain and cognitive outcomes. Methods: Data were drawn from the Population-Based Study of Chinese Elderly (N = 3,159). Cognitive function was measured by a battery of tests including the East Boston Memory Test, the Digit Span Backwards assessment, and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Social support and strain were measured by the scales drawn from the Health and Retirement study. Multiple regression analyses were conducted. Results: Social support was significantly associated with global cognitive function (β = .11, SE = .02, p < .001), episodic memory (β = .11, SE = .03, p < .001), working memory (β = .18, SE = .08, p < .05), and executive function (β = 1.44, SE = .37, p < .001). Social strain was significantly associated with global cognitive function (β = .23, SE = .05, p < .001), episodic memory (β = .27, SE = .07, p < .001), working memory (β = .34, SE = .17, p < .05), and executive function (β = 2.75, SE = .85, p < .01). In terms of sources of social support/strain, higher support from friends was significantly associated with higher global cognitive function (β = .04, SE = .02, p < .05), higher episodic memory (β = .05, SE = .02, p < .05), and higher executive function (β = .71, SE = .29, p < .05). Higher strain from spouse was significantly associated with higher global cognitive function (β = .10, SE = .03, p < .01), higher episodic memory (β = .11, SE = .04, p < .01), and higher executive function (β = 1.28, SE = .49, p < .01). Higher strain from friends was significantly associated with higher executive function (β = 3.59, SE = 1.17, p < .01). Conclusions: Social support and strain were associated with cognitive outcomes. Future longitudinal studies should be conducted.

Validating a Scale of Health Beliefs in Preventive Health Screenings Among Chinese Older Adults

Xu, H., Straughan, P., Pan, W., Zhen, Z., & Wu, B. (2017). Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 28(5), 464-472. 10.1177/1043659616661392

Abstract

Abstract

We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a modified 16-item Attitudinal Index (AI), a measure of Chinese older adults’ beliefs about preventive health screenings. We used the 2013 Shanghai Elderly Life and Opinion data including 3,418 respondents age 60+ who were randomly split into training and validation samples. We examined the validity and reliability of the modified AI. Psychometric evaluation of the modified AI revealed good response patterns. The overall scale had good reliability (Cronbach’s α =.835). Exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors: barriers, fatalism, unnecessary, and detects (Cronbach’s α =.815-.908). Confirmatory factor analysis of the modified AI’s factor structure verified its four-factor structure (comparative fit index = 0.913, standardized root mean square residual = 0.048). The validity and reliability of the modified AI support its cultural appropriateness in measuring health beliefs among Chinese elderly. Further psychometric evaluation should focus on testing concurrent and criterion validity.

Acculturation and Dental Service Use Among Asian Immigrants in the U.S

Luo, H., & Wu, B. (2016). American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 51(6), 939-946. 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.07.041

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction The objective of this study was to assess dental service utilization across different Asian immigrant groups and to examine the relationship between acculturation and dental service utilization among Asian immigrants in the U.S. Methods Data were from the 2013 and 2014 National Health Interview Surveys. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between acculturation and having a dental visit in the previous 12 months, controlling for predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Acculturation was measured by length of stay in the U.S., English language proficiency, and U.S. citizenship. The sample was 2,948 adult Asian immigrants who were dentate. Data were analyzed in 2016. Results Dental service utilization varied across Asian immigrant groups. High English proficiency and longer length of stay were significantly associated with having a dental visit (p<0.05). In the final model, after adding enabling factors—dental insurance and family income levels—length of stay in the U.S. (≥5 years) remained significant, whereas English language proficiency was not a significant correlate of having a dental visit. Conclusions Length of stay in the U.S. is a significant factor affecting dental service utilization among Asian immigrants.

Association between Oral Health and Cognitive Status: A Systematic Review

Wu, B., Fillenbaum, G. G., Plassman, B. L., & Guo, L. (2016). Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 64(4), 739-751. 10.1111/jgs.14036

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives To systematically review longitudinal studies examining the association between oral health and cognitive decline. Design Studies published between January 1993 and March 2013 were identified by search of English language publications in PubMed/Medline using relevant Medical Subject Heading terms and title and abstract keywords and from CINAHL using relevant subject headings. After applying eligibility criteria and adding four studies identified from article references, 56 of the 1,412 articles identified remained; 40 were cross-sectional, and 16 were longitudinal; 11 of the latter examined the effect of oral health on change in cognitive health or dementia incidence, five examined the reverse. Setting Sources of information included administrative data, subject evaluations in parent studies, medical and dental records, self-reports, and in-person evaluations. Participants Older adults. Measurements Most studies used subjects whose oral or cognitive status was known, using standard approaches to impute for missing information. The oral health information most frequently studied included number of teeth, periodontal and caries problems, and denture use. Cognition was most frequently evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination or according to a diagnosis of dementia. Results Some studies found that oral health measures such as number of teeth and periodontal disease were associated with risk of cognitive decline or incident dementia, whereas others did not find an association. Similarly, cognitive decline was not consistently associated with greater loss of teeth or number of decayed teeth. It is likely that methodological limitations play a major role in explaining the inconsistent findings. Conclusion It is unclear how or whether oral health and cognitive status are related. Additional research is needed in which there is greater agreement on how oral health and cognitive states are assessed to better examine the linkages between these two health outcomes.

