Determinants of Dementia Risk Score in Primary Care: Knowledge Level, Social Factors, and Health Behaviours

Dementia is a growing global health problem, and increasing public awareness of risk factors, along with promoting healthy behaviors, is essential for reducing its impact. The aim of this study is to explore relationships among dementia knowledge levels, social relationships, health behaviors, and the "Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Ageing, and Dementia Incidence (CAIDE) Dementia Risk Score" (a composite measure of vascular and lifestyle factors) in individuals receiving primary care. It also seeks to identify factors associated with the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Ageing, and Dementia Incidence risk level. This descriptive correlational study included individuals aged 40 and over who visited a family health center (n = 286). Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale, and the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Ageing, and Dementia Incidence Dementia Risk Score calculation form. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to identify factors associated with the CAIDE dementia risk score. The model proved significant, with the independent variables collectively explaining 17% of the variance in the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Ageing, and Dementia Incidence dementia risk score. Results show that higher dementia knowledge levels were associated with lower risk scores, indicating that increased knowledge is linked to more favorable dementia risk profiles. The social integration component was also significantly associated with the risk score, indicating that stronger social relationships may exhibit lower CAIDE dementia risk scores. Additionally, the study found that negative health behaviors are linked to higher dementia risk scores. In conclusion, this research highlights that weak social ties and unhealthy lifestyle choices are associated with higher dementia risk scores, whereas greater knowledge was identified as a protective factor associated with lower risk scores. Improving awareness of dementia involves not only gaining knowledge but also fostering health behaviors linked to lower risk.