Learning to Not Forget: Dementia Risk Awareness of Hypertensive Filipino Adults Residing in the Philippines - Study Protocol

Maxine Adrienne Jill A. Roque, Reia Angela E. Ringor, John Bryan C. Razalan, Fatima May L. Riego, Maria Leana Alexis U. Roca, Sebastien Zoe G. Rodriguez, Amanda Gabrielle L. Romero, Vito C. Roque III, Ida Marie T. Lim, Inocencio P. Alejandro

Dec 2025 DOI 10.35460/2546-1621.2025-0259     Access   

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major contributor to cognitive decline, and dementia is an increasing public health concern in the Philippines. Despite evidence linking these conditions, the awareness of dementia risk remains limited. Broader modifiable factors—such as nutrition, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use and sleep—also influence dementia risk but are not consistently emphasized in health education for hypertensive adults.

Objective: To comprehensively assess the dementia risk awareness of hypertensive Filipino adults residing in the Philippines. 

Methods: An adapted questionnaire will gather data on dementia risk awareness among hypertensive Filipino adults. Phase I involves distributing the questionnaire via Google Forms on social media and collecting informed consent, the Personal Data Sheet (PDS), Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) responses and self-reported modifiable risk factors from the McCance Brain Care Score (BCS). Phase II consists of quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics, including sub-analyses assessing correlations between dementia risk awareness and secondary measures. 

Expected Results: At least 384 responses from hypertensive Filipino adults are anticipated, allowing classification into dementia risk–aware or dementia risk–unaware groups using DKAS thresholds. Exploratory analyses will describe potential associations between dementia risk awareness and selected modifiable risk factors. 

Keywords: Dementia risk awareness; dementia knowledge; hypertension; modifiable risk factors; Philippines

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