Identification of Demographic Variables Influencing Dementia Literacy and Risk Perception Through a Global Survey

Abstract

Dementia literacy is important for risk mitigation and preventative strategies before disease onset. The aim of our study was to investigate dementia literacy and how demographic characteristics influence these perceptions in order to provide evidence for how dementia-centered public health initiatives should structure their focus. We conducted a globally administered online survey, through Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk). Survey items evaluated: (1) personal perception on the preventability of dementia, and (2) risk awareness of lifestyle factors. Differences in risk scoring between the 598 respondents were compared using Kruskal-Wallis testing factored by demographic categorizations. Most of the sample demonstrated understanding that lifestyle factors contribute some risk toward dementia, though these risk scores were generally low. Differences in risk scoring varied by demographic characteristics. Women, older adults, those with non-post-secondary attainment, below average income, and White background tended to report lower risk scores. Public health education and initiatives for dementia prevention should focus on lifestyle risk factors, in addition to considering the barriers related to the demographic factors identified that may prevent populations from accessing programs and information.

Sociodemographic Associations of Dementia Literacy in Older Australians

“…In contrast to prior research, our study found minimal associations between sociodemographic characteristics and dementia literacy. Previous studies report that individuals who are male, have low levels of education, and are older, are less aware of the possibility of dementia risk reduction [34,48] and have poorer knowledge regarding the prevalence, symptoms, and treatment of dementia [30]. This discrepancy may be explained through a comparison of the sociodemographic features between the present sample and those in prior research.…”

Interpersonal communication may improve equity in dementia risk education

“…The information that was most frequently shared in this study related to factors that are more widely believed to influence dementia risk such as diet, physical activity and cognitive activity, rather than risk factors with stronger empirical support 3,5,8,29 . It has been suggested that information is more likely to be shared if it is emotionally provocative, practically useful, interesting and surprising 30 .…”

“…The information that was most frequently shared in this study related to factors that are more widely believed to influence dementia risk such as diet, physical activity and cognitive activity, rather than risk factors with stronger empirical support. 3,5,8,29 It has been suggested that information is more likely to be shared if it is emotionally provocative, practically useful, interesting and surprising. 30 It has also been suggested that information diffuses most readily through a community if it is perceived as being advantageous, compatible with previous practices and beliefs (familiar) and easy to understand and implement.…”

“…Despite the importance of risk reduction through lifestyle modification, many people remain unaware of dementia risk factors or even the possibility that dementia risk can be reduced 1,5,6 . Dementia risk reduction knowledge tends to be lowest among disadvantaged populations where dementia risk factors are most prevalent and the number of potentially preventable dementia cases tends to be highest 3,7–9 . Wide‐reaching initiatives that increase dementia risk knowledge and promote risk‐reducing behaviours are, therefore, critical for reducing the global incidence of dementia and ensuring that risk‐reduction opportunities are provided equitably.…”