Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale Research Articles

Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and associated factors among adults in Zhuhai, China: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the public knowledge regarding Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in Zhuhai, China, focusing on identifying knowledge gaps and the influence of demographic and health factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhuhai, China, from October to November 2022. A total of 1986 residents from 18 communities were selected employing stratified multi-stage equi-proportional sampling. Questionnaires covering general information and the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) were investigated face-to-face. Ordinal multiclass logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between AD awareness and demographic and health characteristics.ResultsThe average ADKS score was 18.5 (SD = 3.36) in Zhuhai. The lowest awareness rates were observed in the “Symptoms” and “Caregiving” subdomains of ADKS, with rates of 51.01% and 43.78%, respectively. The correct rates for the 30 ADKS questions ranged from 16.62 to 92.6%, showing a bimodal pattern with clusters around 80% and 20%. Women (OR = 1.203, 95% CI: 1.009–1.435), individuals aged 60 years or older (OR = 2.073, 95% CI: 1.467–2.932), those living in urban areas (OR = 1.361, 95% CI: 1.117–1.662), higher average monthly household income per capita (OR = 1.641, 95% CI: 1.297–2.082), and without any neurological or mental disorders (OR = 1.810, 95% CI: 1.323–2.478) were more likely to have higher levels of awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.ConclusionsAdults in Zhuhai show a limited knowledge of AD, particularly in the ‘Symptoms’ and ‘Caregiving’ subdomains. Upcoming health campaigns must focus on bridging the knowledge gaps in different subdomains of AD, especially among subgroups with lower awareness, as identified in our study.

A study of knowledge on Alzheimer's disease and attitudes of Chinese social residents toward Alzheimer's disease: A cross-sectional survey in China.

Social residents become increasingly concerned about Alzheimer's dementia (AD) as a global public health crisis. China's AD population is the largest and growing fastest. However, no study has examined Chinese social residents' knowledge and attitudes concerning Alzheimer's illness. This study examined Chinese social residents' AD knowledge and attitudes using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and dementia attitudes scale (DAS). Cross-sectional survey. 338 social residents over 18 years old from various Chinese regions were recruited using convenient sampling. The ADKS (Chinese) and the Dementia Attitude Scale (Chinese) were used to assess their knowledge and attitude regarding AD. A total of 328 respondents (97.04%) completed the survey. ADKS= 19.44± 3.33; DAS=86.98±12.7. Age and education levels can have a substantial impact on ADKS scores, and education levels can have a substantial impact on DAS scores. Low levels of awareness and acceptance of AD exist among Chinese residents. The results indicate that China must immediately implement comprehensive AD education for its social residents.

Nursing Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Alzheimer's Disease in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The elderly population continues to grow worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. Caring for older people with Alzheimer's and dementia disease is very challenging and merits specific skills, knowledge, and attitudes among nurses and nursing students. Consequently, nursing students must be prepared with the appropriate knowledge and attitude to care for patients affected by Alzheimer's in their future professions. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes ofAlzheimer's disease (AD) among bachelor's nursing students in Saudi Arabia. Methods This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design, and data were collected via an online questionnaire comprising two main instruments: the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS). A total of 477 undergraduate nursing students participated in the study at four universities in four regions of Saudi Arabia. Result The results indicated that Saudi nursing students exhibited insufficient knowledge regarding individuals with AD, reflected by a mean ADKS score of 13.83 out of 30. Yet, they displayed positive attitudes, as indicated by a mean DAS score of 99.29 out of 140. Nursing students in their third year and those who had family members with AD had a higher significant score regarding their knowledge of AD than nursing students who were in their fourth year or those who did not have family members who had AD. Additionally, nursing students aged 20 to25 years, as well as nursing students in their fourth year, had more positive attitudes towardworking with AD patients. Conclusions In conclusion, this study revealed that although many nursing students have a positive attitude toward working with AD patients, they have insufficient knowledge of AD. Therefore, there is an urgent necessity for enhanced educational initiatives, encompassing both greater depth and improved quality, as well as increased clinical training to address this knowledge gap among nursing students in Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation of knowledge and attitudes regarding Alzheimer's disease and related dementia among medical students in Palestine: A cross-sectional study.

