P3‐302: Attitudes of the German general population toward early diagnosis of dementia

Abstract

Early diagnosis of dementia has clearly improved applying neuropsychological, imaging and biochemical indicators. However, none of the currently available interventions for the most common form of dementia, the Alzheimer's disease, promises a cure. Given this background, this study aims to describe attitudes towards early diagnosis of dementia in the German general population. A representative telephone survey of the German population 18+ years (n = 1,002) was conducted in April 2011. 91% of the study participants stated that an early diagnosis of dementia should be offered. The vast majority (71%) also inclined that they would have an early diagnosis in case they are affected. Two thirds of the respondents see their General practitioner as first source of help, followed by neurologists, memory clinics and psychiatrists to a much lesser extent. 62% committed that they think something could be done against dementia. Answers to an open questions regarding what might help showed that mainly psychosocial interventions were favoured, only 9.4% regarded medication as helpful. The German general population is very open for an early diagnosis of dementia, however this seems connected which large expectations regarding influence on course of dementia. Although the GP is seen as first source of help, it is known that recognition of pre-dementia and mild forms of dementia in primary care settings is low. Implications for matching expectations to the care actually provided and designing services more acceptable to the consumers are discussed.