Determinants of Health

Wu, B., Rong, Q., & Li, R. (2016). In M. Ren & Y. Liu (Eds.), Introduction to Global Health (1–). People’s Medical Publishing House.

Experience of older adults adapting to residential life in long-term care (LTC) facilities in China

Wang, J., Wang, J., Cao, Y., Jia, S., & Wu, B. (2016). Journal of Geriatric Nursing, 42(8), 34-43.

Health in Special Population

Qian, X., Wu, B., & Wu, M. (2016). In M. Ren & Y. Liu (Eds.), Introduction to Global Health (1–). People’s Medical Publishing House.

Older residents' perspectives of long-term care facilities in China

Wang, J., Wang, J., Cao, Y., Jia, S., & Wu, B. (2016). Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(8), 34-43. 10.3928/00989134-20160615-05

Abstract

Abstract

China's formal long-term care (LTC) system is in its developmental stage due to lack of standardized health assessments for resident admission, limited government funding, an acute shortage of qualified staffat all levels, and regional disparities in quality of care. Relocation to LTC facilities changes the lives of older adults because they have to leave behind their homes and previous social networks. The current study aimed to provide an in-depth exploration of 25 older adult residents' lives in four LTC facilities in China. A conventional content analysis approach was used to interpret participant interviews. Residents experienced losses and gains from residential life. Three themes emerged: (a) influences of cultural beliefs, (b) basic care needs fulfilled in LTC facilities, and (c) lack of quality care in LTC facilities. Findings show that residents' basic needs were met in Chinese LTC facilities, but there is room for improvement in delivering quality care.

Self-reported diabetes education among Chinese middle-aged and older adults with diabetes

Xu, H., Luo, J., & Wu, B. (2016). Journal of Global Health, 6(2). 10.7189/jogh.06.020402

Abstract

Abstract

Background To compare self-reported diabetes education among Chinese middle-aged and older adults with diabetes in three population groups: urban residents, migrants in urban settings, and rural residents. Methods We used data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The sample included 993 participants age 45 and older who reported having diabetes diagnosed from a health professional. We performed multilevel regressions to examine the associations between characteristics and different aspects of diabetes education received. Findings Our study shows that 20.24% of the participants received no diabetes education at all. Among those who received information, 46.82% of respondents with diabetes received weight control advice from a health care provider, 90.97% received advice on exercise, 60.37% received diet advice, 35.12% were spoken to smoking control, and only 17.89% of persons were informed of foot care. After controlling socioeconomic factors, life style, number of comorbidities and community factors, we found that compared with migrant population and rural residents, urban residents were more likely to receive diabetes education on diet. Urban residents were also more likely to obtain diabetes education and more aspects of diabetes education in comparison with migrants and rural residents. Conclusions Our study suggests diabetes education is a serious concern in China, and a significant proportion of the participants did not receive advice on smoking control and foot care. Rural residents and migrants from rural areas received much less diabetes education compared with urban residents. Efforts to improve diabetes education are urgently needed in China.

Severity of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Nursing Home Residents

Helvik, A. S., Engedal, K., Wu, B., Benth, J. Šaltyte, Corazzini, K., Røen, I., & Selbæk, G. (2016). Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra, 6(1), 28-42. 10.1159/000442250

Abstract

Abstract

We aimed at assessing time shift in the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in nursing home residents between 2004/2005 and 2010/2011 and associations between NPS and socio-demographic variables, physical health status, dementia severity, and the use of psychotropic drugs. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home Version was used in 2004/2005 (n = 1,163) and 2010/2011 (n = 1,858). Linear mixed model analysis was applied. There was no time shift in the severity of apathy, psychosis, and affective symptoms, but agitation did exhibit a time shift. Agitation was less severe in 2010/2011 than in 2004/2005 in residents with a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) sum of boxes score ≤4, and more severe in residents with a CDR sum of boxes score >16. Higher CDR sum of boxes scores and use of psychotropic medication were associated with more severe apathy, agitation, psychosis, and affective symptoms. Poor physical health was associated with more severe apathy, psychosis, and affective symptoms. Women had more severe agitation and less severe affective symptoms than men. A longer stay in a nursing home was associated with more severe agitation and less severe affective symptoms. In conclusion, agitation was less severe in 2010/2011 than in 2004/2005 among nursing home residents with a milder degree of dementia, and more severe in residents with severe dementia.