Dementia, a major global health concern, is an acquired disorder that causes a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, affecting learning and memory, language, executive function, complex attention, perceptual-motor skills, and social cognition. Our study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes regarding dementia and Alzheimer's disease among medical students. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 medical students in Palestine from August 2023 to November 2023. The assessment of knowledge and attitude toward dementia was measured using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the mean between the groups with a 5% significance level. The overall mean score of the student's knowledge of dementia measured by the ADKS was 18.91 (±3.32 SD) out of 30. The mean score of the student's attitude toward dementia measured by the DAS was 91.68 (±3.32 SD). Clinical students had higher ADKS scores than pre-clinical students (p-value < 0.001). No significant differences in the knowledge and attitudes toward dementia were found between males and females. The medical students' knowledge and attitude scores were positively correlated (ρ = 0.227, p-value <0.001). Palestinian medical student's knowledge about Alzheimer's disease and dementia is insufficient, with students in the clinical phase showing better understanding than pre-clinical students. The findings highlight a necessity for enhancing the dementia curriculum and conducting further studies to evaluate training's impact on students' knowledge and attitudes.

Effects of training Community Health Agents on dementia: a quasi-experimental study.

to evaluate the knowledge of Community Health Agents about dementia before and after the training workshop for detecting signs of the disease. a quasi-experimental study with 33 community agents, in which sociodemographic information and knowledge about dementia were collected and assessed using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale before and after the workshop. There were 10 weekly, online, synchronous meetings. The Student's t-test for related samples was used, and the effect size was calculated. while the average score on the initial assessment, using the measurement instrument, was 16.3, it was 21.24 in the final assessment. An increase in the scale score was observed after participating in the workshop, with a value of 4.94. it is urgent to invest in the ongoing education of these professionals for greater awareness in the timely detection of dementia cases in primary care and awareness of potentially modifiable factors.

DEMENTIA-RELATED STIGMA, KNOWLEDGE, AND WILLINGNESS TO UNDERGO COGNITIVE SCREENING AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Screening for dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease may be most beneficial at the earliest detectable stages of disease presentation, yet there is no definitive recommendation for routine cognitive impairment screening and dementia remains underdiagnosed. Identifying perceptions of cognitive screening, stigmatized beliefs, and misconceptions about dementia could be beneficial for creating interventions that promote dementia knowledge to improve early screening and diagnosis and empower older adults to seek treatment sooner. Thus, we examined the extent to which attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge about cognitive screening and dementia predict willingness to undergo screening and subsequent screening behavior. 295 subjects aged ≥ 60 years completed online surveys containing the Perceptions Regarding Investigational Screening for Memory in Primary Care (PRISM-PC) questionnaire to assess attitudes about dementia screening and diagnosis, as well as the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). Participants were then invited to complete the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in a university psychology laboratory. 94% of participants reported willingness to undergo screening, but only 69% completed one. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the screening acceptance scale of the PRISM-PC significantly predicted reported willingness to undergo screening but not the pursuit of screening. The other PRISM-PC subscales (perceived benefits of dementia screening, stigma of dementia screening, suffering from dementia screening, and impact of dementia screening on patient’s independence) and the ADKS did not predict willingness or pursuit of screening. While most were willing to undergo screening, significantly fewer completed screening within the study. The factors that predict pursuit of cognitive screening require further investigation.

The Mediating Role of Attitudes Towards Dementia on the Relationship Between Dementia Knowledge and Behaviors Towards Persons with Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To examine the mediating effect of attitudes towards dementia on the relationship between dementia knowledge and behaviors towards persons with dementia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 313 adults (age ≤ 20 years). Participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling from medical clinics, community centers, and supermarkets located in the Wanhua District of Taipei City. Data were collected with the following self-report questionnaires: a demographic survey, validated instruments for dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia (assessed using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire, respectively), and a researcher-developed survey on unfriendly behaviors towards persons with dementia. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analysis indicated that higher scores for dementia knowledge and more positive attitudes about dementia were significantly associated with lower levels of unfriendly behaviors towards persons living with dementia. Mediation analysis using a robust bootstrap test with 5000 samples indicated that attitudes toward dementia had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between dementia knowledge and unfriendly behaviors. Our findings suggest that increasing public awareness and knowledge about dementia could help the general population develop better attitudes towards dementia, which could subsequently help improve behaviors towards persons living with dementia.

