Public awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward Alzheimer\u2019s disease in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Saeed Alqahtani,Ali Mohammed Alqahtani,Adel Ali Alhazzani,Tariq Mohammed Alahmari,Abdulmajeed Abdullah Zarbah

doi:10.1186/s41983-020-00213-z

Mohammed Saeed Alqahtani, Ali Mohammed Alqahtani + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41983-020-00213-z

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Abstract

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major public health problem and represents commonest form of dementia that affects many aspects of brain functions and contributes to 60–70% of dementia cases. No study has been conducted in Saudi Arabia to measure the prevalence of AD. However, approximately there are at least 50,000 patients in Saudi Arabia based on an expert’s estimation. Public knowledge and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease are crucial for early diagnosis and management.ObjectiveTo investigate the public’s knowledge and attitudes toward Alzheimer’s disease in Aseer region.Subject and methodsCross-sectional study has employed an electronic online, semi-structured, and self-administered questionnaire, randomly distributed among participants. The questions included sociodemographics, attitudes, and knowledge panels toward Alzheimer’s disease based on Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS).ResultsThe study included 1374 participants with a mean age 33 ± 11 years (ages18–70). The majority of the participants (77%) had no family history with Alzheimer’s disease. Less than 50% of the questions were answered correctly and the mean knowledge score was 10.77 ± 5.11. The results revealed that young-aged participants, females, and those having a family history of the disease, have significantly (P < 0.05) better AD-related knowledge.ConclusionThe study revealed an inadequate AD-related knowledge as indicated by the low mean knowledge score. However, participants have demonstrated a positive attitude toward AD patients. More educational programs are required to enhance their awareness and knowledge about AD.

Highlights

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide and cases are expected to increase 3-fold over the decades [1]
The results revealed that young-aged participants, females, and those having a family history of the disease, have significantly (P < 0.05) better AD-related knowledge
Participants have demonstrated a positive attitude toward AD patients

Summary

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide and cases are expected to increase 3-fold over the decades [1]. The disease leads to progressive loss of neurons resulting in loss of memory, language skills, thinking, executive function, and behavioral changes where it contributes to 60–70% of cases of dementia cases. Dementia was previously and intracellular accumulation of tau protein resulting in neuronal loss and progressive decline in memory. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major public health problem and represents commonest form of dementia that affects many aspects of brain functions and contributes to 60–70% of dementia cases. No study has been conducted in Saudi Arabia to measure the prevalence of AD. Approximately there are at least 50,000 patients in Saudi Arabia based on an expert’s estimation. Public knowledge and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease are crucial for early diagnosis and management

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Conclusion