Modifiable dementia risk factors are associated with greater subjective cognitive concerns but not perceived susceptibility to dementia in late middle‐aged adults: Baseline characteristics of the BetterBrains Trial

Background A range of lifestyle factors in midlife can increase risk for developing dementia in late‐life. 1 However, it remains unclear whether the presence of such risk factors (RFs) is associated with individuals’ insight into their risk of developing dementia. In a group of middle‐aged adults with a family history of dementia enrolled in a lifestyle prevention trial, we measured associations between modifiable RF prevalence, subjective cognitive concerns, and perceived susceptibility to dementia. Method Participants (n = 456) enrolled in BetterBrains (betterbrains.org.au) 2 completed a comprehensive self‐report RF assessment at baseline. Modifiable dementia risk was determined across four domains (vascular health, social/cognitive engagement, mood, sleep) and trial eligibility required risk in at least one domain. Participants were grouped according to the number of domains in which they reported high‐risk (ranging from 1‐4). Participants completed the Cognitive Function Instrument, and a brief questionnaire to assess perceived susceptibility to dementia (Motivation to Change Lifestyle/Health Behaviours for Dementia Risk Reduction scale). Linear regressions examined associations between modifiable RF prevalence, subjective cognition, and perceived susceptibility to dementia, adjusting for age, sex, education, negative beliefs about ageing, and beliefs about protective health behaviours on dementia risk. Result Participants were mostly female (80%), with an average age of 59.4 years and 15.2 years of education. Of the sample, 29.6% reported risk in all domains (29.6%) and 16.9% in three domains. Risk in a higher number of RF domains was significantly associated with greater subjective cognitive concerns (β(SE) = 0.18(0.06), p =