Interest in dementia testing: Family history, dementia-related anxiety, and coping

Increasing awareness of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) may contribute to anxiety about the prospect of a dementia-related diagnosis (dementia-related anxiety). In an online study, we examined variables believed to predict interest in ADRD testing: Family ADRD history, self-perceived ADRD risk, dementia-related anxiety, and coping styles. Logistic regression analysis indicated family ADRD history, being in a relationship, and greater tendency toward monitoring style of coping were significantly associated with greater likelihood of interest in ADRD testing. In a second model, a significant interaction suggested that greater tendency toward monitoring coping style and greater self-perceived ADRD risk predict greater interest in ADRD testing. In the second model, dementia-related anxiety predicted interest in ADRD testing. Implications and future directions are discussed.