2019 Volume 8 Issue 3 Pages 145-152
Objective: This study aimed to identify preventive behaviors targeting cognitive decline and associated factors in late middle-aged residents.
Method: An anonymous self-report postal questionnaire was sent to 2,400 randomly selected late middle-aged residents (aged 50–69 years) of Town A. The questionnaire assessed the presence or absence and details of preventive behaviors, interest in preventing cognitive decline, contact among people with dementia, and social support regarding behavior modification.
Results: Of the 909 valid questionnaire responses, 331 people (36.4%) implemented preventive behaviors targeting cognitive decline; among these, the three most frequently reported behaviors were reading newspapers and books, considering nutritional balance during meals, and thinking while cooking. Factors associated with implementing preventive behaviors were the female sex aged 60–69 years, unemployment, high interest in preventing cognitive decline, contact with people with dementia, social support regarding behavior modification.
Discussion: The results of this study suggest that people who engage in preventive behaviors targeting cognitive decline need encouragement to maintain their activities by communicating that these behaviors are worthwhile in preventing cognitive decline. Those who are not implementing preventive actions should be encouraged to think of familiar role models by introducing them to the details of preventive behaviors targeting cognitive decline.
