Family history, perceived risk, and perceived threat of Alzheimer's disease among Latino residents of northern Manhattan

Abstract INTRODUCTION The relations of Alzheimer's disease (AD) family history to risk perceptions and disease‐related anxiety (AD threat) have been under‐investigated in Latino populations. METHODS A cross‐sectional survey of 2052 Latino northern Manhattan residents (average age 52, 57% women, 74% high school graduates) assessed perceived risk, AD threat, and their relations with AD family history and family history impact beliefs. Analyses used complex samples, general linear models. RESULTS Perceived risk increased with family history (no/distant 17%, second‐degree only 24%, first‐degree only 25%, both first‐ and second‐degree 33%; p < 0.001), and was higher among participants with high (24%) versus low (18%) family history impact beliefs ( p < 0.001). The relationship with family history was exacerbated among participants with high family history impact beliefs (interaction p value < 0.001). The same pattern was observed for AD threat. DISCUSSION Among Latino northern Manhattan residents, family history and family history impact beliefs strongly influence AD risk perceptions and AD threat.