A - 13 Association between Motivation and Engagement in Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Midlife

Modifiable risk factors (e.g., cognitive/physical inactivity) account for up to 40% of dementia cases. The impact of risk reduction is strongest in midlife (ages 45-64), but little is known about what motivates middle-aged adults to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors for dementia risk reduction.347 participants (M age = 54.67, SD = 5.97; 53% women; 86.5% White; M education = 14.28, SD = 2.25) completed a 30-minute online survey that assessed demographic information, multiple facets regarding motivation to change lifestyle and behaviors for dementia risk reduction (MCLHB-DRR scale: self-efficacy, barriers, etc.), and engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity (IPAQ), cognitive/leisure activity (CLAS), sleep quality (B-PSQI), and loneliness/social activity (ULS-8). Multivariate linear regressions adjusted for age, sex, and education were conducted to examine the association between motivation (MCLHB-DRR z-scored subscales) and engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors for dementia risk reduction.Self-efficacy (B = 0.198, p = 0.003) and education (B = 0.167, p = 0.003) significantly predicted total physical activity (R2 = 0.076, F(10, 336) = 2.767, p = 0.003). Self-efficacy (B = 0.239, p < 0.001) and education (B = 0.307, p < 0.001) also predicted cognitive/leisure activity (R2 = 0.249, F(10, 336) = 11.131, p < 0.001). Perceived barriers (B = 0.256, p < 0.001), general health motivation (B = 0.144, p = 0.015), self-efficacy (B = -0.137, p = 0.030), and age (B = -0.161, p = 0.002) significantly predicted loneliness/social inactivity (R2 = 0.169, F(10, 336) = 6.851, p < 0.001). Self-efficacy (B = -0.152, p = 0.030), education (B = -0.147, p = 0.012), and sex (B = 0.141, p = 0.015) significantly predicted sleep quality (R2 = 0.114, F(10, 292) = 3.753, p < 0.001).Self-efficacy appears to be a particularly relevant motivator for engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors for dementia risk reduction in midlife. Empirically supported strategies to improve self-efficacy should be included in preventative lifestyle interventions.