# Factors associated with a healthy diet and willingness to change dietary behavior in older adults at increased risk of dementia

## TL;DR

This study explores factors influencing healthy eating in older adults at risk of dementia, finding that motivation and self-efficacy are key.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific factors associated with healthy diets in older adults with increased dementia risk, focusing on motivation and self-efficacy.

## Key findings

- Female sex, motivation for healthy eating, and higher self-efficacy were linked to healthier diets.
- Most participants were in the maintenance stage of behavior change, followed by contemplation and precontemplation stages.
- The study suggests that interventions should focus on improving motivation and self-efficacy to promote healthier eating.

## Abstract

Healthy dietary patterns have been linked to reduced risks for cardiovascular diseases and dementia, making nutrition an essential part of a comprehensive approach for dementia prevention. Knowledge about factors associated with a healthy diet in people with increased dementia risk is scarce.

To analyze dietary habits and associated factors in older adults with increased dementia risk in Germany.

We used baseline-data of the AgeWell.de-trial (n = 1001, %female = 52.2, Mage = 69.0, SD = 4.9). Nutrition was assessed using a composite score, comprising 11 components covered by national recommendations for a healthy diet (range = 0–11 points). Linear regressions assessed associations of sociodemographic, social, health-related and psychological factors with consumption of a healthy diet. Further, we assessed stages of change based on the transtheoretical model of behavior change.

Consumption of a healthy diet was moderate (Median = 4, IQR = 2). Female sex (b = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.88), higher levels of motivation for healthy eating (b = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.34) and higher self-efficacy (b = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.46) were linked to a healthy diet. Regarding the stages of behavior change, the majority were in the maintenance stage (45.2%), followed by the contemplation (21.5%) and precontemplation (21.2%) stages.

Results suggest room for improvement regarding a healthy diet in our sample. Lifestyle-based interventions in older adults should be tailored towards current levels of motivation and self-efficacy of participants. Including modules targeting motivation and self-efficacy might help maximize intervention effectiveness.