Latent profiles and Influencing factors of perceived threat of dementia among older adults

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However, most existing studies conceptualize threat perception as a unidimensional construct, overlooking potential latent subgroups with distinct perceptual characteristics. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of dementia threat perception among older adults and to examine factors associated with subgroup membership. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 older adults (≥60 years) in Nanjing. The Chinese version of the Dementia Threat Scale was used to measure perceived dementia threat. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was applied to identify subgroups, and multinomial logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of profile membership. Results: Three distinct latent profiles emerged: low (58.10%), moderate (22.86%), and high (19.05%) dementia threat perception. Age, living arrangements, monthly income, history of exposure to dementia, dementia prevention knowledge, anxiety, and dementia prevention beliefs were significant predictors of profile membership. Older adults without prior exposure to dementia and with lower anxiety levels were more likely to belong to the low-threat group. In contrast, those living with children, with higher income, greater dementia prevention knowledge, elevated anxiety, and stronger prevention-related health beliefs were more likely to fall into the high-threat group. Conclusion: Older adults show substantial heterogeneity in their perceived dementia threat. Tailored intervention strategies based on subgroup characteristics and associated influencing factors may help enhance dementia threat awareness, promote proactive preventive behaviors, and ultimately reduce the risk of dementia onset. latent profile analysis older adults dementia threat health belief model Figures Figure 1 Introduction Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by decline in cognitive functions that severely impairs an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL)[1].There is a profound demographic shift driven by rapid population aging in China,dementia has become the fifth-leading cause of death[2]. In 2021, the Global Burden of Disease Study revealed that China had 16.99 million existing cases of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias(ADRDs), accounting for 29.8% of global dementia cases[3]. Among the elderly, the overall pooled prevalence of dementia has reached 4.76%[4], the disability-adjusted life years associated with dementia increased by 225.7%[5]. According to projections published in The Lancet, based on the current upward trend in dementia incidence, the number of people living with dementia in China is expected to reach 66.3 million by 2050 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 64.7–68.0 million)[6], resulting in a macroeconomic burden of USD 2.96 trillion[7]. These figures indicate that dementia has become an urgent and substantial public health and socioeconomic challenge in China. Evidence has identified there are 18 modifiable risk factors could prevent or delay approximately 65% of global dementia cases[8].As there is no available curative treatment for dementia, the key strategy for curbing the growing prevalence is early proactive prevention. Threat perception plays a critical role in motivating individuals to adopt early health-promoting behaviors[9]. Dementia threat perception refers to the cognitive assessment and psychological response to the potential harm that dementia-related symptoms may cause to one's health[10].Existing studies have shown that higher threat perception of dementia can increase individuals’ awareness of health behaviors, encourage help-seeking from professionals, and promote proactive health actions[11]. However, excessive threat perception may induce anxiety, which could exacerbate cognitive decline in turn[12].In fact, the perceptions from the public of dementia remain a major barrier to effectively advancing proactive prevention initiatives. The public's dementia threat perception may vary across different populations. Surveys indicate that nearly 80% of the general population still view dementia as a normal part of aging and more than one-quarter of people worldwide believe that dementia cannot be prevented[13],.In China, public awareness of dementia remains low, characterized by three key deficiencies: low awareness, low diagnosis rate, and low treatment rate[14]. To address this, the National Health Commission has proposed that cultivating a societal atmosphere of promoting active dementia prevention and emphasizing the foundational role of improving public awareness[15]. Adjusting the appropriate level of dementia threat perceptionaamong the elderly is a key measure. Dementia threat perception is a dynamic variable.Existing studies primarily employs a variable-centered approach to assess individuals' perceptions of the threat of dementia. This variable-centered approach tend to focus on variables for statistical analysisand describes universal characteristics across populations, operating under the assumption of population homogeneity, which may neglect individual differences in older adults and fail to reflect heterogeneity[21]. Existing evidence indicates that the threat perception of dementia is influenced by multiple factors, including general demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and social environmental support. Demographically, higher levels of threat perception are typically observed among women[16], individuals with higher education levels[17], and those with caregiving experience or a family history of dementia[12][18]. Psychologically, negative emotions such as anxiety and depression[19], as well as dementia-related stigma[20], are closely associated with threat perception. Regard to social support, studies suggest that intergenerational support can affect threat perception among the elder[17]. However, these findings cannot be generalized to all older adults in China. In this study, we used latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine the perceived level of dementia threat in an elderly population. LPA is a person-centered approach that aims to identifying construct-based profiles used to recognize individuals based on similar characteristics and to classify similar individuals into potentially discrete groups.The LPA results show homogeneity within the same latent group and heterogeneity between different latent groups. With LPA, we aimed to (1) clarify the current status of dementia threat perception in the elderly population, and (2) identify subtypes of dementia threat perception in the elderly population and analyze the related influencing factors. Methods Study design, setting, and participants This study has a descriptive and cross-sectional design. To ensure diversity in sample sources, two communities（urban and rural）in Nanjing were selected using a convenience sampling method for questionnaire-based data collection. Participants were older adults who underwent medical checkups at the two selected community health centers between December 2024 and September 2025. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) residence in the community for ≥6 months; (2) age ≥60 years; (3) voluntary participation and provision of informed consent; and (4) normal communication ability and capacity to cooperate with the survey. Exclusion criteria included: (1) meeting the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Chinese Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Dementia (2020)[22] and having a confirmed clinical diagnosis of dementia; (2) presence of severe mental illness that hindered participation; and (3) severe cardiac, cerebral, renal, or other organ failure, or being in the acute phase of illness.The collection of data from the questionnaire was carried out after obtaining informed consent from the study participants.All procedures were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University (No. 2024-877-01). Sample size The sample size was calculated by employing the following formula: In this study, a 95% confidence level (two-sided)was applied, with a corresponding Z 1−α/2 value of 1.96.Based on prior studies indicating that 30% of elderly individuals perceive dementia-related threats as significant ( P = 0.30) and an allowable margin of error of 5%, the calculated minimum sample size was 323.To account for an anticipated 20% non-response rate, the final sample size was adjusted to 404 participants (323 / 0.8). This sample size exceeds the minimum requirement of 200 cases for LPA. Data collection This study employed two uniformly trained research team members to collect data using both paper questionnaires and online questionnaires via the “Questionnaire Star platform”. After the research team fully entered the questionnaire content into the “Questionnaire Star platform”, the platform generated a scannable QR code. Research subjects capable of using smartphones could scan this QR code to complete the online questionnaire. For subjects unable to use smartphones, those with visual impairments, or those who were illiterate, team members administered paper questionnaires, asking each question item by item and completing the form on their behalf. The online and paper-based questionnaires contained identical content. During the completion process, any questions raised by participants were promptly addressed and clarified to ensure accurate understanding of each item.Completed questionnaires were collected on-site to ensure the authenticity and validity of the data. Measures Sociodemographic The general information questionnaire of this study is designed by the researcher based on the results of the previous literature study, including including gender, age, place of residence, education level, family history of dementia, and history of dementia exposure. Threat of Dementia Scale The Threat of Dementia Scale(ToDS) was developed by Richard et al.[10]in 2022, based on descriptive statements of dementia symptoms, cognitive domain criteria for dementia diagnosis and dementia characteristics,Each item employs a 7-point Likert scale ranging from "not at all" (1 point) to "very much" (7 points). Higher total scores indicate greater perceived threat levels. The original scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's a= 0.913). For this study, the research team utilized a Chinese version of the ToDS, which underwent rigorous cross-cultural adaptation. The validated Chinese version showed exceptional reliability (Cronbach's a= 0.975). Dementia Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire The Dementia Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire was developed based on the World Health Organization’s Guidelines on Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia , in conjunction with the dementia prevention knowledge questionnaire utilized in the study by Heger et al[23]. The questionnaire encompasses 11 knowledge domains related to dementia risk factors, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Each correctly answered item is awarded one point, while incorrect and “uncertain” responses are scored zero. The total score ranges from 0 to 11, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge of dementia prevention. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 is commonly used in clinical practice to evaluate patients' anxiety symptoms due to its reliable reliability and validity[24]. The scale consists of 7 items, each of which is scored on a Likert 4-point scale ranging from 3 (almost every day) to 0 (not at all) Total score ranges from 0 to 21. The scale is as follows: a score of 0 to 4 indicates normal or no anxiety; a score of 5 to 13 represents mild to moderate anxiety; a score of 14 to 18 indicates moderate to severe anxiety; and a score of 19 to 21 is categorized as severe anxiety. The overall Cronbach's a was 0.93. Chinese Version of the Motivation to Change Lifestyle and Health Behaviors to Reduce Dementia Risk Scale This scale measures the public's level of health beliefs regarding dementia prevention. Developed by KIM et al[25]. based on the Health Belief Model framework and translated by Wang et al.[26], it comprises 27 items across 7 dimensions: Perceived Vulnerability, Perceived Severity, Perceived Benefits, Perceived Barriers, Action Cues, Overall Health Motivation, and Self-Efficacy. Scores range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The Perceived Barriers dimension is reverse-scored in the total calculation. Each item uses a 5-point scale, yielding total scores between 27 and 135 points. Higher scores indicate stronger dementia prevention beliefs. Cronbach's a was 0.763. Data analysis This study used Mplus 8.3 to conduct a potential profile analysis of perceived dementia threat in the elderly population. The Chinese version of the ToDS entry scores were used as the external indicator, 1–5 profiles were selected for analysis stepwise. The model fit indices included the Akaike information criteria ( AIC ), Bayesian information criteria ( BIC ), adjusted Bayesian information criteria ( aBIC ), information entropy, Lo–Mendell–Rubin likelihood ratio test ( LMRT ), and bootstrap likelihood ratio test ( BLRT )[27]. Smaller AIC , BIC , and aBIC values indicate better model fit. The information entropy ranges from 0 to 1, with values closer to 1 indicating more accurate classification. LMRT and BLRT are used to compare the fit differences between k class and k-1 class models. When these differences are both statistically significant ( P ≤0.05), the k class profile model is considered superior to the k−1 class profile model[28]. After determining the optimal latent profile model, statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. The normality of continuous variables was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Variables following a normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation, whereas non-normally distributed data were reported as median and interquartile range . Group comparisons were conducted based on the identified latent profiles. The chi-square test was employed for categorical data, and the Kruskal–Wallis H test was applied for comparisons of non-normally distributed continuous variables. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore potential factors associated with different profiles. All statistical tests were two-sided, with a significance level set at P ≤ 0.05. Results General Characteristics of survey subjects A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed, with 420 valid responses collected, yielding a valid response rate of 93.3%. Among the 420 elderly participants, 229 were male and 191 were female. The median age of the study subjects was 67.00 years (interquartile range: 62.00–72.00), with further demographic details presented in Table 1 . Table 1 Sociodemographic of participants (n = 420) Variables Frequency( n ) Percent(%) Gender Male 229 54.52 Female 191 45.48 Education Illiterate 40 9.52 Primary school 93 22.14 Junior high school 139 33.10 High school or vocational school 101 24.05 Academic degree or higher 47 11.19 Marriage status Married 380 90.48 Divorce 12 2.86 Bereave 28 6.67 Residence Urban area 266 63.33 Rural area 154 36.67 Monthly per capita household income(CNY,yuan) ≤ 3000 146 34.76 3001~<6000 155 36.90 6000~<10000 83 19.76 ≥ 10000 36 8.57 Living arrangements Living alone 35 8.33 Living with spouse 263 62.62 Living with spouse and children 76 18.10 Living with children 46 10.95 Should other chronic conditions be combined? Yes 232 55.24 No 188 44.76 Family history of dementia Yes 53 12.62 No 367 87.38 History of dementia exposure Yes 157 37.38 No 263 62.62 CNY is the standard currency symbol for China Yuan. Latent Profile Analysis of Perceived Dementia Threat The mean score on the Dementia Threat Scale for older adults was 31.00 (21.00, 52.75). A latent profile model was constructed using scores on each item of the Dementia Threat Scale. Starting from the initial model, five latent profile models were generated, as shown in Table 2 . As the number of categories increased, the values of AIC, BIC, and aBIC all decreased. When the number of categories was 4, the P-value for the LMRT of dementia threat was > 0.05, indicating no statistically significant differences among the four-category model. However, when the Entropy value for category 3 reached its maximum of 0.980 (close to 1), both the BLRT and LMRT P-values were < 0.05. Consequently, three latent categories were ultimately selected as the optimal model for this study. These were sequentially named: the low dementia threat perception group (58.10%, 244/420), the moderate dementia threat perception group (22.86%, 96/420), and the high dementia threat perception group (19.05%, 80/420), as shown in Fig. 1 . Table 2 Fit indices for latent class analysis of perceived dementia threat in elderly participants. Profile AIC BIC aBIC Entropy BLRT LMRT Profile prevalence(%) 1 22603.747 22708.794 22626.288 2 18084.594 18246.204 18119.272 0.973 0 0.0068 66.19/33.81 3 16642.112 16860.286 16688.928 0.980 0 <0.001 58.10/22.86/19.05 4 16277.057 16551.794 16336.010 0.942 0 0.3640 40.71/23.57/20.48/15.24 5 15957.264 16288.565 16028.354 0.941 0 0.0016 39.05/22.14/17.62/11.91/9.29 Univariate analysis of potential profiles of perceived threat of dementia among elderly participants. Univariate analysis revealed that age ( χ² = 31.007, P < 0.001), educational attainment ( χ² = 82.491, P < 0.001), place of residence ( χ² = 14.320, P = 0.001), living arrangements ( χ² = 27.864, P < 0.001), monthly income ( χ² = 50.453, P < 0.001), self-reported health status ( χ² = 19.050, P = 0.004), history of dementia exposure ( χ² = 103.531, P < 0.001), and family history of dementia ( χ² = 23.628, P < 0.001) were statistically significant. Results are presented in Table 3 . Table 3 Univariate analysis of potential profiles of perceived threat of dementia among elderly participants(n,%) Variables LPT MPT HPT X 2 P Gender Male 134(54.9) 58(60.4) 37(46.3) 3.568 0.168 Female 110(45.1) 38(39.6) 43(53.8) Age <65 82(33.6) 34(35.4) 44(55.0) 31.007 74 48(19.7) 9(9.4) 6(7.5) Education Illiterate 35(14.3) 4(4.2) 1(1.3) 82.491 <0.001 Primary school 73(29.9) 14(14.6) 6(7.5) Junior high school 84(34.4) 34(35.4) 21(26.3) High school or vocational school 43(17.6) 29(30.2) 29(36.3) College or above 9(3.7) 15(15.6) 23(28.7) Marriage status Married 224(91.4) 86(89.6) 71(88.8) 8.565 0.073 Divorced 3(1.2) 3(3.1) 6(7.5) Widowed 18(7.4) 7(7.3) 3(3.8) Place of residence Urban 141(57.8) 60(62.5) 65(81.3) 14.320 0.001 Rural 103(42.2) 36(37.5) 15(18.8) Monthly per capita household income(CNY,yuan) ≤ 3000 114(46.7) 21(21.9) 11(13.8) 50.453 <0.001 3001~<6000 82(33.6) 44(45.8) 29(36.3) 6000~<10000 32(13.1) 20(20.8) 31(38.8) ≥ 10000 16(6.6) 11(11.5) 9(11.3) Living arrangements Living alone 16(6.6) 10(10.4) 9(11.3) 27.864 <0.001 Living with spouse 170(69.7) 62(64.6) 31(38.3) Living with spouse and children 36(14.8) 13(13.5) 27(33.8) Living with children 22(9.0) 11(11.5) 13(16.3) Should other chronic conditions be combined Yes 134(54.9) 53(55.2) 45(56.3) 0.043 0.979 No 110(45.1) 43(44.8) 35(43.8) Self-awareness of health status Healthy 61(25.0) 23(24.0) 32(40.0) 19.050 0.004 Basically healthy 121(49.6) 58(60.4) 40(50.0) Unhealthy, able to take care of oneself 50(20.5) 12(12.5) 8(10.0) Unable to take care of oneself 12(4.9) 3(3.1) 0(0.0) History of dementia exposure Yes 45(18.4) 49(51.0) 63(78.8) 103.531 <0.001 No 199(81.6) 47(49.0) 17(21.3) Family history of dementia Yes 20(8.2) 10(10.4) 23(28.7) 23.628 <0.001 No 224(91.8) 86(89.6) 57(71.3) LPT for low perception of dementia threat;MPT for moderate perception of dementia threat;HPT for high perception of dementia threat. Table 4 shows the differences in anxiety scores, dementia prevention knowledge scores, and dementia prevention health belief scores across three latent categories of dementia threat perception. Table 4 Comparison of anxiety levels, dementia prevention knowledge, and dementia prevention health belief scale scores among three potential profiles of Older Adults. Variable Scores based on the profiles( M ( P 25 , P 75 )) H value P value LPT MPT HPT Anxiety 1(1, 2) 3(2, 5) 9(5, 13) 217.986 <0.001 dementia prevention knowledge 7(4, 9) 8(7, 9) 10(8.25, 11) 79.506 <0.001 dementia prevention health belief 87(75, 96) 101(92, 110) 119(110.25, 124) 200.841 <0.001 M ( P 25 , P 75 ),Median and interquartile range. Multiclass logistic regression analysis of perceived dementia threat profiles Using the dementia threat perception group as the reference category, variables that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis were included in the multinomial logistic regression model. The coding scheme for categorical variables was as follows: age (1 = 74 years), educational attainment (1 = illiterate, 2 = elementary school, 3 = junior high school, 4 = senior high or technical secondary school, 5 = college or above), place of residence (1 = urban, 2 = rural), monthly income (1 = ≤3000 yuan, 2 = 3001~＜6000 yuan, 3 = 6001~＜10000 yuan, 4 = ≥10000 yuan), living arrangements (1 = living alone, 2 = living with spouse, 3 = living with spouse and children, 4 = living with children), and self-reported health status (1 = healthy, 2 = generally healthy, 3 = unhealthy but able to care for oneself, 4 = unable to care for oneself). History of exposure to dementia (1 = yes, 2 = no) and family history of dementia (1 = yes, 2 = no) were also included as categorical variables. Dementia prevention health knowledge, anxiety, and dementia prevention health beliefs were treated as continuous variables. Results indicated significant differences in age, living arrangements, monthly income, history of exposure to dementia, dementia prevention health knowledge, anxiety, and dementia prevention health belief levels ( P < 0.05).Results are presented in Table 5. Table 5. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of variables influencing the potential profiles of perception of dementia threat. Group comparison Variables b Standard error P value OR 95%CI low perception of dementia threat group for moderate perception of dementia threat group Age(years) “65~69” vs“75~80” -1.53 0.752 0.042 0.217 0.05~0.946 History of dementia exposure “yes” vs “no” -1.495 0.480 0.002 0.224 0.087~0.575 Anxiety -1.183 0.186 ＜0.001 0.306 0.213~0.441 high perception of dementia threat group for moderate perception of dementia threat group Living conditions Living with spouse vs Living with children -3.288 1.201 0.006 0.037 0.004~0.393 Monthly per capita household income “6000-10000” vs“＞10000” 3.502 1.157 0.002 33.168 3.435-320.29 dementia prevention knowledge 0.393 0.142 0.006 1.481 1.121~1.956 Anxiety 0.413 0.104 ＜0.001 1.511 1.232~1.853 dementia prevention health belief 0.091 0.037 0.014 1.095 1.019~1.177 Discussion Age-related cognitive decline in older adults is frequently misinterpreted as a normal aspect of aging, leading to underestimation of dementia-related risks and misperceptions regarding disease threat. In this cross-sectional study, factors associated with dementia threat perception were examined from personal, physiological, psychological, and familial perspectives, grounded in the Health Belief Model. Latent profile analysis further elucidated the heterogeneity of perceived dementia threat within the older population. Findings showed that overall dementia threat perception among older adults was relatively low, with a median score of 31.00 (21.00, 52.75). Three distinct latent profiles were identified: the low perception group (58.10%), the moderate perception group (22.86%), and the high perception group (19.05%). These results demonstrate that most older adults tend to underestimate declines in their cognitive functioning. When experiencing memory lapses or difficulties in daily activities, they are more likely to attribute these manifestations to normal aging rather than pathological processes. Previous studies have reported that nearly 80% of individuals still regard dementia as an inevitable outcome of aging, and this misconception continues to increase[ 9 ].Additionally, stigma and self-stigmatization surrounding dementia may contribute to avoidance or denial of cognitive problems, thereby diminishing their perceived threat[ 20 ][ 29 ]. Lower levels of perceived threat may, in turn, delay help-seeking behaviors and contribute to further deterioration of cognitive function.Evidence suggests that perceived dementia threat is a key predictor of both medical help-seeking intentions and behaviors, with individuals who perceive a higher threat more likely to seek timely professional evaluation, ultimately improving prognosis[ 30 ].Collectively, these findings reinforce the importance of identifying subgroups with different levels of dementia threat perception and understanding their specific characteristics. Targeted interventions tailored to these profiles may help enhance awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early health-seeking behavior, which are essential for improving cognitive health outcomes and overall quality of life in older adults. This study identified that older adults with higher levels of dementia prevention knowledge, stronger health beliefs regarding dementia prevention, and elevated anxiety tend to demonstrate a higher perceived threat of dementia. Dementia prevention knowledge plays a critical role in facilitating proactive health behaviors and promoting early medical consultation. According to the Sociocultural Health Belief Model for dementia care-seeking proposed by previous scholars[ 31 ], individuals who possess greater knowledge are more aware of their susceptibility to dementia and its serious consequences, thereby heightening their perception of dementia as a health threat. Health beliefs regarding dementia prevention refer to the conviction that lifestyle modification and behavioral intervention can effectively reduce the risk of dementia[ 25 ]. Older adults with stronger prevention beliefs tend to possess greater motivation for behavioral adjustment, emphasize the importance of maintaining physical and cognitive health, and better recognize the benefits associated with healthy lifestyles[ 32 ]. As a result, they are more likely to perceive dementia—which manifests primarily through progressive cognitive decline—as a significant threat to their health and wellbeing. Nevertheless, the causal direction between dementia prevention beliefs and perceived threat warrants further investigation through longitudinal research designs.Furthermore, in line with previous studies[ 19 ][ 33 ],this research found a significant association between perceived dementia threat and anxiety. Community-dwelling older adults who visit primary care institutions typically exhibit heightened concerns about their health. Aging leads to increasing vulnerability both physically and psychologically; older adults are more susceptible to illness and to developing pessimistic perceptions about their health status[ 34 ]. Such vulnerability increases emotional distress, predisposing them to anxiety. Individuals in this group may attribute health-related issues to uncontrollable external factors, and when coupled with insufficient knowledge, they are more likely to amplify threats associated with dementia.In summary, both threat perception and emotional burden are integral components of cognitive appraisal, reflecting individuals’ responses to physiological decline and psychological stress. Strengthening cognitive understanding of dementia prevention and providing effective coping strategies may help reduce emotional burden and encourage proactive engagement in early dementia prevention behaviors. Multiclass logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with the moderate perceived dementia threat group, individuals aged 65–69 were more likely to exhibit higher levels of perceived dementia threat than those aged 75–80. This finding is consistent with Shi et al.[ 19 ], suggesting that relatively younger older adults tend to be more attentive to potential future health risks and more vigilant about disease threats. In contrast, older seniors may normalize cognitive decline as a natural part of aging and gradually adopt a “go with the flow” perspective, leading to lower perceived threat of dementia[ 17 ].Additionally, older adults without prior exposure to dementia were more likely to demonstrate low perceived dementia threat. This aligns with previous research indicating that exposure to dementia within one’s social environment influences threat perception. Individuals with dementia exposure typically possess more concrete understanding of cognitive impairment and associated functional decline, thereby amplifying their recognition of dementia as a health threat[ 14 ]. Likewise, higher levels of dementia prevention knowledge, stronger prevention-related health beliefs, and elevated anxiety were associated with higher perceived dementia threat. These findings suggest that knowledge enhances sensitivity to cognitive health changes, whereas anxiety—functioning as an emotional vigilance mechanism—may intensify attention to potential disease risks. Analysis of family-related factors further indicates that older adults living with their children had higher perceived dementia threat than those living with spouses. This may be attributed to differences in family caregiving structures. In traditional Chinese cultural contexts, filial piety norms influence older adults’ expression of health concerns. Some may downplay or conceal cognitive decline due to fears of burdening their children, potentially decreasing perceived threat. Conversely, in intergenerational living arrangements, children as primary caregivers are more likely to observe and monitor subtle cognitive changes, promoting heightened vigilance toward dementia risk[ 35 ]. Intergenerational support also fosters emotional security and a stronger sense of purpose, which may help maintain proactive attitudes toward aging[ 36 ].Moreover, participants with monthly household incomes exceeding ¥10,000 were more likely to belong to the high perceived dementia threat group. Compared with those with lower incomes—who often must prioritize daily living needs—higher-income older adults have greater access to health resources and cognitive stimulation opportunities, enhancing cognitive reserve and increasing awareness of functional changes, which may elevate dementia threat perception. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of strengthening dementia prevention knowledge dissemination and designing effective interventions that enhance health beliefs, thereby improving older adults’ recognition of dementia threat and facilitating proactive engagement in preventive and health management behaviors. This study innovatively combines latent profile analysis with the Health Belief Model, employing an individual-centered statistical approach to systematically reveal the latent heterogeneity and key influencing factors of dementia threat perception among Chinese older adults. By identifying key influencing factors, it effectively pinpoints older adults with low dementia threat perception, holding significant practical implications for early dementia prevention and reducing dementia risk. However, this study also has certain limitations. First, data collection employed a single-center convenience sampling method. The selected sample predominantly comprised elderly residents of Nanjing, potentially introducing bias. Second, this cross-sectional study only examined the association between perceived dementia threat levels and influencing factors among the elderly, without inferring dynamic processes or establishing temporal causality. Future large-scale longitudinal research is needed to reveal the dynamic changes in perceived dementia threat and address these limitations. This study reveals significant latent subgroup differences in older adults' perceived threat of dementia. These heterogeneous characteristics suggest that personalized assessment strategies based on holistic perceptual traits may be more suitable for public health practice than interventions focused on isolated variables. Understanding the interactions among influencing factors helps healthcare professionals optimize assessment processes and more accurately identify older adults with distinct perceptual patterns. At the practical level, these findings hold significant value for tailoring dementia prevention strategies and promoting proactive health behaviors. Early identification of low-threat groups enables community interventions that reinforce health knowledge, improve emotional well-being, and strengthen family or community support, ultimately fostering proactive preventive actions. For high-threat groups, providing tailored information and psychological support can alleviate excessive anxiety and guide the formation of accurate health beliefs regarding dementia prevention. Although the mechanisms underlying certain latent categories require further exploration, these findings lay the groundwork for developing precision interventions based on individual characteristics. Such measures can enhance older adults' levels of proactive dementia prevention behaviors, ultimately contributing to early risk reduction and lowering the probability of dementia onset. Conclusion This study employed latent profile analysis to examine heterogeneity in older adults' perceptions of dementia threat. Results identified three distinct latent profiles: “Low Perception of Dementia Threat,” “Moderate Perception of Dementia Threat,” and “High Perception of Dementia Threat.” Influencing factors across these categories included age, monthly income, history of dementia exposure, living arrangements, anxiety levels, knowledge of dementia prevention, and health beliefs regarding dementia prevention. Looking ahead, healthcare professionals can develop personalized intervention strategies based on the characteristics of these categories and their associated influencing factors. Such targeted interventions can enhance individuals' awareness of dementia threats, encourage older adults to adopt proactive early dementia prevention behaviors, and potentially reduce the incidence of dementia. Abbreviations ADL activities of daily living ADRDs Alzheimer's disease and other dementias LPA latent profile analysis ToDS Threat of Dementia Scale AIC Akaike information criteria BIC Bayesian information criteria , aBIC adjusted Bayesian information criteria LMRT Lo–Mendell–Rubin likelihood ratio test BLRT bootstrap likelihood ratio test LPT low perception of dementia threat MPT moderate perception of dementia threat HPT high perception of dementia threat. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (2024-877-01); all participants provided written informed consent and thestudy was perfommed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki guideline. Consent for publication Not Applicable Availability of data and materials The datasets generated and analysed in the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Funding This work was supported by Jiangsu Provincial Youth Talent Program (grant number:JSSA2024YB01) Authors' contributions All authors contributed to the study conception and design. YX, YYJ and QZ designed the study. YX, YLJ and QR were responsible for the conduction of the study.YX, QR and STS recruited eligible participants. YX and QR analyzedthe data and wrote the main manuscript. 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Perceived Threat of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Among Chinese Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment[J]. J Gerontol Soc Work. 2024;67(7):976–94. Sun F, Gao X, Coon DW. Perceived threat of Alzheimer's disease among Chinese American older adults: the role of Alzheimer's disease literacy[J]. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2015;70(2):247–57. Suhr JA, Kinkela JH. Perceived threat of Alzheimer disease (AD): the role of personal experience with AD[J]. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2007;21(3):225–31. Shi Y, Sun F, Liu Y, et al. Perceived threat of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among older Chinese Americans in subsidized housing: Through a cultural lens[J]. Dement (London). 2020;19(6):1777–93. Woo BK. Family history and its relationship with dementia stigma beliefs among Chinese Americans[J]. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2017;17(1):122–5. Liu Y, Zhang Q, Zhao J, et al. Latent profile analysis of fear of progression in Chinese hematologic malignancy survivors[J]. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):15265. Tian JZ, Xie HG, Wang LN, et al. Chinese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease dementia(2020)[J]. Chin J Geriatr. 2021;40(3):269–83. Heger I, Deckers K, van Boxtel M, et al. Dementia awareness and risk perception in middle-aged and older individuals: baseline results of the MijnBreincoach survey on the association between lifestyle and brain health[J]. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):678. Wang X, Gao D, Wang X, et al. Hypertension, socioeconomic status and depressive and anxiety disorders: a cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older Chinese women[J]. BMJ Open. 2023;13(12):e77598. Kim S, Sargent-Cox K, Cherbuin N, et al. Development of the motivation to change lifestyle and health behaviours for dementia risk reduction scale[J]. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2014;4(2):172–83. Wang XF, Yang YN, Tang BX, et al. Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Motivation to ChangeLifestyle and Health Behaviors for Dementia Risk Reduction scale.[J]. J Nurs Sci. 2016;31(21):13–6. Nylund-Gibson K, Choi AY. Ten frequently asked questions about latent class analysis[J]. Translational Issues Psychol Sci. 2018;4(4):440–61. Nylund KL, Asparouhov T, Muthén BO. Deciding on the Number of Classes in Latent Class Analysis and Growth Mixture Modeling: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study[J]. Struct Equation Model Multidisciplinary J. 2007;14(4):535–69. Noguchi T, Shang E, Hayashi T. Stigma Beliefs and Attitudes Against Dementia and Help-Seeking Intentions in Hypothetical Early Signs of Dementia: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study of Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Japan[J]. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2025;40(8):e70141. Jiao Y, Chang J, Liu C, et al. Factors influencing the help-seeking behavior in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a qualitative study[J]. BMC Health Serv Res. 2023;23(1):1345. Joo SH, Jo IS, Kim HJ, et al. Factors Associated With Dementia Knowledge and Dementia Worry in the South Korean Elderly Population[J]. Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(12):1198–204. Siette J, Dodds L, Deckers K, et al. Cross-sectional survey of attitudes and beliefs towards dementia risk reduction among Australian older adults[J]. BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):1021. Gao MX, Gao MX, Guo L, et al. Perceived threat of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Chinese older adults: The role of knowledge and perceived stigma[J]. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020;35(2):223–9. Cantegreil-Kallen I, Pin S. Fear of Alzheimer's disease in the French population: impact of age and proximity to the disease[J]. Int Psychogeriatr. 2012;24(1):108–16. Wu Y, Zhi S, Zhong Q, et al. Family caregivers' perspectives on dementia prevention: A mixed-methods systematic review[J]. Geriatr Nurs. 2025;64:103365. Shi JM, Liu XT. The Effects of Intergenerational Supports on Depressive Symptoms foOlder Adults: The Mediate Effect of Attitude toward Ageing and TheModerate Effect of Urban-Rural Disparity [J]. Psychol Sci. 2024;47(03):695–702. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 25 Jan, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 23 Jan, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 22 Jan, 2026 Editor invited by journal 01 Jan, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 31 Dec, 2025 First submitted to journal 31 Dec, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8420233","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":580787311,"identity":"c320061f-66b2-4625-9f10-e325299386e5","order_by":0,"name":"Yang Xu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Dalian Medical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yang","middleName":"","lastName":"Xu","suffix":""},{"id":580787314,"identity":"858adcc0-faa0-48a8-8b73-a2a6e2c47266","order_by":1,"name":"Qing Ren","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Dalian Medical University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Qing","middleName":"","lastName":"Ren","suffix":""},{"id":580787316,"identity":"114cf110-2c1b-4def-b42c-df40c3b5c6f8","order_by":2,"name":"Yuanyuan Jiang","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAzElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACfobznx9IVEgw27c3EKlFsvGAmYHFGQt2A54DRGoxOHzAQKKyrYLfQCKBWJcdO5BgcOOMhLS55OONNxhqbKIJ6mDsOXDg4YwKCWPL2WnFFgzH0nIbCGlhljjYYCxxRiKZ4XaOmQRjw2HCWtjkHzNI/22TqG+4eYZILTwMxxgkJNskmA1u8BCpRYLhDJsB0GHMkj1AvyQQ4xf7A2eYgVFZx8zPfnjjjQ81NoS1IAMSogahhVQdo2AUjIJRMDIAAHzVQIiT3ld9AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yuanyuan","middleName":"","lastName":"Jiang","suffix":""},{"id":580787326,"identity":"3f9b9b45-1d79-443e-be41-4cd6d703c770","order_by":3,"name":"Yelin Jiang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yelin","middleName":"","lastName":"Jiang","suffix":""},{"id":580787328,"identity":"e396dca3-37d2-4f16-a18f-b0b50cf0df33","order_by":4,"name":"Shaoting Sheng","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shaoting","middleName":"","lastName":"Sheng","suffix":""},{"id":580787332,"identity":"63e9a6f0-aab8-4e9d-a55f-60e06c9c9a7b","order_by":5,"name":"Qi Zhang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Qi","middleName":"","lastName":"Zhang","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-12-22 02:38:17","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8420233/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8420233/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":101364589,"identity":"6ebd2713-d8db-4f47-9536-62d26e4ea97a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-29 00:50:46","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":48113,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThree latent profiles of perceived dementia threat in elderly participants.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnivariate analysis of potential profiles of perceived threat of dementia among elderly participants.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"drawingimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8420233/v1/3acad1ecfd6c6ad8c4a56f10.png"},{"id":101398386,"identity":"ef0f8c93-6449-4183-b2df-675face14476","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-29 09:41:16","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1525371,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8420233/v1/a6100300-7d29-48c9-b00b-3f1af04797b1.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Latent profiles and Influencing factors of perceived threat of dementia among older adults","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eDementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by decline in cognitive functions that severely impairs an individual\u0026apos;s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL)[1].There is a profound demographic shift driven by rapid population aging in China,dementia has become the fifth-leading cause of death[2]. In 2021, the Global Burden of Disease Study revealed that China had 16.99 million existing cases of Alzheimer\u0026apos;s disease and other dementias(ADRDs), accounting for 29.8% of global dementia cases[3]. Among the elderly, the overall pooled prevalence of dementia has reached 4.76%[4], the disability-adjusted life years associated with dementia increased by 225.7%[5]. According to projections published in The Lancet, based on the current upward trend in dementia incidence, the number of people living with dementia in China is expected to reach 66.3 million by 2050 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 64.7\u0026ndash;68.0 million)[6], resulting in a macroeconomic burden of USD 2.96 trillion[7]. These figures indicate that dementia has become an urgent and substantial public health and socioeconomic challenge in China.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvidence has identified there are 18 modifiable risk factors could prevent or delay approximately 65% of global dementia cases[8].As there is no available curative treatment for dementia, the key strategy for curbing the growing prevalence is early proactive prevention. Threat perception plays a critical role in motivating individuals to adopt early health-promoting behaviors[9]. Dementia threat perception refers to the cognitive assessment and psychological response to the potential harm that dementia-related symptoms may cause to one\u0026apos;s health[10].Existing studies have shown that higher threat perception of dementia can increase individuals\u0026rsquo; awareness of health behaviors, encourage help-seeking from professionals, and promote proactive health actions[11]. However, excessive threat perception may induce anxiety, which could exacerbate cognitive decline in turn[12].In fact, the perceptions from the public of dementia remain a major barrier to effectively advancing proactive prevention initiatives. The public\u0026apos;s dementia threat perception may vary across different populations. Surveys indicate that nearly 80% of the general population still view dementia as a normal part of aging and more than one-quarter of people worldwide believe that dementia cannot be prevented[13],.In China, public awareness of dementia remains low, characterized by three key deficiencies: low awareness, low diagnosis rate, and low treatment rate[14]. To address this, the National Health Commission has proposed that cultivating a societal atmosphere of promoting active dementia prevention and emphasizing the foundational role of improving public awareness[15]. Adjusting the appropriate level of dementia threat perceptionaamong the elderly is a key measure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDementia threat perception is a dynamic variable.Existing studies primarily employs a variable-centered approach to assess individuals\u0026apos; perceptions of the threat of dementia. This variable-centered approach tend to focus on variables for statistical analysisand describes universal characteristics across populations, operating under the assumption of population homogeneity, which may neglect individual differences in older adults and fail to reflect heterogeneity[21]. Existing evidence indicates that the threat perception of dementia is influenced by multiple factors, including general demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and social environmental support. Demographically, higher levels of threat perception are typically observed among women[16], individuals with higher education levels[17], and those with caregiving experience or a family history of dementia[12][18]. Psychologically, negative emotions such as anxiety and depression[19], as well as dementia-related stigma[20], are closely associated with threat perception. Regard to social support, studies suggest that intergenerational support can affect threat perception among the elder[17]. However, these findings cannot be generalized to all older adults in China.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, we used latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine the perceived level of dementia threat in an elderly population. LPA is a person-centered approach that aims to identifying construct-based profiles used to recognize individuals based on similar characteristics and to classify similar individuals into potentially discrete groups.The LPA results show homogeneity within the same latent group and heterogeneity between different latent groups. With LPA, we aimed to (1) clarify the current status of dementia threat perception in the elderly population, and (2) identify subtypes of dementia threat perception in the elderly population and analyze the related influencing factors.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy design, setting, and participants\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study has a descriptive and cross-sectional design. To ensure diversity in sample sources, two communities（urban and rural）in Nanjing were selected using a convenience sampling method for questionnaire-based data collection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants were older adults who underwent medical checkups at the two selected community health centers between December 2024 and September 2025. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) residence in the community for \u0026ge;6 months; (2) age \u0026ge;60 years; (3) voluntary participation and provision of informed consent; and (4) normal communication ability and capacity to cooperate with the survey. Exclusion criteria included: (1) meeting the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Chinese Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer\u0026apos;s Disease Dementia (2020)[22] and having a confirmed clinical diagnosis of dementia; (2) presence of severe mental illness that hindered participation; and (3) severe cardiac, cerebral, renal, or other organ failure, or being in the acute phase of illness.The collection of data from the questionnaire was carried out after obtaining informed consent from the study participants.All procedures were performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University (No. 2024-877-01).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample size\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sample size was calculated by employing the following formula:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg 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this study, a 95% confidence level (two-sided)was applied, with a corresponding \u003cem\u003eZ\u003csub\u003e1\u0026minus;\u0026alpha;/2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/em\u003evalue of 1.96.Based on prior studies indicating that 30% of elderly individuals perceive dementia-related threats as significant (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e = 0.30) and an allowable margin of error of 5%, the calculated minimum sample size was 323.To account for an anticipated 20% non-response rate, the final sample size was adjusted to 404 participants (323 / 0.8). This sample size exceeds the minimum requirement of 200 cases for LPA.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData collection\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study employed two uniformly trained research team members to collect data using both paper questionnaires and online questionnaires via the \u0026ldquo;Questionnaire Star platform\u0026rdquo;. After the research team fully entered the questionnaire content into the \u0026ldquo;Questionnaire Star platform\u0026rdquo;, the platform generated a scannable QR code. Research subjects capable of using smartphones could scan this QR code to complete the online questionnaire. For subjects unable to use smartphones, those with visual impairments, or those who were illiterate, team members administered paper questionnaires, asking each question item by item and completing the form on their behalf. The online and paper-based questionnaires contained identical content. During the completion process, any questions raised by participants were promptly addressed and clarified to ensure accurate understanding of each item.Completed questionnaires were collected on-site to ensure the authenticity and validity of the data.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasures\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSociodemographic\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe general information questionnaire of this study is designed by the researcher based on the results of the previous literature study, including including gender, age, place of residence, education level, family history of dementia, and history of dementia exposure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThreat of Dementia Scale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Threat of Dementia Scale(ToDS) was developed by Richard et al.[10]in 2022, based on descriptive statements of dementia symptoms, cognitive domain criteria for dementia diagnosis and dementia characteristics,Each item employs a 7-point Likert scale ranging from\u0026nbsp;\u0026quot;not at all\u0026quot;\u0026nbsp;(1 point) to\u0026nbsp;\u0026quot;very much\u0026quot;\u0026nbsp;(7 points). Higher total scores indicate greater perceived threat levels. The original scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach\u0026apos;s a= 0.913).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this study, the research team utilized a Chinese version of the ToDS, which underwent rigorous cross-cultural adaptation. The validated Chinese version showed exceptional reliability (Cronbach\u0026apos;s a= 0.975).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDementia Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dementia Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire was developed based on the World Health Organization\u0026rsquo;s Guidelines on Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia , in conjunction with the dementia prevention knowledge questionnaire utilized in the study by Heger et al[23]. The questionnaire encompasses 11 knowledge domains related to dementia risk factors, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Each correctly answered item is awarded one point, while incorrect and\u0026nbsp;\u0026ldquo;uncertain\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;responses are scored zero. The total score ranges from 0 to 11, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge of dementia prevention.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneralized Anxiety Disorder-7\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 is commonly used in clinical practice to evaluate patients\u0026apos; anxiety symptoms due to its reliable reliability and validity[24]. The scale consists of 7 items, each of which is scored on a Likert 4-point scale ranging from 3 (almost every day) to 0 (not at all) Total score ranges from 0 to 21. The scale is as follows: a score of 0 to 4 indicates normal or no anxiety; a score of 5 to 13 represents mild to moderate anxiety; a score of 14 to 18 indicates moderate to severe anxiety; and a score of 19 to 21 is categorized as severe anxiety. The overall Cronbach\u0026apos;s a was 0.93.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChinese Version of the Motivation to Change Lifestyle and Health Behaviors to Reduce Dementia Risk Scale\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis scale measures the public\u0026apos;s level of health beliefs regarding dementia prevention. Developed by KIM et al[25]. based on the Health Belief Model framework and translated by Wang et al.[26], it comprises 27 items across 7 dimensions: Perceived Vulnerability, Perceived Severity, Perceived Benefits, Perceived Barriers, Action Cues, Overall Health Motivation, and Self-Efficacy. Scores range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The Perceived Barriers dimension is reverse-scored in the total calculation. Each item uses a 5-point scale, yielding total scores between 27 and 135 points. Higher scores indicate stronger dementia prevention beliefs. Cronbach\u0026apos;s a was 0.763.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study used Mplus 8.3 to conduct a potential profile analysis of perceived dementia threat in the elderly population. The Chinese version of the ToDS entry scores were used as the external\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eindicator, 1\u0026ndash;5 profiles were selected for analysis stepwise. The model fit indices included the Akaike information criteria (\u003cem\u003eAIC\u003c/em\u003e), Bayesian information criteria (\u003cem\u003eBIC\u003c/em\u003e), adjusted Bayesian information criteria (\u003cem\u003eaBIC\u003c/em\u003e), information entropy, Lo\u0026ndash;Mendell\u0026ndash;Rubin likelihood ratio test (\u003cem\u003eLMRT\u003c/em\u003e), and bootstrap likelihood ratio test (\u003cem\u003eBLRT\u003c/em\u003e)[27]. Smaller\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;AIC\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBIC\u003c/em\u003e, and\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;aBIC\u003c/em\u003e values indicate better model fit. The information entropy ranges from 0 to 1, with values closer to 1 indicating more accurate classification. \u003cem\u003eLMRT\u003c/em\u003e and\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;BLRT\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eare used to compare the fit differences between k class and k-1 class models. When these differences are both statistically significant (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026le;0.05), the k class profile model is considered superior to the k\u0026minus;1 class profile model[28].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter determining the optimal latent profile model, statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. The normality of continuous variables was assessed using the Shapiro\u0026ndash;Wilk test. Variables following a normal distribution were presented as mean \u0026plusmn; standard deviation, whereas non-normally distributed data were reported as median and interquartile range . Group comparisons were conducted based on the identified latent profiles. The chi-square test was employed for categorical data, and the Kruskal\u0026ndash;Wallis H test was applied for comparisons of non-normally distributed continuous variables. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore potential factors associated with different profiles. All statistical tests were two-sided, with a significance level set at \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e \u0026le; 0.05.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eGeneral Characteristics of survey subjects\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 450 questionnaires were distributed, with 420 valid responses collected, yielding a valid response rate of 93.3%. Among the 420 elderly participants, 229 were male and 191 were female. The median age of the study subjects was 67.00 years (interquartile range: 62.00\u0026ndash;72.00), with further demographic details presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSociodemographic of participants (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;420)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency(\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMale\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e229\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFemale\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e191\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIlliterate\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePrimary school\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJunior high school\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e139\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHigh school or vocational school\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAcademic degree or higher\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarriage status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarried\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e380\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDivorce\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBereave\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResidence\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUrban area\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e266\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRural area\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMonthly per capita household income(CNY,yuan)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;3000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e146\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3001~\u0026lt;6000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e6000~\u0026lt;10000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;10000\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiving arrangements\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiving alone\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiving with spouse\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e263\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiving with spouse and children\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiving with children\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eShould other chronic conditions be combined?\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e232\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNo\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e188\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFamily history of dementia\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNo\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e367\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistory of dementia exposure\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e157\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNo\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e263\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCNY is the standard currency symbol for China Yuan.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLatent Profile Analysis of Perceived Dementia Threat\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe mean score on the Dementia Threat Scale for older adults was 31.00 (21.00, 52.75). A latent profile model was constructed using scores on each item of the Dementia Threat Scale. Starting from the initial model, five latent profile models were generated, as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. As the number of categories increased, the values of AIC, BIC, and aBIC all decreased. When the number of categories was 4, the P-value for the LMRT of dementia threat was \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, indicating no statistically significant differences among the four-category model. However, when the Entropy value for category 3 reached its maximum of 0.980 (close to 1), both the BLRT and LMRT P-values were \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05. Consequently, three latent categories were ultimately selected as the optimal model for this study. These were sequentially named: the low dementia threat perception group (58.10%, 244/420), the moderate dementia threat perception group (22.86%, 96/420), and the high dementia threat perception group (19.05%, 80/420), as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFit indices for latent class analysis of perceived dementia threat in elderly participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProfile\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAIC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBIC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eaBIC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEntropy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBLRT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLMRT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProfile prevalence(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22603.747\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22708.794\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22626.288\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18084.594\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18246.204\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18119.272\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.973\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0068\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.19/33.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16642.112\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16860.286\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16688.928\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.980\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.10/22.86/19.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16277.057\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16551.794\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16336.010\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.942\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3640\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.71/23.57/20.48/15.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15957.264\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16288.565\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16028.354\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.941\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.05/22.14/17.62/11.91/9.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eUnivariate analysis of potential profiles of perceived threat of dementia among elderly participants.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnivariate analysis revealed that age (\u003cem\u003eχ\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 31.007, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), educational attainment (\u003cem\u003eχ\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 82.491, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), place of residence (\u003cem\u003eχ\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 14.320, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001), living arrangements (\u003cem\u003eχ\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 27.864, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), monthly income (\u003cem\u003eχ\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 50.453, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), self-reported health status (\u003cem\u003eχ\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 19.050, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.004), history of dementia exposure (\u003cem\u003eχ\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 103.531, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and family history of dementia (\u003cem\u003eχ\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 23.628, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) were statistically significant. Results are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnivariate analysis of potential profiles of perceived threat of dementia among elderly participants(n,%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLPT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMPT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHPT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eX\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134(54.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58(60.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37(46.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.568\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.168\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110(45.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38(39.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43(53.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82(33.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34(35.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44(55.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.007\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50(20.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36(37.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21(26.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64(26.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17(17.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9(11.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48(19.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9(9.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6(7.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35(14.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4(4.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1(1.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.491\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary school\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73(29.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14(14.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6(7.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunior high school\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84(34.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34(35.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21(26.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh school or vocational school\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43(17.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29(30.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29(36.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollege or above\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9(3.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15(15.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23(28.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarriage status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e224(91.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e86(89.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71(88.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.565\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.073\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3(1.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3(3.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6(7.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18(7.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7(7.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3(3.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlace of residence\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e141(57.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60(62.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65(81.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.320\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRural\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e103(42.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36(37.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15(18.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMonthly per capita household income(CNY,yuan)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;3000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e114(46.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21(21.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11(13.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.453\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3001~\u0026lt;6000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82(33.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44(45.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29(36.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6000~\u0026lt;10000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32(13.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20(20.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31(38.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;10000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16(6.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11(11.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9(11.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiving arrangements\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLiving alone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16(6.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10(10.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9(11.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.864\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLiving with spouse\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e170(69.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62(64.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31(38.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLiving with spouse and children\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36(14.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13(13.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27(33.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLiving with children\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22(9.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11(11.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13(16.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eShould other chronic conditions be combined\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134(54.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53(55.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45(56.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.979\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110(45.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43(44.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35(43.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSelf-awareness of health status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealthy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61(25.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23(24.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32(40.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.050\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBasically healthy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121(49.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58(60.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40(50.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnhealthy, able to take care of oneself\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50(20.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12(12.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8(10.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnable to take care of oneself\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12(4.9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3(3.1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0(0.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistory of dementia exposure\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45(18.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49(51.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63(78.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e103.531\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e199(81.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47(49.0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17(21.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFamily history of dementia\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20(8.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10(10.4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23(28.7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.628\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e224(91.8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e86(89.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57(71.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLPT for low perception of dementia threat;MPT for moderate perception of dementia threat;HPT for high perception of dementia threat.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e shows the differences in anxiety scores, dementia prevention knowledge scores, and dementia prevention health belief scores across three latent categories of dementia threat perception.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparison of anxiety levels, dementia prevention knowledge, and dementia prevention health belief scale scores among three potential profiles of Older Adults.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eScores based on the profiles(\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e(\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e25\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e,\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e75\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eH\u003c/em\u003e value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLPT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMPT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHPT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnxiety\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1(1, 2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3(2, 5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9(5, 13)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e217.986\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003edementia prevention knowledge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7(4, 9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8(7, 9)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10(8.25, 11)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.506\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003edementia prevention health belief\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87(75, 96)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101(92, 110)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e119(110.25, 124)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200.841\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e(\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e25\u003c/sub\u003e, \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e75\u003c/sub\u003e),Median and interquartile range.