Public Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude Toward Alzheimer's Disease in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that slowly deteriorates cognitive function over time. This condition disables the geriatricpopulation worldwide.Knowing its symptoms and presentation could help the general population seek medical attention early. This study aims to assess the level of awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards Alzheimer's disease among the general population in Makkah City. This cross-sectional study employed an online questionnaire distributed randomly in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A sociodemographic and attitude panel is included under each section of the questionnaire, as well as a knowledge panel based on the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). The knowledge and awareness level regarding Alzheimer's disease was determined by adding up discrete scores for each correct knowledge item. A participant's awareness level was categorized as poor if their score was less than 60%. Participants whose scores were 60% or higher were considered to have a high level of awareness Results: A total of 545 participants were investigated; 316 (58%) were females. A range of ages was represented among the participants, from 18 to over 60. Of the study respondents, 68 (12.5%) had an overall good awareness and knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and its management while 477 (87.5%) had a poor knowledge level. Among divorced/widowed participants, 16.2% had an overall good knowledge level of the disease compared to 8.3% of married respondents with recorded statistical significance (P=.049). Also, 20.4% of those with relatives diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease had good knowledge of the disease versus 10.7% of others without (P=.009). According to the results, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge of Alzheimer's disease. This study suggests increasing public awareness and knowledge of Alzheimer's disease through campaigns and public education so that the disease is detected earlier.

340 Dementia knowledge and attitudes among undergraduate medical students- a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background With our ageing population, medical students should expect to encounter and treat growing numbers of patients with dementia throughout their careers. This must be reflected during their preclinical and clinical training. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (ad) and dementia among undergraduate medical students in Ireland. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out of medical students undergoing hospital-based clinical attachments using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS). These were distributed electronically. The ADKS is a 30-point true/false questionnaire covering 7 areas of knowledge of ad. The DAS is a 20-item scale using a 7-point Likert scale assessing attitudes towards patients with dementia across two domains: ‘dementia knowledge’ and ‘social comfort’. Demographics were collected including age, gender, academic year, student type (undergraduate or postgraduate) and desired field of future study. Data was collected and analysed via Qualtrics. Results The survey was distributed to 415 students, with a 21.7% respondent rate (n = 90). 64.7% (n = 54) were female, mean age of 23.3 years. 68.6% of students were in their first phase of clinical attachment (n = 59), undergraduate students represented 95.4% of respondents (n = 82). Mean percentage of correct answers on the ADKS was 83.7%. The domain with the highest correct scores was ‘Assessment and Diagnosis’ at 93.6%. The mean score on the DAS was 7.4% (108.4/140); when analysed by subgroup, mean score on ‘comfort’ was 68.1% (47.7/70) and mean score on ‘knowledge’ was 88.2% (61.7/70). Conclusion Participating medical students demonstrated high levels of ad knowledge and high positive attitudes scores towards patients with dementia. Scores were higher for ‘knowledge’ than ‘comfort’. Limitations included volunteer bias and social-desirability bias. This study identifies areas of deficits in students’ experience and attitudes and provides useful insights to inform training requirements for medical students to ensure they are adequately trained for these major demographic changes.

Awareness and Perception Toward Alzheimer's Disease Among Residents Living in the Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing public health concern, yet misconceptions about the condition are common. This study assessed awareness andsocial perceptionsof AD in Jazan. A cross-sectional survey of 925 adults was conducted. Knowledge was assessed using a 30-item Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). Social perceptions were evaluated using a 10-item questionnaire. Many had misconceptions about AD epidemiology, causes, management, and care. Themean ADKS scorewas 8.89 ± 5.17 out of 30. Knowledge was poorest for symptoms,risk factors, treatment, caregiving, and life impact. Knowledge was highest in those aged >45 years (p = 0.018), in those with income > 15K SR (p = 0.004), in retired individuals (p = 0.023), and in those who learned about AD from books (p = 0.001), healthcare professionals (p = 0.001), or had an affected relative (p = 0.001). However, knowledge was low across all domains, averaging only 29%correct answers. Most respondents held positive social perceptions, yet sizable minorities saw isolation, legal intervention, and institutionalization as appropriate. Additionally, a portion of respondents associated stigma with individuals affected by AD and expressed a sense of burden associated with the condition. There are substantialknowledge gapsand somestigmatizing attitudesabout AD inJazan. Awareness regarding the causes, diagnosis, and management of AD was low. Misconceptions exist that AD only affects older people.Improved public education, especially for higher-risk groups, is needed to address misconceptions and promotesocial inclusionfor those with dementia. Healthcare professionals can play a crucial role.

The knowledge and attitude of Nepalese nursing students towards dementia

BackgroundAs aging is a significant risk factor for dementia, the number of persons with dementia is growing annually as a result of the aging population, which implies the need for better geriatric care services in terms of both quantity and quality. MethodsThe knowledge and attitudes of Nepalese nursing students (n = 177) concerning dementia were examined using a descriptive correlational research approach. Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) were used to measure students' knowledge and attitude of dementia. Results and discussionThe overall mean score of the ADKS was found to be 19.64 (SD = 3.363) out of 30, while the total mean score on dementia attitude of the DAS was 93.82 (SD = 10.09) out of 140. A positive relationship was established between the knowledge and the attitude scores (r = 0.148, P = 0.050), demonstrating limited knowledge and positive attitude towards people with dementia in nursing students.

Alzheimer's disease knowledge of nursing staff in East China: A latent profile analysis.

The dementia population is expanding fast globally, posing a huge challenge to the healthcare system. Improving the level of Alzheimer's disease knowledge (ADK) in nursing staff is the key to providing quality dementia care and improving the patients' quality of life. This study aimed to investigate and classify the ADK level of nursing staff in East China and to identify the factors influencing the nursing staff's ADK level. A cross-sectional study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1896 nursing staff in East China from September 2022 to December 2022, using a self-designed general information questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to classify the nursing staff according to their ADK level, and multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing the nursing staff's ADK level. Nursing staff could be classified into four latent profiles according to their ADK level (p < 0.05), namely, the 'Low ADK group', 'Medium ADK group', 'Medium-high ADK group', and 'High ADK group'. Age, education, experience in AD care and training in ADK were the main factors influencing the classification of the nursing staff's ADK level. Therefore, upgrading education, participating in ADK training, and increasing AD care experience will be conducive to improving the ADK of nursing staff. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Direct‐care workforce training in best care practices for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias utilizing long‐term services and supports

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 34,000 adults over the age of 65 were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Utah in 2020; by 2025, this number is expected to increase 23.5%, to 42,000 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2021). As a result, the use of long‐term services and supports (LTSS) is increasing and the capacity and competencies of the workforce, families, and caregivers will need to be expanded to provide value‐based, person‐centered care (Poo &amp; Kalipeni, 2017). The LTSS workforce is unstable due to a myriad of issues including workforce shortages and inadequate training and education, particularly in the area of dementia care (Stone, 2017).MethodTo fill this gap, an interdisciplinary team developed an online training program to increase knowledge about AD best care practices. The three hour asynchronous training program has four modules: 1) Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, and Trajectory, 2) Treatment Options for Challenging Behaviors; 3) Effective Interprofessional Care Teams, and 4) Dementia‐Focused Communication Techniques. Segments of a video case study of “Mrs. Jones”, demonstrating the skills and techniques taught in each module are interwoven. Pre‐ and post‐evaluation include demographics, Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) (Carpenter et al., 2009) and training satisfaction.ResultThus far, 526 participants have completed the entire training and post‐evaluation survey. Data demonstrate that the modules are used by a variety of professionals: Certified Nursing Assistants (18.15%), Nurses (40.26%), family caregivers (2.27%), Social Workers (1.70%), and “other” (52.74%; e.g., students, administrators). Completers “Strongly agreed” or “agreed” that the training met educational needs (89.98%), was engaging (77.69%), will improve care (89.60%), provided useful examples (89.98%), and met the stated goals (91.87%). There was a significant (t = 11.818; p&lt;0.001) increase in ADKS scores between pre‐evaluation (mean = 12.96; S.D. = 1.71) and post‐training evaluation (mean = 13.85; S.D. = 1.41).ConclusionEvaluation results demonstrate that the online ADRD best practice in LTSS training provides useful information, improves participant’s knowledge about AD, and is well‐received by participants. Additional research is needed to evaluate the impact of AD training on resident/client outcomes in LTSS. To increase direct workforce participation in free trainings, employers should consider incentivizing staff to complete additional AD‐specific trainings.

