Self-Efficacy is Key: Examining the Role of Motivation to Engage in Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors for Dementia Prevention in Midlife.

Modifiable risk factors account for nearly half of dementia cases, with the greatest impact on dementia prevention in midlife. Little is known about what motivates middle-aged adults to engage in healthy behaviors for dementia risk reduction. This study examined associations between motivation to make lifestyle changes for dementia risk reduction and engagement in health behaviors associated with dementia risk in 347 middle-aged adults. Multivariate linear regressions examined associations between motivation and engagement in health behaviors. Greater self-efficacy and higher education significantly predicted greater physical and cognitive activity and better sleep quality. Greater perceived barriers and general health motivation, lower self-efficacy, and younger age significantly predicted greater perceived loneliness. Self-efficacy consistently predicted engagement in health behaviors associated with dementia risk reduction in midlife. Thus, incorporating empirically supported strategies to increase self-efficacy in lifestyle interventions for dementia prevention may increase long-term adherence and overall success of dementia prevention efforts.