Health Awareness and Dementia Risk Among Older Adults with Hypertension and Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Maintaining appropriate health awareness is essential for reducing the risk of dementia among older adults with chronic diseases. Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between personal factors, health awareness, and dementia in older adults with chronic conditions in Thailand. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from June to October 2024 in Thailand. The participants included community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above, who were diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. Data collection was conducted using structured questionnaires, and statistical analyses were performed employing Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: Participants exhibited strong awareness of the risks associated with complications and the severity of chronic diseases. However, their understanding of the benefits of health-promoting behaviors and the barriers to accessing care was moderate. Regression analysis identified perceived susceptibility to complications (β = 0.15, P = 0.02) and perceived disease severity (β = 0.17, P = 0.01) as significant predictors of cognitive function. Conclusions: These findings suggest the importance of improving health awareness and promoting physical activity through targeted health education and community interventions to support cognitive health among older adults with chronic conditions. A key limitation of this study is its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, which may affect the accuracy of the findings. Future research should investigate health behaviors and daily lifestyle practices to develop targeted interventions for dementia prevention and health promotion among older adults with chronic diseases.