Year

2023

Season

Spring

Paper Type

Master's Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Communication

NACO controlled Corporate Body

University of North Florida. School of Communication

First Advisor

Dr. Christa Arnold

Second Advisor

Dr. Chunsik Lee

Third Advisor

Dr. Jody Nicholson

Abstract

A cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not yet a reality, however, research on preventative interventions for AD has demonstrated promise. An issue this research has encountered and will continue to contend with is the recruitment of a generalizable sample. There are several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in various disciplines that do not reach their target sample or must extend their recruitment period to reach their sample size. Challenges like this will aid in the delay of finding an AD prevention method. That impedes the help it could provide future generations. The current study explores research participants’ (2,617) open-ended responses to the Motivation Questionnaire that is administered during the visit one appointment of the Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training, (PACT) randomized clinical trial. The purpose of this study is to explore what motivates an individual to participate in a longitudinal AD prevention study. Specifically, do females and males differ on what motivates them to participate in the PACT study. The PACT study is testing different types of brain games to see if computerized cognitive training (CCT) can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias (ADRD). The findings suggest that there is a difference in what motivates females compared to males. While both genders are concerned about our brain health and aging, males are more likely to participate for the benefit of others. Whereas women are more likely to participate in the hopes of benefitting personally from the efforts.

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