Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Motivation to Change Lifestyle and Health Behaviors for Dementia Risk Reduction scale (MCLHB-DRR) in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

•Chinese population, representing the largest aging demographic worldwide, confronts an urgent need for preventive measures against dementia. Despite this, persistent research indicates a notable absence of motivation that impedes dementia prevention initiatives within this demographic.•The Motivation to Change Lifestyle and Health Behaviors for Dementia Risk Reduction scale (MCLHB-DRR) offers a valuable tool for nurses to assess attitudes towards dementia risks and their impact on motivation for lifestyle changes. This instrument allows nurses to identify influencing factors and evaluate interventions for promoting behavioral changes towards dementia prevention.•The Chinese version of MCLHB-DRR showed satisfactory psychometric properties in assessing motivation for lifestyle changes concerning dementia risk reduction. This study also offers valuable insights into promoting dementia risk reduction, taking into account the cultural nuances that influence motivations and knowledge of dementia-related lifestyle changes among the Chinese. To assess the psychometric properties of Chinese version of Motivation to Change Lifestyle and Health Behaviors for Dementia Risk Reduction (MCLHB-DRR) scale in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. A convenience sample of 150 Chinese adults aged ≥50 was recruited from local community facilities. Reliability of MCLHB-DRR was evaluated using internal consistency and test-retest reliability over two weeks. Content validity and construct validity were assessed. Translation process followed Brislin's translation model. After excluding two items with poor loadings, the confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good model fit (χ2/df=2.14; CFI=0.91; IFI=0.91; RMSEA=0.087). The scale exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.865), as well as acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC=0.730). The Chinese MCLHB-DRR showed satisfactory psychometric properties, providing valuable insights for promoting dementia risk reduction in Chinese population, considering cultural nuances that shape motivations and knowledge of lifestyle changes.