Author:
Kappe Josefine,Wittmann Felix,Luppa Melanie,Cardona Maria Isabel,Weise Solveign,Fuchs Stephan,Kosilek Robert Philipp,Sanftenberg Linda,Brettschneider Christian,Döhring Juliane,Escales Catharina,Czock David,Wiese Birgitt,Thyrian Jochen René,Hoffmann Wolfgang,Frese Thomas,Gensichen Jochen,König Hans-Helmut,Kaduszkiewicz Hanna,Riedel-Heller Steffi Gerlinde
Abstract
Abstract
Background
General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in identifying cognitive impairment and dementia and providing post-diagnostic care. This study investigates (1) how promising GP consider lifestyle changes to maintain cognitive performance in general, (2) GP beliefs about the power of modifiable health and lifestyle factors to maintain cognitive performance, and (3) whether those beliefs vary by GP age.
Methods
As part of the AgeWell.de trial, GPs (n = 72) completed a process evaluation questionnaire assessing their perspectives on lifestyle changes to preserve cognitive performance in elderly patients. In greater detail, their perceived efficacy of established risk and protective factors was investigated using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed for research question (1) and (2). Spearman´s rank correlations and ordinal logistic regressions were used to answer research question (3). All results were interpreted exploratively.
Results
GPs rated the overall chance of lifestyle changes maintaining cognitive performance quite neutral with a median score of 3.0 (IQR = 2.0). They rated the efficacy of all the modifiable health and lifestyle factors high, with increase in physical and social activity ((Mdn = 5.0, IQR = 1.0) receiving the highest ratings with the narrowest range. Spearman's rank correlation indicated a significant positive relationship between age and the belief in “Optimization of nutrition” for preventing cognitive decline and dementia (ρ = .255, p = .041). However, ordinal logistic regressions showed no significant relationships between age and GP ratings of lifestyle change efficacy.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the positive perception of GPs on the efficacy of modifiable health and lifestyle factors for preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
Trial registration
The AgeWell.de trial is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; trial identifier: DRKS00013555, Registration Date 07 December 2017).
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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