Key result
Higher perceived risk is associated with ~36-fold greater odds of adequate ADRD knowledge in T2D.
Why the study?
Despite evidence that midlife cardiovascular risk factors increase later-life cognitive decline, limited data exist on Alzheimer disease and related dementias knowledge and misconceptions among middle-aged adults with type 2 diabetes.
Cross-Sectional (n=102)
Adults with T2D have limited knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, highlighting the need for socially informed interventions to improve brain health literacy.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports targeted ADRD education in T2D; leaves open whether perceived risk interventions improve knowledge or outcomes.
Introduction and Objective: Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are 1.5-2 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) than those without. Despite evidence that midlife cardiovascular risk factors increase later-life cognitive decline, limited data exist on ADRD knowledge and misconceptions among middle-aged adults with T2D. Guided by the Science of Behavioral Change framework, we examined ADRD knowledge and associated social and self-regulatory factors among adults with T2D (≥40 years). Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited participants via ResearchMatch and local organizations in Arizona. Data included sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, perceived risk, and validated measures of ADRD knowledge, social support/isolation, self-efficacy, engagement in brain health-promoting behaviors, and resilience. Multivariable logistic regression identified associated factors. Results: Among 102 participants (mean age 58±11 years), 67% were female, 77% non-Hispanic White, and 63% had a college degree or higher. The mean knowledge score was 10±4 (range 1-17), with 44% demonstrating adequate knowledge (≥70% correct score). After adjustment, greater social support (OR=1.06, p=0.040), engagement in brain health-promoting behaviors (OR=1.17, p=0.017), and higher perceived risk (OR=35.56, p<0.001) were associated with higher odds of adequate knowledge. Social isolation (OR=0.07, p=0.019) and family history of dementia (OR=0.15, p=0.019) were associated with lower odds. Surprisingly, compared with no/high school education, some college (OR=0.01, p=0.003), college (OR=0.02, p=0.008), and graduate education (OR=0.00, p=0.001) were associated with lower odds. No association with self-efficacy was observed. Conclusion: Adults with T2D demonstrated limited knowledge of ADRD. Socially informed interventions are needed to improve understanding of ADRD and brain health literacy.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
OWOLABI et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Type 2 diabetes (n=102). Social and self-regulatory factors (e.g., perceived risk, social support) was evaluated on Adequate knowledge of ADRD (≥70% correct score) (OR 35.56, p=<0.001). Among adults with type 2 diabetes, 44% demonstrated adequate knowledge of ADRD, with higher perceived risk strongly associated with adequate knowledge.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: