Emotional reactions to vignettes depicting varying degrees of behavior modification to reduce risk for alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES

Without cures for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), public health messaging emphasizes lifestyle modification to reduce risk (e.g. diet, physical activity). While this framing promotes a sense of personal control, it may also contribute to negative evaluations of individuals who do not modify their behavior.

METHODS

This vignette-based experiment examined how behavioral modification and personal exposure to ADRD influence emotional reactions toward a fictional individual experiencing cognitive decline. Participants (n = 239) were randomly assigned to read one of two vignette versions in which the individual either implemented recommended lifestyle changes and showed health improvements or did not implement recommended changes and continued to show elevated health risk indicators (modified vs. unmodified). Emotional responses were assessed to examine effects of behavioral framing and prior ADRD exposure.

RESULTS

Participants reported greater negative emotional reactions in response to the unmodified condition. Those with both genetic and social ADRD exposure reported greater anxiety and rejection relative to other exposure groups. ADRD exposure did not moderate the effects of behavior modification.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight the need for careful risk-reduction messaging that balances empowerment with compassion to avoid reinforcing negative emotional reactions toward individuals with ADRD.