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

Social Isolation and Cognitive Function in Appalachian Older Adults

DiNapoli, E. A., Wu, B., & Scogin, F. (2014). Research on Aging, 36(2), 161-179. 10.1177/0164027512470704
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Investigating the relation between social isolation and cognitive function will allow us to identify components to incorporate into cognitive interventions. Method: Data were collected from 267 Appalachian older adults (M = 78.5, range 70-94 years). Overall cognitive functioning and specific cognitive domains were assessed from data of a self-assembled neuropsychological battery of frequently used tasks. Social isolation, social disconnectedness, and perceived isolation were measured from the Lubben Social Network scale-6. Results: Results indicated a significant positive association between all predictor variables (e.g., social isolation, social disconnectedness, and perceived isolation) and outcome variables (e.g., overall cognitive function, memory, executive functioning, attention, and language abilities). Perceived isolation accounted for nearly double the amount of variance in overall cognitive functioning than social disconnectedness (10.2% vs. 5.7%). Discussion: Findings suggest that social isolation is associated with poorer overall cognitive functioning and this remains true across varied cognitive domains.

Social stratification and tooth loss among middle-aged and older Americans from 1988 to 2004

Wu, B., Hybels, C., Liang, J., Landerman, L., & Plassman, B. (2014). Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 42(6), 495-502. 10.1111/cdoe.12116
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: Tooth retention has improved over the past few decades, but it is not known whether these trends have been observed across all demographic/socioeconomic subgroups. We examined number of missing teeth among dentate individuals (n = 9, 113) as well as edentulism and systematically modeled their trends over time by using clinical examination data. Methods: We investigated the association between social stratification and trends in tooth retention among adults ages 50+ from 1988 to 2004, using four waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) (n = 11 812). Results: The prevalence of edentulism declined from 24.6% in NHANES III (1988-1994) to 17.4% in 2003-2004, and the mean number of missing teeth declined from 8.19 to 6.50. Older participants, Blacks, the less educated and those with lower income were higher on both edentulism and number missing teeth. Both edentulism and number of missing teeth declined over time, but their patterns varied. For edentulism, age and socioeconomic related disparities decreased over time due to more decline among older and low-income participants. For missing teeth, there was less decrement among older and low-income participants, resulting in increased age and socioeconomic related disparities. Conclusions: Our study found disparities in trends of tooth loss across demographic/socioeconomic strata. Findings suggest that racial/ethnic disparities are partially explained by socioeconomic status. Interventions designed to improve oral health for older adults, particularly those with low levels of income, need special attention.

Social stratification, oral hygiene, and trajectories of dental caries among old americans

Liang, J., Wu, B., Plassman, B., Bennett, J. M., & Beck, J. (2014). Journal of Aging and Health, 26(6), 900-923. 10.1177/0898264314534891
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: This study analyzed how oral hygiene (i.e., brushing, rinsing, and flossing) influences the trajectories of dental caries (i.e., numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth) among older Americans within the context of social stratification. Method: Data came from Piedmont Dental Study that involved a sample of 810 older Americans who were dentate in 1988 with up to four repeated observations through 1994. Hierarchical linear models were used for data analysis. Results: Brushing, flossing, and rinsing were associated with the trajectories of dental caries in distinct ways. In addition, oral hygiene was correlated with race, education, household income, and use of dental care. The effects of brushing and flossing on decayed and missing teeth remained robust, even when socio-demographic and health attributes were controlled. Conversely, socioeconomic disparities in dental caries persisted, when oral hygiene was adjusted. Discussion: Both social stratification and oral hygiene need to be considered in promoting oral health.

Staff characteristics and care in Chinese nursing homes: A systematic literature review

Song, Y., Anderson, R. A., Corazzini, K. N., & Wu, B. (2014). International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 1(4), 423-436. 10.1016/j.ijnss.2014.10.003
Abstract
Abstract
The need for institutional long-term care (LTC) services, including nursing homes (NHs), is increasing in Mainland China in part due to the aging population and changing family structures. In developing NH staff training programs, a review is needed to synthesize knowledge about staff and resident characteristics, and care provided in NHs. This systematic review aims to describe, in Chinese NHs, 1) NH staff characteristics and the care they provide, 2) resident characteristics and care needs, and 3) the role of family members. The 45 articles included in this review covered both urban and rural areas of Mainland China. We found that staff in Chinese NHs were older and had lower education levels in comparison with those in western countries. Most direct caregivers in urban areas were migratory workers from rural area. Chinese NHs had few qualification standards for staff preparation for their roles in NHs. Also, functional levels of residents in Chinese NHs were higher compared to NH residents in western countries. In addition, family members played important roles in caring for NH residents. These findings suggest a need for staff development programs that tailor for lower educated NH staff and care needs of residents with widely varying levels in function from independent to bedbound in Mainland China. The findings also suggest that staff qualification standards require critically policy development to improve the capacity of Chinese NHs to provide competent and safe care.

Tooth loss in appalachia and the mississippi delta relative to other regions in the united states 1999-2010

Gorsuch, M. M., Sanders, S. G., & Wu, B. (2014). American Journal of Public Health, 104(5), e85-e91. 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301641
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives. We examined regional variation in tooth loss in the United States from 1999 to 2010. Methods. We used 6 waves of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and data on county characteristics to describe regional trends in tooth loss and decompose diverging trends into the parts explained by individual and county components. Results. Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta had higher levels of tooth loss than the rest of the country in 1999. From 1999 to 2010, tooth loss declined in the United States. However, Appalachia did not converge toward the US average, and the Mississippi Delta worsened relative to the United States. Socioeconomic status explained the largest portion of differences between regions in 1999, but a smaller portion of the trends. The Mississippi Delta is aging more quickly than the rest of the country, which explains 17% of the disparity in the time trend. Conclusions. The disadvantage in tooth loss is persistent in Appalachia and growing in the Mississippi Delta. The increasing disparity is partly explained by changes in the age structure but is also associated with behavioral and environmental factors.

