Interest in and Feasibility of a Dementia Prevention Program Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Questionnaire...

Despite accumulating evidence regarding dementia prevention strategies, disseminating research findings to the public is often challenging. Therefore, this study examined potential strategies to support sustained engagement in dementia prevention activities.

The participants were members of senior citizens' clubs in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. We used a questionnaire survey to collect data on basic demographics, frailty, and subjective cognitive decline (SCD), which also included questions on awareness of the Tottori Method Dementia Prevention Program, interest in experiencing the program if an instructor was dispatched, and the feasibility of engaging in the program through internet-based delivery or printed materials.

A total of 9506 respondents were included in the analysis. Awareness of the dementia prevention program was 11.9%. Overall, 50.4% of the respondents registered a desire to try the program if an instructor was dispatched. The highest proportion of respondents (50.5%) reported willingness to engage in the program if materials summarizing activities that could be completed in approximately 10 min were provided. However, frailty and SCD were associated with lower interest in these dementia prevention activities (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval] = 0.77 [0.67-0.89] and 0.86 [0.79-0.95], respectively).

Opportunities to experience the program and activities that can be completed in a short time should be availed to promote sustained engagement in dementia prevention activities. Additionally, proactive outreach strategies targeting individuals at a higher risk of health problems may be necessary to effectively disseminate the information as they may be less interested in dementia prevention.