Evaluation of a dementia awareness game for undergraduate nursing students in Northern Ireland: a Pre-/Post-Test study

IntroductionAlthough it is possible to live well with dementia and many individuals with dementia lead active lives with the help of family, friends, and communities, the general impression of dementia is frequently negative. Dementia is a global health issue. Despite this, little research has been done on the effects of innovative dementia education strategies among undergraduate nursing students. The aim of this study was therefore to assess if this serious digital game, originally intended for the public, could increase knowledge about dementia in first-year nursing students.MethodsThe intervention was a digital serious game called “The Dementia Game”, which was available to students throughout February 2021, to a convenience sample of first-year undergraduate nursing students (n = 560) completing a BSc Honours Nursing Degree programme in one university in Northern Ireland. The game was evaluated using a pretest-posttest design. The questionnaire comprised of a 30- item true- false Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), which covers risk factors, assessment and diagnosis, symptoms, course, life impact, caregiving and treatment and management. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and descriptive statistics.ResultsOverall dementia knowledge increased significantly after playing the game. Pre-test to post-test increases were observed across a range of seven categories of dementia knowledge (life impact, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, assessment, caregiving and trajectory), with particularly large increases in knowledge of trajectory and risk factors, as shown using paired t-tests. All pre-test to post-test comparisons were significant at the p < 0.001 level.ConclusionsA short serious digital game on dementia improved first-year student’s knowledge about dementia. Undergraduate students also expressed that this approach to dementia education was effective in improving their knowledge about the disease.

Radiographers’ knowledge and attitudes toward dementia

IntroductionDementia is a syndrome associated with a decline in brain function, impacting how we speak, think, feel, and behave. Misunderstanding of dementia and how it affects patients and their carers is common. There is limited research on how radiographers provide adequate care to those with dementia. Radiographers with knowledge and positive attitudes can reduce stigma and fear, improving the quality of care. This study aimed to assess radiographers’ knowledge and attitudes towards dementia. MethodsA cohort of registered radiographers in Ireland participated in an online survey. Two pre-existing validated questionnaires: The Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS), assessed radiographers' knowledge and attitudes towards dementia and people with dementia. Scores were compared across variables such as gender, age, grade, qualification, work setting, and the number of years qualified. ResultsA total of 123 radiographers responded. Knowledge scores did not significantly differ across demographic groups (p > 0.05). Total knowledge scores ranged from 60% to 100%. Total attitude scores ranged from 50% to 100%. Participants with a BSc, MSc, and other post-graduate degrees scored higher on the attitude scale than those with a diploma qualification (p = 0.027). Those with less than 20 years’ experience scored higher than those with more. Knowledge had little correlation with attitude (r = 0.0522; p = 0.5667). ConclusionFindings indicate variations in attitudes linked to age and experience, and some misconceptions can be observed across varying groups. Interventions to improve attitudes and raise awareness are needed. Implications for practiceThere is a need for further research and education on dementia care in the imaging department. We have identified areas requiring further education.

Efficacy of an 8-hour education intervention on dementia knowledge, attitude and skills in healthcare professionals in regional hospitals: a nation-wide study from Uganda.

dementia imposes an enormous burden, mainly in low-income countries (LICs). Due to lack of well-trained healthcare professionals, 70-90% of people with dementia do not receive adequate care in LICs. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a one-day, 8-hour medical education intervention on dementia care improves the knowledge and attitude about and confidence in providing dementia care among healthcare professionals in 8 referral hospitals in UgandaMethods: in this pre-test/post-test study without a control group, participants completed the Alzheimer´s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), Dementia Care Attitude Scale (DCAS), and 9 visual analogue scales (VAS) regarding confidence in specific dementia care skills pre- and post-medical education intervention. in one hundred twelve healthcare professionals (age = 41.7±10.2 years; 54.5% women), the ADKS, DCAS, and VAS scores for recognizing and assessing core dementia symptoms, communicating effectively, providing psycho-education, activating patients mentally and physically, managing behavioral and psychological symptoms, and involving carers in the treatment improved significantly (P < 0.001) post-medical education intervention. our study demonstrates that brief educational interventions are efficacious in strengthening the dementia literacy among healthcare professionals in a low-income country. Future research should explore whether such brief educational interventions also result in implementation of efficacious dementia care into routine clinical practice and whether it ultimately may lead to improved health outcomes in patients and formal and informal caregivers.

Jordanian Community People's Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Dementia.

