PERSONALITY AND FAMILY HISTORY OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AS PREDICTORS OF OLDER ADULTS’ SELF-REPORTED MEMORY PROBLEMS

• Published in: Innovation in aging 2019-11, Vol.3 (Supplement_1), p.S220-S220
• Main Authors: Bhargava, Sakshi, Hill, Nikki, Mogle, Jacqueline, Bell, Tyler R, Wion, Rachel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz038.806

Abstract Understanding individual factors (e.g., personality) associated with self-reported memory problems is important to refine identification of individuals at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using multilevel modeling, we examined the association of family history of AD and personality traits with self-reported memory problems in older adults (n = 421; 72.21% White; 62.95% female; Mage = 76.69). Results showed that individuals with a family history of AD reported more frequent memory problems and greater one-year memory decline. Similar findings were reported for individuals with higher extraversion scores. Further, older adults with higher neuroticism scores reported greater one- and ten-year memory decline. Neuroticism was positively related to frequency of memory problems, but only among participants with a family history of AD. Findings suggest that higher neuroticism and lower extraversion may increase older adults’ reports of memory problems. Family history of AD may further exacerbate this tendency.