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulticlass logistic regression analysis of perceived dementia threat profiles\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the dementia threat perception group as the reference category, variables that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis were included in the multinomial logistic regression model. The coding scheme for categorical variables was as follows: age (1 = \u0026lt;65, 2 = 65~69, 3 = 70~74, 4 = \u0026gt;74 years), educational attainment (1 = illiterate, 2 = elementary school, 3 = junior high school, 4 = senior high or technical secondary school, 5 = college or above), place of residence (1 = urban, 2 = rural), monthly income (1 = \u0026le;3000 yuan, 2 = 3001~＜6000 yuan, 3 = 6001~＜10000 yuan, 4 = \u0026ge;10000 yuan), living arrangements (1 = living alone, 2 = living with spouse, 3 = living with spouse and children, 4 = living with children), and self-reported health status (1 = healthy, 2 = generally healthy, 3 = unhealthy but able to care for oneself, 4 = unable to care for oneself). History of exposure to dementia (1 = yes, 2 = no) and family history of dementia (1 = yes, 2 = no) were also included as categorical variables. Dementia prevention health knowledge, anxiety, and dementia prevention health beliefs were treated as continuous variables.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults indicated significant differences in age, living arrangements, monthly income, history of exposure to dementia, dementia prevention health knowledge, anxiety, and dementia prevention health belief levels (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.05).Results are presented in Table 5.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of variables influencing the potential profiles of perception of dementia threat.\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"592\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGroup comparison\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eb\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStandard error\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOR\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e95%CI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;low perception of dementia threat group for moderate perception of dementia threat group\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 81px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge(years)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;65~69\u0026rdquo; vs\u0026ldquo;75~80\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-1.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.752\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.042\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.217\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.05~0.946\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 81px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHistory of dementia exposure\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;yes\u0026rdquo; vs \u0026ldquo;no\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-1.495\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.480\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.224\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.087~0.575\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnxiety\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-1.183\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.186\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e＜0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.306\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.213~0.441\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;high perception of dementia threat group for moderate perception of dementia threat group\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 81px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLiving conditions\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLiving with spouse vs Living with children\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-3.288\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.201\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.006\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.037\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.004~0.393\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 81px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMonthly per capita household income\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 91px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;6000-10000\u0026rdquo; vs\u0026ldquo;＞10000\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.502\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.157\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.168\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.435-320.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003edementia prevention knowledge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.393\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.142\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.006\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.481\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.121~1.956\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnxiety\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.413\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.104\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e＜0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.511\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.232~1.853\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003edementia prevention health belief\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.091\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 57px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.037\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.014\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.095\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.019~1.177\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAge-related cognitive decline in older adults is frequently misinterpreted as a normal aspect of aging, leading to underestimation of dementia-related risks and misperceptions regarding disease threat. In this cross-sectional study, factors associated with dementia threat perception were examined from personal, physiological, psychological, and familial perspectives, grounded in the Health Belief Model. Latent profile analysis further elucidated the heterogeneity of perceived dementia threat within the older population.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFindings showed that overall dementia threat perception among older adults was relatively low, with a median score of 31.00 (21.00, 52.75). Three distinct latent profiles were identified: the low perception group (58.10%), the moderate perception group (22.86%), and the high perception group (19.05%). These results demonstrate that most older adults tend to underestimate declines in their cognitive functioning. When experiencing memory lapses or difficulties in daily activities, they are more likely to attribute these manifestations to normal aging rather than pathological processes. Previous studies have reported that nearly 80% of individuals still regard dementia as an inevitable outcome of aging, and this misconception continues to increase[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].Additionally, stigma and self-stigmatization surrounding dementia may contribute to avoidance or denial of cognitive problems, thereby diminishing their perceived threat[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Lower levels of perceived threat may, in turn, delay help-seeking behaviors and contribute to further deterioration of cognitive function.Evidence suggests that perceived dementia threat is a key predictor of both medical help-seeking intentions and behaviors, with individuals who perceive a higher threat more likely to seek timely professional evaluation, ultimately improving prognosis[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e].Collectively, these findings reinforce the importance of identifying subgroups with different levels of dementia threat perception and understanding their specific characteristics. Targeted interventions tailored to these profiles may help enhance awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early health-seeking behavior, which are essential for improving cognitive health outcomes and overall quality of life in older adults.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study identified that older adults with higher levels of dementia prevention knowledge, stronger health beliefs regarding dementia prevention, and elevated anxiety tend to demonstrate a higher perceived threat of dementia. Dementia prevention knowledge plays a critical role in facilitating proactive health behaviors and promoting early medical consultation. According to the Sociocultural Health Belief Model for dementia care-seeking proposed by previous scholars[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e], individuals who possess greater knowledge are more aware of their susceptibility to dementia and its serious consequences, thereby heightening their perception of dementia as a health threat.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth beliefs regarding dementia prevention refer to the conviction that lifestyle modification and behavioral intervention can effectively reduce the risk of dementia[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Older adults with stronger prevention beliefs tend to possess greater motivation for behavioral adjustment, emphasize the importance of maintaining physical and cognitive health, and better recognize the benefits associated with healthy lifestyles[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. As a result, they are more likely to perceive dementia\u0026mdash;which manifests primarily through progressive cognitive decline\u0026mdash;as a significant threat to their health and wellbeing. Nevertheless, the causal direction between dementia prevention beliefs and perceived threat warrants further investigation through longitudinal research designs.Furthermore, in line with previous studies[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e],this research found a significant association between perceived dementia threat and anxiety. Community-dwelling older adults who visit primary care institutions typically exhibit heightened concerns about their health. Aging leads to increasing vulnerability both physically and psychologically; older adults are more susceptible to illness and to developing pessimistic perceptions about their health status[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. Such vulnerability increases emotional distress, predisposing them to anxiety. Individuals in this group may attribute health-related issues to uncontrollable external factors, and when coupled with insufficient knowledge, they are more likely to amplify threats associated with dementia.In summary, both threat perception and emotional burden are integral components of cognitive appraisal, reflecting individuals\u0026rsquo; responses to physiological decline and psychological stress. Strengthening cognitive understanding of dementia prevention and providing effective coping strategies may help reduce emotional burden and encourage proactive engagement in early dementia prevention behaviors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMulticlass logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with the moderate perceived dementia threat group, individuals aged 65\u0026ndash;69 were more likely to exhibit higher levels of perceived dementia threat than those aged 75\u0026ndash;80. This finding is consistent with Shi et al.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e], suggesting that relatively younger older adults tend to be more attentive to potential future health risks and more vigilant about disease threats. In contrast, older seniors may normalize cognitive decline as a natural part of aging and gradually adopt a \u0026ldquo;go with the flow\u0026rdquo; perspective, leading to lower perceived threat of dementia[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].Additionally, older adults without prior exposure to dementia were more likely to demonstrate low perceived dementia threat. This aligns with previous research indicating that exposure to dementia within one\u0026rsquo;s social environment influences threat perception. Individuals with dementia exposure typically possess more concrete understanding of cognitive impairment and associated functional decline, thereby amplifying their recognition of dementia as a health threat[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Likewise, higher levels of dementia prevention knowledge, stronger prevention-related health beliefs, and elevated anxiety were associated with higher perceived dementia threat. These findings suggest that knowledge enhances sensitivity to cognitive health changes, whereas anxiety\u0026mdash;functioning as an emotional vigilance mechanism\u0026mdash;may intensify attention to potential disease risks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalysis of family-related factors further indicates that older adults living with their children had higher perceived dementia threat than those living with spouses. This may be attributed to differences in family caregiving structures. In traditional Chinese cultural contexts, filial piety norms influence older adults\u0026rsquo; expression of health concerns. Some may downplay or conceal cognitive decline due to fears of burdening their children, potentially decreasing perceived threat. Conversely, in intergenerational living arrangements, children as primary caregivers are more likely to observe and monitor subtle cognitive changes, promoting heightened vigilance toward dementia risk[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. Intergenerational support also fosters emotional security and a stronger sense of purpose, which may help maintain proactive attitudes toward aging[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e].Moreover, participants with monthly household incomes exceeding \u0026yen;10,000 were more likely to belong to the high perceived dementia threat group. Compared with those with lower incomes\u0026mdash;who often must prioritize daily living needs\u0026mdash;higher-income older adults have greater access to health resources and cognitive stimulation opportunities, enhancing cognitive reserve and increasing awareness of functional changes, which may elevate dementia threat perception.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, these findings highlight the importance of strengthening dementia prevention knowledge dissemination and designing effective interventions that enhance health beliefs, thereby improving older adults\u0026rsquo; recognition of dementia threat and facilitating proactive engagement in preventive and health management behaviors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study innovatively combines latent profile analysis with the Health Belief Model, employing an individual-centered statistical approach to systematically reveal the latent heterogeneity and key influencing factors of dementia threat perception among Chinese older adults. By identifying key influencing factors, it effectively pinpoints older adults with low dementia threat perception, holding significant practical implications for early dementia prevention and reducing dementia risk.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, this study also has certain limitations. First, data collection employed a single-center convenience sampling method. The selected sample predominantly comprised elderly residents of Nanjing, potentially introducing bias. Second, this cross-sectional study only examined the association between perceived dementia threat levels and influencing factors among the elderly, without inferring dynamic processes or establishing temporal causality. Future large-scale longitudinal research is needed to reveal the dynamic changes in perceived dementia threat and address these limitations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study reveals significant latent subgroup differences in older adults' perceived threat of dementia. These heterogeneous characteristics suggest that personalized assessment strategies based on holistic perceptual traits may be more suitable for public health practice than interventions focused on isolated variables. Understanding the interactions among influencing factors helps healthcare professionals optimize assessment processes and more accurately identify older adults with distinct perceptual patterns. At the practical level, these findings hold significant value for tailoring dementia prevention strategies and promoting proactive health behaviors. Early identification of low-threat groups enables community interventions that reinforce health knowledge, improve emotional well-being, and strengthen family or community support, ultimately fostering proactive preventive actions. For high-threat groups, providing tailored information and psychological support can alleviate excessive anxiety and guide the formation of accurate health beliefs regarding dementia prevention. Although the mechanisms underlying certain latent categories require further exploration, these findings lay the groundwork for developing precision interventions based on individual characteristics. Such measures can enhance older adults' levels of proactive dementia prevention behaviors, ultimately contributing to early risk reduction and lowering the probability of dementia onset.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study employed latent profile analysis to examine heterogeneity in older adults' perceptions of dementia threat. Results identified three distinct latent profiles: \u0026ldquo;Low Perception of Dementia Threat,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;Moderate Perception of Dementia Threat,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;High Perception of Dementia Threat.\u0026rdquo; Influencing factors across these categories included age, monthly income, history of dementia exposure, living arrangements, anxiety levels, knowledge of dementia prevention, and health beliefs regarding dementia prevention. Looking ahead, healthcare professionals can develop personalized intervention strategies based on the characteristics of these categories and their associated influencing factors. Such targeted interventions can enhance individuals' awareness of dementia threats, encourage older adults to adopt proactive early dementia prevention behaviors, and potentially reduce the incidence of dementia.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003eADL \u0026nbsp; activities of daily living\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eADRDs \u0026nbsp; Alzheimer\u0026apos;s disease and other dementias\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLPA \u0026nbsp; latent profile analysis\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToDS \u0026nbsp; Threat of Dementia Scale\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAIC\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eAkaike information criteria\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBIC\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp; Bayesian information criteria ,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eaBIC\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp; adjusted Bayesian information criteria\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLMRT\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp; Lo\u0026ndash;Mendell\u0026ndash;Rubin likelihood ratio test\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBLRT\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp; bootstrap likelihood ratio test\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLPT \u0026nbsp;low\u0026nbsp;perception of dementia threat\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMPT \u0026nbsp;moderate perception of dementia threat\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHPT \u0026nbsp;high perception of dementia threat.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (2024-877-01); all participants provided written informed consent and thestudy was perfommed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki guideline.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated and analysed in the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was supported by Jiangsu Provincial Youth Talent Program (grant number:JSSA2024YB01)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed to the study conception and design. YX, YYJ and QZ designed the study. YX, YLJ and QR were responsible for the conduction of the study.YX, QR and STS recruited eligible participants. YX and QR analyzedthe data and wrote the main manuscript. Authors XY, JYY, RQ and QZ contributed to and reviewed the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGu R, Liu H, Zhao X, et al. Survey on diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment in Sichuan area in China[J]. Alzheimers Dement. 2025;21(4):e70203.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWimo A, Seeher K, Cataldi R, et al. The worldwide costs of dementia in 2019[J]. Alzheimers Dement. 2023;19(7):2865\u0026ndash;73.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWang G QI, JL,Liu XY et al. 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Psychol Sci. 2024;47(03):695\u0026ndash;702.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-neurology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"nurl","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Neurology](http://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/nurl","title":"BMC Neurology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"latent profile analysis, older adults, dementia, threat, health belief model","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8420233/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8420233/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground: \u003c/strong\u003ePerceived dementia threat is closely linked to proactive dementia prevention behaviors among older adults. However, most existing studies conceptualize threat perception as a unidimensional construct, overlooking potential latent subgroups with distinct perceptual characteristics. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of dementia threat perception among older adults and to examine factors associated with subgroup membership.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods: \u003c/strong\u003eA cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 older adults (≥60 years) in Nanjing. The Chinese version of the Dementia Threat Scale was used to measure perceived dementia threat. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was applied to identify subgroups, and multinomial logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of profile membership.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults:\u003c/strong\u003eThree distinct latent profiles emerged: low (58.10%), moderate (22.86%), and high (19.05%) dementia threat perception. Age, living arrangements, monthly income, history of exposure to dementia, dementia prevention knowledge, anxiety, and dementia prevention beliefs were significant predictors of profile membership. Older adults without prior exposure to dementia and with lower anxiety levels were more likely to belong to the low-threat group. In contrast, those living with children, with higher income, greater dementia prevention knowledge, elevated anxiety, and stronger prevention-related health beliefs were more likely to fall into the high-threat group.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion: \u003c/strong\u003eOlder adults show substantial heterogeneity in their perceived dementia threat. Tailored intervention strategies based on subgroup characteristics and associated influencing factors may help enhance dementia threat awareness, promote proactive preventive behaviors, and ultimately reduce the risk of dementia onset.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Latent profiles and Influencing factors of perceived threat of dementia among older adults","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-01-29 00:50:38","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8420233/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"49940232421211186218648514732964607132","date":"2026-01-25T16:47:27+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-01-23T16:42:45+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-01-22T11:24:06+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-01-01T09:33:39+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-12-31T08:29:39+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Neurology","date":"2025-12-31T08:23:22+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-neurology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"nurl","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Neurology](http://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/nurl","title":"BMC Neurology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"54d8005f-b334-4ef1-af0a-668f8684f845","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 29th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-29T00:50:39+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-01-29 00:50:38","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8420233","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8420233","identity":"rs-8420233","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}