Older people's knowledge and practice about lifestyle behaviors that may prevent vascular dementia

This study examined the relationship between knowledge and practice of heal thy lifestyle behaviors in the prevention of vascular dementia. Data presen ted here are derived from a convenience sample of 296 participants recruite d through senior citizen agencies in Australia. Lifestyle was measured usin g the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP). Seven knowledge subscales were developed, consistent with the HPLP. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Correlations among the lifestyle and knowledge indica ted statistically significant results. However, the strength of these assoc iations was generally weak. Multivariate analysis found that six variables explained 20% of the variance in the lifestyle score. These included: knowl edge of interpersonal relations, knowledge of physical activity, medical kn owledge, medical history, self-assessment of general health, and use of alc ohol. The results indicate that knowledge, by itself, does not necessarily ensure that people engage in self-practising healthy lifestyle behaviors, a nd those who experience illness and, perhaps exposure to risk factors, had higher HPLP scores. Recommendations for how older people can be supported t o reduce some of the attitudinal barriers that reduce healthy lifestyle beh aviors are discussed. Crown Copyright (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Scienc e Ireland Ltd.