Apathy as a determinant of health behaviors in older adults: Implications for dementia risk reduction.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Long-term improvements in physical inactivity and other behavioral risk factors are integral to dementia risk reduction; however, sustained behavior change is challenging. Apathy, depression, and fatigue may impact engagement in health behaviors, but their presentation overlaps. This study investigates whether these symptoms are differentially associated with multiple health behaviors.

Methods

In 1037 community-dwelling older adults without dementia (aged 70-90, 55% women), regression analyses examined apathy, depression, and fatigue as predictors of health behaviors (physical activity, diet, alcohol, smoking) and a behavioral risk index.

Results

Apathy was associated with reduced physical activity and alcohol use, and one or multiple behavioral risk fact

SUBMITTER: Harrison F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10668002 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature