Factors Associated With Dementia Worry Among Middle-Aged or Older Adults Living in a Japanese Community: A Cross-Sectional Study

Recently, dementia worry has been highlighted internationally; thus, Japan is making efforts to promote public understanding of dementia. This study clarified the factors associated with dementia worry among middle-aged or older adults living in a Japanese community. The participants completed questionnaires, including the Dementia Worry Assessment Scale and questions concerning personal attributes. We conducted a multiple regression analysis using the forced entry method, with the scale as the dependent variable and others as independent variables. A total of 299 completed questionnaires were analysed. The participants' mean age was 64.8 (±11.6) years. Univariate analysis and correlation coefficients showed that variables such as sex, bothering stress in the last year, depression severity, and number of bothering symptoms in the last year were associated with dementia worry. Multiple regression analysis reported the association between four factors—knowledge of dementia, number of bothering symptoms in the last year, depression severity and diagnosis of dementia in either or both parents—and the Dementia Worry Assessment Scale score. Specifically, more knowledge of dementia and more bothering symptoms resulted in a higher score. Moderate or severe depression and parents' diagnosis of dementia presented a higher score than those without. Nurses in the community are required to identify residents with these four factors and provide support to alleviate dementia worry. When residents experience severe dementia worry from greater knowledge of dementia, continuous education that is tailored to the individual knowledge bias should be provided by nurses.