Determinants of Perceived Own Risk for Developing Dementia and the Perception That Memory Deterioration Is Preventable. Findings From the General Adult Population in Germany.

André Hajek,Hans-Helmut König

doi:10.3389/fmed.2020.00203

Abstract

Objective: To identify among the general population the determinants of (1) perceived own risk of developing dementia and (2) the perception that memory deterioration is preventable.Methods: For this study, cross-sectional data were taken from the German Socio-Economic Panel (innovation sample, year 2012), which is a population-based, longitudinal study of German households. There were 1,542 individuals included in our analytical sample.Results: Multiple linear regressions showed that an increased perceived own risk of developing dementia was associated with younger age, higher education, poor self-rated health, an increased number of chronic diseases, and an increased agreement that a diagnosis of dementia would ruin their life. An increased perceived modifiability of memory deterioration was associated with higher education, and not being employed, but not health-related variables.Conclusion: Several determinants of the perceived own risk of developing dementia and the perceived modifiability of memory deterioration have been identified. Addressing modifiable factors may be beneficial for changing these outcome measures.

Highlights

At present, ∼1.7 million individuals in Germany live with dementia [1]
Using nationally representative data from the adult population in Germany, this current study extends our current knowledge on the correlates of perceived own risk of developing dementia and the perception that memory deterioration is preventable
One particular benefit is that we demonstrated an association between an increased agreement with the statement that a diagnosis of dementia would ruin their life and an increased perceived own risk of developing dementia

Summary

Introduction

At present, ∼1.7 million individuals in Germany live with dementia [1]. It is expected that this number will increase to roughly 3 million individuals in 30 years [1]. 4 of 10 individuals 90 years or older suffer from dementia [1], whereas fewer than 4 of 100 individuals aged 70 to 74 years have dementia. Often caused by Alzheimer disease (AD), dementia is a syndrome characterized by progressive deterioration of cognitive function ( memory function). During the course of the Perceived Risk for Developing Dementia disease, performing daily activities becomes more and more difficult. Individuals with dementia often need a considerable amount of care [2]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion