Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale Research Articles

A comprehensive approach to psychometric assessment of instruments used in dementia educational interventions for health professionals: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundSuboptimal care for people with dementia in hospital settings has been reported and is attributed to the lack of knowledge and inadequate attitudes in dementia care among health professionals. Educational interventions have been widely used to improve care outcomes; however, Chinese-language instruments used in dementia educational interventions for health professionals are lacking. ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to select, translate and evaluate instruments used in dementia educational interventions for Chinese health professionals in acute-care hospitals. DesignA cross-sectional study design was used. Participants and settingA modified stratified random sampling was used to recruit 442 participants from different levels of hospitals in Changsha, China. MethodsDementia care competence was used as a framework for the selection and evaluation of Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and Dementia Care Attitudes Scale for health professionals in the study. These two scales were translated into Chinese using forward and back translation method. Content validity, test–retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis. Known-group validity was established by comparing scores of Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and Dementia Care Attitudes Scale in two sub-groups. A person-centred care scale was utilised as a gold standard to establish concurrent validity of these two scales. ResultsResults demonstrated acceptable content validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability and concurrent validity. Exploratory factor analysis presented a single-factor structure of the Chinese Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and a two-factor structure of the Chinese Dementia Care Attitudes Scale, supporting the conceptual dimensions of the original scales. The Chinese Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and Chinese Dementia Care Attitudes Scale demonstrated known-group validity evidenced by significantly higher scores identified from the sub-group with a longer work experience compared to those in the sub-group with less work experience. ConclusionsThe use of dementia care competence as a framework to inform the selection and evaluation of instruments used in dementia educational interventions for health professionals has wide applicability in other areas. The results support that Chinese Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and Chinese Dementia Care Attitudes Scale are reliable and valid instruments for health professionals to use in acute-care settings.

Using the Alzheimer's Association web site to improve knowledge of Alzheimer's disease in health care providers.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether an informative Web site is effective at producing higher scores for an individual's knowledge of Alzheimer's disease (AD) relative to those who do not visit a Web site. A total of 552 participants completed the study on Amazon's Mechanical Turk; half were randomly assigned to visit alz.org, while a control group did not. Both groups were given the AD Knowledge Scale (ADKS) to assess their knowledge of AD. Participants who visited alz.org scored significantly higher on the ADKS than those in the control group. Participants who were health care workers demonstrated higher scores than others in the experimental condition. Findings indicate that the Alzheimer's Association Web site is effective at producing higher scores for AD knowledge relative to no Web site at all and that it is especially helpful for health care workers compared to those who are not health care workers.

Levels and correlates of knowledge about Alzheimer's disease among older Chinese Americans.

This study examined knowledge of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and correlates of AD knowledge in a sample of Chinese American older adults living in the Phoenix metropolitan area of the United States. Survey data were collected from 385 Chinese Americans age 55 or older (M = 72.43, SD = 8.67) recruited from various settings not limited to senior housing facilities, senior clubs, senior centers and church groups. Participants responded to a 24-item true/false AD knowledge scale with 73 % accuracy. Multivariate regression analyses found that participants who held more traditional Chinese cultural beliefs of AD tended to have less AD knowledge. Older women had more knowledge of AD than men when educational differences were controlled. Participants who used media to acquire AD information had more AD knowledge than those did not. AD educational programs should target domains (e.g., risk factors, symptoms, and caregiving) about which Chinese American elders tend to have less knowledge; AD information should be disseminated through appropriate media to outreach Chinese American elders more effectively. Addressing the biases in elders' cultural beliefs of AD should be incorporated in AD educational programs.

Gaps in Alzheimer's Knowledge Among College Students

Despite the prevalence of the disease, it appears that there may be a need for increased education for formal and family caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Today's college students will be asked to fill both of these roles in the future. This study examined the level of knowledge of Alzheimer's disease among college students. Two-hundred college students at a mid-sized midwestern university completed an online survey that included the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (Carpenter et al., 2009). Although most participants knew that people with Alzheimer's remember things from the distant past better than more recent events, many college students were unfamiliar with risk factors and average life expectancy. Implications and recommendations for educational programs and curriculum are discussed.

Assessing accuracy of knowledge of cognitive effects of normal ageing and mild stage of Alzheimer's disease

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and pilot the Alzheimer's Disease and Ageing Perception Scale (ADAPS), examine theory-consistent differences and convergent validity, and identify misconceptions of the cognitive effects of ageing and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD).Method: After piloting a large pool of items with a panel of ageing and dementia experts (n = 6), an item analysis yielded a 25-item version of the ADAPS (α = .70), comprising a Normal Ageing subscale (α = .68) and Mild AD subscale (α = .74). Participants from the general community (n = 251) and aged care professionals (n = 59) completed the ADAPS, Knowledge of Memory Ageing Questionnaire (KMAQ), and the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS).Results: Compared to matched controls, aged care professionals demonstrated greater accuracy of knowledge on the Mild AD subscale (p < .05), but not the Normal Ageing subscale (p > .05) of the ADAPS. The pattern of significant correlations between the ADAPS, KMAQ, and ADKS supported the convergent validity of the ADAPS. The most common misconceptions on the ADAPS indicated a tendency for participants to overgeneralise the cognitive effects of normal ageing.Conclusion: This preliminary study introduces a new tool for assessing accuracy of knowledge of cognitive effects associated with normal ageing and mild AD, and may assist in identifying misconceptions of the ageing process.

Cultural Diversity and Views on Alzheimer Disease in Older African Americans

Cultural constructs prevalent in older African Americans may influence their risk perceptions and knowledge of Alzheimer disease (AD). To examine this issue, we administered 3 sociocultural scales, the AD Knowledge Scale, and a Risk Perception questionnaire to 271 older African Americans who were recruited from a large community senior center and local churches. Higher Present Time Orientation was significantly related to perceptions of having little control over risks to health (P=0.004), God's Will in determining AD (P=0.001), and lower AD knowledge (P<0.0001) and marginally related to having little control over developing AD (P=0.052). Religiosity was marginally related to having little control over risks to health (P=0.055) and getting AD (P=0.057). Post hoc intergroup comparisons found significant differences in the highest versus lowest scoring Religiosity groups. There were no significant differences by Future Time Orientation. Most subjects (57.6%) were unaware that African Americans were at higher risk for AD than whites. These data indicate that cultural diversity within older African Americans may shape health perceptions and knowledge of AD. This diversity may contribute to disparities in the detection and treatment of AD in this high-risk population.

Translation and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Diagnosis and Management of Dementia in Greek General Practice

The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge scale (ADKS) in a population of Greek general practitioners (GPs). The international standards for the forward and back translation approach were followed. For the validation step, 112 GPs, treating dementia in their daily practices, were enrolled from Crete. The questionnaire was assessed for the following psychometric properties: intraclass reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct and face validity. Internal consistency of the Greek ADKS was satisfactory (α = .65). A high repeatability of the instrument was found during the retest with 27 GPs (intraclass correlation coefficient = 1.0). Factor analysis showed that all the items from the original instrument can be used in the Greek version. The inter-item correlation revealed a high cross-correlation between the items of the questionnaire (α > .6). The data confirmed the validity of the Greek version of the ADKS for measuring GPs' knowledge on the diagnosis and management of dementia.

A survey-based study of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among health care staff

BackgroundContinued aging of the population is expected to be accompanied by substantial increases in the number of people with dementia and in the number of health care staff required to care for them. Adequate knowledge about dementia among health care staff is important to the quality of care delivered to this vulnerable population. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge about dementia across a range of health care staff in a regional health service district.MethodsKnowledge levels were investigated via the validated 30-item Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). All health service district staff with e-mail access were invited to participate in an online survey. Knowledge levels were compared across demographic categories, professional groups, and by whether the respondent had any professional or personal experience caring for someone with dementia. The effect of dementia-specific training or education on knowledge level was also evaluated.ResultsA diverse staff group (N = 360), in terms of age, professional group (nursing, medicine, allied health, support staff) and work setting from a regional health service in Queensland, Australia responded. Overall knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease was of a generally moderate level with significant differences being observed by professional group and whether the respondent had any professional or personal experience caring for someone with dementia. Knowledge was lower for some of the specific content domains of the ADKS, especially those that were more medically-oriented, such as ‘risk factors’ and ‘course of the disease.’ Knowledge was higher for those who had experienced dementia-specific training, such as attendance at a series of relevant workshops.ConclusionsSpecific deficits in dementia knowledge were identified among Australian health care staff, and the results suggest dementia-specific training might improve knowledge. As one piece of an overall plan to improve health care delivery to people with dementia, this research supports the role of introducing systematic dementia-specific education or training.

1293 – Informing about pre-clinical alzheimer's disease in the biomarker era: knowledge about the disease as a mediating factor

Biomarker studies showed that the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be done already years before any clinical symptoms appear. Considering the lack of effective treatments, this scientific development becomes problematic in clinical practice. To examine whether the level of knowledge about AD mediates potential wish for diagnosis to be revealed in a pre-clinical phase. The Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS; Carpenter et al., 2009) has been completed by 68 healthy (with no cognitive impairment) elderly (age 62-75), 49 caregivers (close relatives) of AD patients (age 42-74) and 96 medical students sample. After ADKS completion all participants were presented a leaflet showing possible tests they could underwent (PET-based amyloid imaging, CSF-based amyloid and tau measurements and genetic tests) to establish a possible AD diagnosis in its pre-clinical phase. Attitudes about possible AD disclosure were measured using semi-structured questionnaire. A wish to AD diagnosis disclosure, independently of the clinical scenario presented (presence of symptoms, close family member suffering from AD) and the group investigated, was higher among those who scored low on ADKS scale. AD relatives, although interested in possible prevention strategies, were highly hesitant about revealing they might have AD themselves. The level of knowledge about AD may be associated with the decision to undergo diagnostic procedures to establish a pre-clinical diagnosis of AD. Lack of effective intervention probably determines potential patients attitudes.

Nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards dementia — A questionnaire survey

In line with population ageing, the number of individuals with dementia is expected to increase. Nursing students are more likely to care for dementia patients during their clinical placements and once they qualify. Nevertheless, they may not be adequately prepared during their undergraduate programme. Furthermore, lack of support during their placements may negatively influence nursing students' attitudes. Measuring the level of knowledge and attitudes of nursing students could be an important step in providing evidence on the need of enhancing dementia care training in the nursing curriculum. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitudes of nursing students in Malta towards dementia and identify factors related to these attributes. Moreover, the students were asked to rate their training and educational needs from a list of topics about this subject area. A questionnaire survey. Department of Nursing within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta. 280 full-time diploma and degree nursing students who are currently in their first, second and third year of their undergraduate programme. The data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of the Alzheimer's disease Knowledge Scale and the Dementia Attitude Scale. A 3-point Likert scale was also used by students to rate their training and educational needs from a list of 20 topics related to dementia care. The data was analysed using quantitative methods. Maltese nursing students had an adequate knowledge and showed positive attitudes towards Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients. Age, academic year, training and previous care of dementia patients during their clinical placement were all found to be associated with increased knowledge and positive attitudes. Knowledge and attitudes of nursing students in Malta towards persons with dementia could be improved by enhancing dementia care training and improving the clinical experience.

