Fear of memory loss predicts increased memory failures and lower quality of life in older adults: preliminary findings from a fear-avoidance of memory loss (FAM) scale

Abstract

Background

Few studies have measured the impact of dementia-related fear on daily functioning, despite its clinical relevance. Our aim was to determine the relationship between fear-avoidance of memory loss, perceived memory failures and self-reported quality of life in a community based sample of older adults using a novel fear of memory loss (FAM) scale.

Methods

Sixty-seven older adults (59–81 years) completed a 23-item self-report scale designed to capture multi-faceted components of fear of memory loss, known as the FAM scale. Perceived memory failures were measured using the Memory Failures Scale (MFS) and quality of life was assessed using the Older Person’s Quality of Life scale (OPQOL-35). Participants also completed the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV) as a measure of objective memory performance and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) as measures of general anxiety.

Results

The FAM scale demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .82) and concurrent validity with the GAI (r = .47). Three latent factors were observed: (1) fear-avoidance, (2) problematic beliefs and (3) affective resilience. After adjusting for objective memory performance and general anxiety, higher fear-avoidance significantly predicted increased perceived memory failures (p = .014) and reduced quality of life (p = .033).

Conclusions

Fear of memory loss predicts increased perceived memory failures and lower self-reported quality of life in a community sample of older adults. Based on these findings, we propose a preliminary fear-avoidance model that explains the development and maintenance of dementia-related functional disability in terms of psychological processes.

Keywords:

• Ageing
• memory loss
• fear
• avoidance
• quality of life
• memory failures

Acknowledgement

We thank Dr Brian Lawlor for feedback on the research conceptualisation.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Irish Research Council (FRF, New Foundations award, Enterprise Postdoctoral Fellowship EPSPD/2017/110; MB, Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship GOIPD/2016/617); International Brain Research Organisation In Europe Short Visit grant (BL); National Institutes of Health (JG, R01 MD010440); National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the National Institute on Aging (JG).