Date of Award
8-2026
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Amy Naugle, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Scott Gaynor, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Jonathan Baker, Ph.D.
Fourth Advisor
Janet Hahn, Ph.D.
Keywords
Dementia knowledge, dementia prevention, dementia risk reduction, integrated behavioral health, psychological flexibility
Abstract
Dementia represents a growing global public health concern, with increasing evidence suggesting that a substantial portion of dementia risk may be attributable to modifiable lifestyle and health-related factors. However, relatively little is known about public knowledge of these risk factors, willingness to engage in dementia risk reducing behaviors, and psychological factors that may be associated with willingness. The present study examines these factors among adults living in the United States across the lifespan. Participants (N = 308) completed an anonymous online survey assessing dementia risk-factor knowledge, willingness to engage in dementia risk reducing behaviors, primary care provider communication regarding dementia prevention, health anxiety, depressive symptoms, and psychological flexibility. Younger adults demonstrated significantly greater knowledge of modifiable dementia risk factors compared to older adults, F(2, 287) = 13.92, p < .001, η2 = .08. Greater dementia risk factor knowledge was associated with greater willingness to engage in dementia risk reducing behaviors, R2 = .022, β = .15, p = .010. Contrary to expectations, prior primary care provider communication and health anxiety were not significantly associated with willingness to engage in risk-reducing behaviors. Greater depressive symptoms were independently associated with lower willingness to engage in risk reducing behaviors after accounting for dementia risk factor knowledge, ΔR2 = .026, β = −.16, p = .005, while greater psychological flexibility was independently associated with greater willingness, β = .26, p < .001. Psychological flexibility did not moderate the relationship between dementia risk factor knowledge and willingness, β = .09, p = .111. Findings suggest that knowledge related to dementia prevention among members of the general public remains poor, primary care discussion of dementia risk reduction is infrequent, and that knowledge alone may be insufficient to promote willingness to engage in dementia risk reduction behaviors. These findings also highlight the importance of psychological factors as intervention targets within dementia prevention efforts by health psychologists and primary care providers.
Access Setting
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Fisher, Thomas, "Knowledge, Physician Communication, and Psychological Predictors of Willingness to Engage in Dementia Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan" (2026). Dissertations. 4288.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/4288