Fear of memory loss predicts increased memory failures and lower quality of life in older adults: preliminary findings from a fear-avoidance of memory loss (FAM) scale

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
F. R. Farina ◽  
M. Bennett ◽  
J. W. Griffith ◽  
B. Lenaert
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Fear Avoidance

Fear of memory decline predicts lower quality of life and increased memory failures in older adults: Preliminary findings from a novel fear-avoidance of memory decline scale.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Farina ◽  
Marc Patrick Bennett ◽  
James William Griffith ◽  
Bert Lenaert
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Fear Avoidance ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Memory Decline ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
The Impact

Evidence concerning the impact of fear of memory decline on health-related outcomes is limited. To determine the relationship between fear-avoidance of memory decline, quality of life and subjective memory in older adults using a novel scale to measure fear of memory decline. Sixty-seven older adults (59-81 years) completed a 23-item self-report questionnaire designed to capture experiential, cognitive and behavioral components of fear of memory decline, known as the fear and avoidance of memory decline (FAM) scale. Memory performance was assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV) and the Memory Failures Scale (MFS). General anxiety was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI). Quality of life was assessed using the Older Person’s Quality of Life scale (OPQOL-35). The FAM scale demonstrated good reliability and validity. Three latent factors were observed including: (1) fear-avoidance, (2) problematic beliefs and (3) resilience. After adjusting for age, education, memory performance and general anxiety, higher fear-avoidance predicted lower quality of life (p=.021) and increased memory failures (p=.022). Increased fear of memory decline predicts lower quality of life and subjective memory failures in healthy older adults. Based on these findings, we propose a preliminary fear-avoidance model that explains the development and maintenance of dementia-related functional disability in terms of psychological processes.

scholarly journals Protocol for the Reducing Fear-Avoidance of Memory Loss (REFRAME) Study: A randomized controlled trial investigating the feasibility of a low-intensity psychological intervention for fear of memory loss and quality of life in older adults. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia O'Loughlin ◽  
Pavithra Pavithra ◽  
John Regan ◽  
Francesca Farina ◽  
Marc Bennett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Behavioral Avoidance

BACKGROUND Dementia is the most feared disease associated with aging. These fears can have harmful consequences even in the absence of cognitive decline. Fear of dementia is associated with poorer health outcomes, reduced psychological wellbeing and increased memory failures in older adults. OBJECTIVE We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility of a tailored, web-based mindfulness program to reduce fear of memory loss and increase quality of life in older adults experiencing heightened fear. METHODS One group will receive psychoeducation along with brief mindfulness training, which facilitates non-judgmental awareness to manage psychological distress. A second group will receive psychoeducation, mindfulness training and additional modules targeting maladaptive behavioral avoidance (i.e., social and cognitive withdrawal). RESULTS Our recent etiological model posits that maladaptive behavioral avoidance strategies critically underlie psycho-social dysfunction associated with fear of memory loss. Thus, we predict better outcomes in the second group, including fear of memory loss (primary outcome), fear of Alzheimer’s disease, quality of life, anxiety and subjective memory failures (secondary outcomes). Outcome measures will be applied at five time points (pre-, baseline, interim-, and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow up). CONCLUSIONS Data will be analyzed using mixed models, correlations and t-tests. This study was approved by the IRB at Northwestern University (USA) and data collection will take place between May and August 2021. CLINICALTRIAL Trial Registration Number: NCT04821960

Association between eHealth Literacy and Health-Related Quality of Life among Chinese Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaojie Li ◽  
Yongtian Yin ◽  
Lijun Chen ◽  
Guanghui Cui ◽  
Jiaqin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Component Summary ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND Older adults’ health literacy levels are crucial to improving health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the impact of eHealth literacy on HRQoL in older adults is unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the association between eHealth literacy and HRQoL of older adults and provide reference for the development of network intervention measures related to the health quality of life of the older adults. METHODS An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,201 adults aged 60 or older from Jinan, China. The eHealth Literacy Scale and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used to measure eHealth literacy and HRQoL. We used linear regression to test the adjusted association between eHealth literacy and HRQoL. RESULTS Most participants (88.9%) had inadequate eHealth literacy. Lower eHealth literacy was related to older age ( F=12.618, P<.001), female gender( t=3.303, P<.01), living in rural areas( F=11.356, P<.001), having less education( F=59.084, P<.001), being unmarried, divorced or widowed( t=4.416, P<.001), having a lower family income( F=38.017, P<.001), living with others(χ2=4.319, P<.05), and not having health insurance( F=12.713, P<.001). There were significant differences across physical functioning( t=-4.862, P<.001), role- physical( t=-2.485, P<.05), bodily pain( t=-3.470, P<.01), general health( t=-4.449, P<.001), vitality( t=-3.498, P<.001), role-emotional( t=-2.654, P<.01), mental health( t=-4.150, P<.001), physical component summary( t=-6.350, P<.001) and mental component summary( t=-4.483, P<.001) between adequate eHealth literacy and inadequate eHealth literacy. After controlling for age, gender, and other covariates, adequate eHealth literacy was positively related to physical component summary ( beta=7.6, P<.001) and mental component summary(beta=4.6, P=.001). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that Chinese older adults with higher eHealth literacy were more likely to contribute to higher HRQoL. Thus, Older adults’ eHealth literacy levels need to be taken into account when formulating health education and promotion programs for older adults, especially when the expected outcome is to improve HRQoL.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document