HOW WILL I EVER KNOW I DIDN’T BRING IT ON MYSELF?: PERCEIVED PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN DEMENTIA RISK
2024

Understanding Personal Responsibility in Dementia Risk

Sample size: 50 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Peckham Allie, Maxfield Molly, James Dara

Primary Institution: Arizona State University

Hypothesis

How do community dwelling middle-aged and older adults perceive lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing dementia risk?

Conclusion

Participants felt a sense of personal responsibility for engaging in lifestyle interventions to lower their chances of dementia.

Supporting Evidence

  • 23 participants discussed dementia risk.
  • 13 participants felt a degree of personal responsibility for their dementia risk.
  • 4 participants believed they had personal responsibility and control and actively engaged in lifestyle interventions.
  • 9 participants engaged in lifestyle interventions to find comfort in potential dementia diagnosis.

Takeaway

The study found that many older adults believe they can control their risk of dementia through lifestyle choices, but this can also lead to stigma for those diagnosed with dementia.

Methodology

Secondary framework analysis of 50 semi-structured interviews.

Limitations

The study may not fully capture the perspectives of all individuals affected by dementia due to its focus on community dwelling adults.

Participant Demographics

Community dwelling middle-aged and older adults.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1135

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