Fear and avoidance of memory loss is associated with lower levels of psychosocial functioning and quality of life in older adults

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDementia is one of the most feared diseases associated with aging. Although some level of fear can motivate protective strategies, too much fear can be harmful and maladaptive. We examined fear and avoidance of memory loss and their relationship to psychosocial and lifestyle factors associated with dementia risk in a community‐dwelling sample of older adults.MethodParticipants were 230 adults (112 female) aged 55 years and older (61.3 ± 5.2). Questionnaires were administered to measure fear and avoidance of memory loss, perceived memory failures, depression, sleep disturbance, engagement in social activities and quality of life. We hypothesized that fear and avoidance of memory loss would positively predict perceived memory failures, depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance, and negatively predict social engagement and quality of life.ResultFear and avoidance of memory loss did not significantly differ by age or sex. People with a family history of dementia reported higher fear (ps < .02, ds = .4), but not avoidance scores. Fear scores were significantly associated with increased self‐reported memory failures and sleep disturbance, and lower quality of life and social functioning, after adjusting for anxiety and memory performance (βs > .8, ps < .03). Inclusion of avoidance scores improved the predictive power of all models except sleep; avoidance was associated with reduced quality of life and social functioning, and increased memory failures and depression (βs > .9, ps < .03).ConclusionFearful anticipation and avoidance of memory loss is associated with poorer psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Based on these results, we propose a model whereby excessive fear of memory loss motivates withdrawal from social and cognitively demanding activities that can protect against and compensate for dementia risk. Findings have practical implications for psychological and lifestyle interventions, which could allay multiple modifiable risk factor pathways.