Limited research exists on the knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian community residents toward people with dementia (PwD). As the prevalence of dementia is anticipated to increase, there is a critical need for informed knowledge and positive attitudes toward dementia in the Jordanian community. This study aimed to evaluate people's knowledge of and attitudes toward PwD and identify the predictors of dementia knowledge and attitudes. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and utilized a self-administered questionnaire as the primary data collection method. The study employed the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) to evaluate the knowledge of the participants, and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS) was utilized to assess their attitudes in the Jordanian community. Multiple regression analysis was performed to find relevant factors influencing knowledge of and attitude toward dementia. The study's 346 participants revealed limited knowledge about dementia, with an average ADKS score of 17.21 out of 30. However, participants showed a positive attitude toward dementia, as evidenced by a mean DAS score of 88 out of 140. Statistical analysis demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores among employed individuals (P < .05), while females exhibited significantly higher attitude scores (P < .05). Participants with experience in geriatric clinical practice, dementia education or training, informal caregiving experience, and a desire to learn more about dementia also exhibited significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores (P < .05). The study offers preliminary insights into the knowledge and attitudes toward dementia in the Jordanian population. The findings underscore the importance of continuing education and training to increase knowledge and understanding of dementia. Improving dementia care and support in Jordan requires enhancing knowledge and attitudes toward dementia. The study findings were presented to policymakers, with recommendations for strategic planning and the development of awareness programs. Future research can build upon these findings and promote evidence-based practices in dementia care and community awareness programs.

Knowledge Level of Alzheimer’s Disease among Adults Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Background: With the increasing number of older population in Bahrain, multiple neurodegenerative diseases are arising, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Complications related to AD progression and morbidities have introduced new challenges to the patient and the caregiver. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of AD among adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary care centers using two tools randomly distributed to adults attending the centers. The two tools used were a questionnaire measuring AD awareness and a validated Alzheimer’s disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), which measures knowledge across seven categories. Results: A total of 620 respondents were included in the study. Most were Bahraini (88.9%) middleaged adults (25-39 years). Only 13.2 % of the participants had a family history of a relative with AD. Of the 620 participants, 431 scored more than 50%. The mean of the overall knowledge score was 57.6%, with a standard deviation of 11.8. The results showed that females were significantly more knowledgeable about AD, with a p-value of 0.04. Conclusion: Our study results identified gaps in knowledge about Alzheimer's disease. Advocacy for health promotion is necessary to raise awareness about the disease. Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Knowledge, Primary Healthcare, Bahrain

IDENTIFYING GAPS AND MISCONCEPTIONS AND EXAMINING PREDICTORS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE KNOWLEDGE IN KOREAN AMERICANS

Abstract This study examined Alzheimer’s disease (AD) knowledge and its predictors among Korean Americans (KAs). A total of 268 KAs in the Greater Washington metropolitan area participated in the study and completed a cross-sectional survey. Using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), overall and domain knowledge was assessed. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with predictors including exposure to AD, social engagement, sources and frequency of health-related information, stigmatic beliefs (pity, antipathy, and social distance), English proficiency, and education. KAs reported 59% accuracy in overall AD knowledge. They were most knowledgeable about assessment and diagnosis domain and least knowledgeable about caregiving domain. Regression analyses showed that having more education is associated with greater overall and certain domain knowledge. Having more pity stigmatic beliefs is related to greater knowledge in both life impact and caregiving domains while having less pity stigmatic beliefs is associated with more risk factor knowledge; having less social distance stigmatic beliefs is associated with greater life impact knowledge; and having less antipathy stigmatic beliefs is related to better caregiving knowledge. Our findings revealed areas of misconceptions and knowledge gaps in KAs which need to be addressed in educational interventions. Different knowledge status across the domains demonstrates a multi-dimensional nature of AD knowledge. Multivariate findings confirmed the robust role of education in AD knowledge. Effect of different AD stigmatic beliefs on certain AD knowledge domains suggests ways of how stigma change can be efficient for the purpose of increasing AD domain knowledge in KAs.

The Relationship Between Knowledge and Attitudes of Malaysian Undergraduate Students Towards Dementia

Introduction: Providing care for vulnerable people, including older adults with dementia, that is safe and efficient is a significant factor in improving their health. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students regarding dementia in older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 126 undergraduate students at a Malaysian university using purposive sampling. The respondents’ knowledge of dementia was measured using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), and their attitudes towards dementia were measured using the Adolescent Attitudes towards Dementia. The scale of P&lt;0.05 was statistically significant, and the data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 26.0 for Windows. Results: The results showed that 78.6% of undergraduate nursing students had higher knowledge of dementia than 92.9% had positive attitudes toward dementia. There is a significant relationship between years of study and knowledge of dementia among UKM nursing students (χ2= 14.93, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Most undergraduate students have higher knowledge of and positive attitudes towards dementia. A better understanding of the disease process improves the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers. Longitudinal and comparative studies were suggested for further research.