Reference data and clustering of lifestyle-based dementia risk factor scales among older Canadian adults

To establish age- and sex-stratified reference data for six validated lifestyle-based dementia risk factor scales measuring physical activity, brain-healthy eating, cognitive engagement, social connections, and mental well-being among Canadian adults aged 50+, and to identify patterns of lifestyle engagement across the five lifestyle domains. A total of 1048 Canadian adults aged 50–97 (56% female) completed the CHAMPS, EPSA, FCAS, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and DASS-21 and PSS-10 to assess physical activity, brain-healthy eating, cognitive engagement, social connections, and mental well-being, respectively. Participants repeated the measures an average of 8.2 days later. Age- and sex-specific reference values (means, standard deviations, percentile cut-offs, and minimally detectable change) were calculated across sex and age decade (50s, 60s, 70s, 80s+). Latent class analysis was used to identify behavioural clusters in all participants. Females reported greater cognitive engagement and healthier eating but higher perceived stress, while males reported being more physically active. Older age was associated with better eating, cognitive engagement, and lower stress and loneliness. Two lifestyle profiles emerged: (1) Well-rounded Lifestyle ; and (2) Vulnerable to Psychosocial and Cognitive Disengagement . No age or sex differences were found between clusters. This study provides the first Canadian reference data for these lifestyle scales, enabling personalized risk profiling in health promotion. Lifestyle behaviours cluster in ways that highlight the importance of addressing cognitive, social, and mental wellbeing alongside physical activity and brain-healthy eating in older adults. • This study established the first Canadian reference data for six lifestyle scales in adults aged 50+, enabling personalized risk assessment. • Distinct age and sex differences emerged: females reported healthier eating and cognitive engagement but higher stress; males reported more physical activity; older adults showed healthier behaviours overall. • Two lifestyle profiles were identified, differing in psychosocial wellbeing and cognitive engagement, highlighting the need to address these domains in interventions. • The provided reference data will allow clinicians and researchers to compare individual or group behaviours against broader population trends in lifestyle engagement and distinguish meaningful change from measurement error.