Knowledge of Risk Factors for Dementia and Attitudes on a Dementia Prevention Program by Age and Ethnicity in Arizona.

Abstract

Background: Dementia disproportionately affects Hispanic communities, which may be partially attributable to disparities in resources to address modifiable risk factors. Addressing risk factors at younger ages would likely confer greater benefit than at older ages. Interest among Hispanic and younger persons participating in a dementia prevention program is unknown.

Objectives: To understand knowledge of dementia risk factors and attitudes toward prevention program participation among Arizona residents.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Online survey conducted of Arizona residents in either English or Spanish between July 13, 2021 and August 2, 2021.

Participants: 1,303 persons age 35 and older; 332 (25.5%) were Hispanic.

Measurements: Survey questions about knowledge of dementia risk factors and dementia prevention program interest. Comparisons between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White and younger and older respondents were made using chi-squared tests.

Results: Overall, 30.7% of respondents were aware of any risk factors that increased risk for dementia with no differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White respondents. 76.4% of all respondents were "very" or "somewhat" interested in a dementia prevention program, interest was significantly higher in Hispanic (83.0% vs 73.3% "very" or "somewhat interested," X2 (3, N=1226) = 14.8, p=0.002) and younger respondents (82.2% vs 72.1% "very" or "somewhat" interested X2 (1, N=1302) = 20.0, p<0.001).

Conclusion: General knowledge of risk factors for dementia is low, contrasting with high interest in a prevention program. Interest is higher in Hispanic and younger persons compared with older or non-Hispanic White persons. A dementia prevention program accessible to younger and Hispanic populations could help narrow dementia outcome disparities.