Abstract

Background There is increasing evidence of the association between lifestyle factors and dementia risk and it is important to know about peoples’ levels of motivation and willingness to change their lifestyle to potentially reduce their dementia risk. This presentation will show preliminary findings of an ongoing study aimed at investigating motivation and willingness to change lifestyle for potential dementia risk reduction in people aged 50+ in the UK. Methods A national online survey was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample of 1,988 people aged 50+ without dementia (2017-2018). The variables of interest were: demographics; current lifestyle/health status; motivation to change lifestyle (MCLHB-DRR scale); and willingness to change lifestyle (1-5 Likert questions based on the current lifestyle, e.g. if smoker, it was asked how much he/she would be willing to stop smoking). Descriptive and associative statistics for gender and age (chi-square) were used. Results Participants were mostly females (72%), mean age 61 (SD=9; range=50-91), white British (96%), with excellent or very good self-rated health (61%). Approximately 4% smoked and of these 43% said they were willing to stop; 74% drank alcohol at least 2x/month and 74% were willing to reduce; 77% were physically active and 73% were willing to improve; 90% reported healthy diets and 84% were willing to improve; 81% were willing to lose weight. Women were more willing to lose weight, stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake and have a healthier diet. Older people were less willing to reduce alcohol intake or adopt a healthier diet than middle-aged adults. Overall, positive motivation levels were found in the total sample. Women had better cues to action, perceived severity and perceived susceptibility. Perceived benefits and cues to action decreased with age. Perceived barriers increased with age. Conclusions Males and older adults were less motivated and less willing to change lifestyle to potentially reduce dementia risk. This survey investigated generally healthy people who are mostly willing and motivated to reduce dementia risk. We are currently completing the recruitment of participants and carrying out further analyses. Implications to research and clinical practice will be discussed in relation to current policies and literature on dementia risk reduction.