Modifiable Dementia Risk Factors: The Effects of Behavior Modification on Perceptions of an Older Adult at Risk
2024
Effects of Behavior Change on Perceptions of Dementia Risk
Sample size: 242
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Karli Poettcker, Molly Maxfield
Primary Institution: Arizona State University
Hypothesis
Does behavior modification to reduce dementia risk affect attributions of responsibility and capability?
Conclusion
Behavior modification can significantly influence how individuals perceive responsibility and capability in those at risk for dementia.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants rated a man who did not modify his behavior as more responsible for his condition.
- Participants rated the man who did not change his behavior as less capable of decision-making.
- There was lower willingness to socialize with the man who did not modify his behavior.
- Negative emotional reactions were greater for the man who did not modify his behavior.
Takeaway
If someone at risk for dementia makes healthy lifestyle changes, people are more likely to think they are responsible and capable.
Methodology
Participants read a vignette about a man concerned about cognitive decline and rated his responsibility and capability based on whether he followed lifestyle changes.
Participant Demographics
Participants aged 18-64 years, average age 41.28.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website