Treatment with traditional Chinese medicine for chronic conditions: Findings from Hubei, China

Yi, C., Boyd, D., Coeytaux, R. R., Ostbye, T., Wu, B., & Mao, Z. (2014). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(1), 40-45.

Beliefs and communication practices regarding cognitive functioning among consumers and primary care providers in the United States, 2009

Friedman, D. B., Rose, I. D., Anderson, L. A., Hunter, R., Bryant, L. L., Wu, B., Deokar, A. J., & Tseng, W. (2013). Preventing Chronic Disease, 10(4), 1-13. 10.5888/pcd10.120249
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction Limited research has examined primary care providers' communication with patients about maintaining cognitive functioning. Our study's objective was to compare the perceptions of consumers and primary care providers related to beliefs and communication practices about lifestyle behaviors beneficial for overall health and for maintaining cognitive functioning. Methods In 2009, we submitted 10 questions to Porter Novelli's HealthStyles survey and 6 questions to their DocStyles survey. We compared consumers' (n = 4,728) and providers' (n = 1,250) beliefs, practices, and information sources related to maintaining health and cognitive functioning. We made comparisons using nonparametric statistics. Results Approximately 76% of consumers considered their health to be good or very good; 73.4% were concerned or very concerned about the possibility that their memory may worsen with age. Women were significantly more concerned than men, and white consumers were more concerned than black and Hispanic consumers. Consumers reported they believed that intellectual stimulation (86.6%), physical activity (82.6%), and healthful diet (82.5%) prevented or delayed cognitive impairment. Providers reported advising patients to reduce cognitive impairment riskthrough physical activity (85.9%), intellectual stimulation (80.3%), and social involvement (67.4%). Few consumers (7.8%) reported receiving this information from providers but reported learning about strategies to maintain memory, primarily from television (50.1%), magazines (44.1%), and newspapers(33.7%). Conclusion Providers reported advising patients about how to reduce risks of cognitive impairment. Consumers reported receiving this information from other sources. Findings suggest a need to examine and assess mediamessages and to better understand patient-provider communication about cognitive functioning.

Caregivers in China: Knowledge of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Dai, B., Mao, Z., Mei, J., Levkoff, S., Wang, H., Pacheco, M., & Wu, B. (2013). PloS One, 8(1). 10.1371/journal.pone.0053928
Abstract
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the experience and knowledge of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Chinese family caregivers of individuals with MCI. The sample was recruited from memory clinics in Zhongnan Hospital in Wuhan, China. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used. Thirteen family members of individuals diagnosed with MCI participated in the study. Data analysis revealed three themes: 1) initial recognition of cognitive decline; 2) experience of the diagnosis of MCI; 3) perception of cognitive decline as a normal part of aging. While family members recognized the serious consequences of memory loss (e.g. getting lost), they would typically not take their family members to see a doctor until something specific triggered their access to the medical care system. The Chinese traditional perception of dementia as part of normal aging may serve to lessen the stigma of individuals with MCI, while the term "laonian chidai" which literally translates to "stupid, demented elderly" may exacerbate the stigma associated with individuals with MCI. It is suggested that family members' worries may be relieved by improving their access to accurate knowledge of the disease, community-based and institutional care services, and culturally appropriately words are needed for MCI.

Cognitive function and oral health-related quality of life in older adults

Lee, K. H., Wu, B., & Plassman, B. L. (2013). Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 61(9), 1602-1607. 10.1111/jgs.12402
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives To examine the relationship between cognitive function and self-reported oral health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Community in West Virginia. Participants Two hundred twenty-six community-dwelling older adults. Measurements Oral HRQoL was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) (range 12-60), and cognitive function was assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Dental professionals performed oral health examinations. Results Participants with normal cognitive function had higher GOHAI total scores (mean 55.1), indicating better oral HRQoL, than participants with cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND) (mean 52.3) and mild dementia (mean 51.0). The difference remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic, health status, comorbidity, and clinical dental status covariates. Conclusion Oral HRQoL, as measured using the GOHAI, was better in participants with normal cognitive function than in those with CIND of mild dementia in the population studied.

Experiences and concerns of family caregivers providing support to people with dementia: A cross-cultural perspective

Ivey, S. L., Laditka, S. B., Price, A. E., Tseng, W., Beard, R. L., Liu, R., Fetterman, D., Wu, B., & Logsdon, R. G. (2013). Dementia, 12(6), 806-820. 10.1177/1471301212446872
Abstract
Abstract
We examined experiences and concerns among caregivers of community-dwelling people with dementia from two ethnic groups. We conducted a thematic analysis of responses to the question, 'What is your life like as a caregiver?' in nine focus groups (n = 75) with Filipino and non-Hispanic White caregivers. Constant comparison methods identified themes by ethnicity. Experiences and concerns expressed across groups were related to care recipient symptoms commonly associated with dementia, including severe memory loss and behavioral changes. Participants in both ethnic groups described strategies that help them cope, such as receiving help from family and friends, receiving respite support, and participating in support groups. Filipino caregivers more often emphasized positive aspects of caregiving, whereas Whites often expressed that others do not understand the daily experiences of caregiving. Filipinos more commonly described caregivers as a 'good person' or 'saint' and emphasized that caregiving made them stronger.