Beliefs about Alzheimer's disease in Britain

Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents one of the most debilitating conditions affecting the elderly. Despite the prevalence and consequences of AD, surveys have revealed that the general public in North America and Australia hold numerous misconceptions of the disease. The aim of this study was to examine whether misconceptions of AD are also endorsed by adults in Britain. Method: The Alzheimer's disease knowledge scale (ADKS) was completed by 312 adults residing in Lincolnshire, UK. The ADKS contains 30 true or false statements pertaining to risk factors, assessment and diagnosis, symptoms, course, life impact, caregiving, and treatment and management of AD. Results: Regardless of age, education, and familiarity with AD, respondents in this survey demonstrated a good understanding (≥80% mean correct) of some items from all categories. However, knowledge gaps exist about the course of the disease, and of conditions that can exacerbate (inadequate nutrition) or simulate (depression) the symptoms of AD. Moreover, a large proportion of respondents (∼75%) are unaware that hypertension or hypercholesterolemia may increase ones predisposition to developing AD. Conclusion: Respondents revealed knowledge gaps pertaining to conditions that masquerade as AD, increase ones vulnerability to AD, and exacerbate AD symtomatology. Educational campaigns that specifically target these issues may help reduce the impact of AD.

Knowledge about Alzheimer's disease among Norwegian psychologists: The Alzheimer's disease knowledge scale

Professional knowledge about Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential in order to provide appropriate care for those suffering from this progressive and fatal condition. The optimizing of service provision to these patients and their families should also involve mental health professionals including clinical psychologists. In the present study, members of the Norwegian Psychological Association working in clinical practice were invited to participate in a web-based survey measuring knowledge about AD and related disorders. Questions regarding age, gender, accreditation as clinical specialist, age group of typical patients, and experience with patients suffering from dementia were asked in addition to the administration of the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). ADKS consists of 30 true/false items covering risk factors, assessment and diagnosis, symptoms, course, life impact, care giving, and treatment and management. A total of 956 clinical psychologists participated, yielding a response rate of 50.9%. The average mean performance score on the ADKS was 24.10 (SD = 2.5, range 15–30). Kuder-Richardson coefficient of reliability on the ADKS was 0.98. Multiple regression analysis showed that being indirectly exposed to dementia in older family members through their own patients, together with a self-reported knowledge of one's performance on the ADKS, significantly explained high scores on the ADKS. With reservations based on study limitations, it is concluded that the knowledge of AD in Norwegian clinical psychologists is fairly good. An obvious challenge is how to strengthen this knowledge both in our professional training programs in psychology as well as among those working in applied clinical settings.

Demographic and contextual factors related to knowledge about Alzheimer's disease.

Accurate knowledge about Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential to address the public health impact of dementia. This study examined AD knowledge in 794 people who completed the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and questions about their background and experience with AD. Whereas overall knowledge was fair, there was significant variability across groups. Knowledge was highest among professionals working in the dementia field, lower for dementia caregivers and older adults, and lowest for senior center staff and undergraduate students. Across groups, respondents knew the most about assessment, treatment, and management of AD and knew the least about risk factors and prevention. Greater knowledge was associated with working in the dementia field, having family members with AD, attending a related class or support group, and exposure to dementia-related information from multiple sources. Understanding where gaps in dementia knowledge exist can guide education initiatives to increase disease awareness and improve supportive services.

The Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale: development and psychometric properties.

This study provides preliminary evidence for the acceptability, reliability, and validity of the new Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), a content and psychometric update to the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Test. Traditional scale development methods were used to generate items and evaluate their psychometric properties in a variety of subsamples. The final 30-item, true/false scale takes approximately 5-10 min to complete and covers risk factors, assessment and diagnosis, symptoms, course, life impact, caregiving, and treatment and management. Preliminary results suggest that the ADKS has adequate reliability (test-retest and internal consistency) and validity (content, predictive, concurrent, and convergent). The ADKS is designed for use in both applied and research contexts, capable of assessing knowledge about Alzheimer's disease among laypeople, patients, caregivers, and professionals.