EXPLORING RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN WILLINGNESS FOR COGNITIVE TESTING IN OLDER ADULTS
2024

Racial Differences in Willingness for Cognitive Testing in Older Adults

Sample size: 364 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Costa Amy, Kasenetz Whitney, Crisci Alex, Curtis Ashley, O’Brien Jennifer

Primary Institution: University of South Florida

Hypothesis

Does racial group moderate the association between knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and willingness to undergo cognitive testing?

Conclusion

Increased knowledge about Alzheimer's disease may increase willingness to be screened for white older adults but decrease willingness for people of color.

Supporting Evidence

  • People of color are less likely to receive dementia screening compared to white adults.
  • Higher knowledge about Alzheimer's disease increased the odds of cognitive assessment completion for white older adults.
  • Lower knowledge about Alzheimer's disease decreased the odds of cognitive assessment completion for people of color.

Takeaway

This study found that knowing more about Alzheimer's can help white older adults want to get tested, but it might make older adults of color less willing to get tested.

Methodology

Participants completed questionnaires about Alzheimer's knowledge and willingness to undergo cognitive testing, followed by a cognitive assessment.

Potential Biases

Potential biases related to trust and access to healthcare among people of color.

Limitations

The study may not account for all factors influencing screening acceptance in people of color.

Participant Demographics

Older adults with a mean age of 69.5 years, including 171 women.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3271

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