Perceptions Of Dementia Research Articles

Capturing the perspectives of African American informal dementia caregivers: a phenomenological study

ABSTRACT Dementia can be overwhelming to families and their caregivers. Informal caregiving is a widespread mode of providing dementia care in African American communities, yet impact of caregiving on informal or family caregivers in African American communities is burdensome. This study aimed to describe the lived experiences of informal caregivers of African American People Living with Dementia (PLWD) to understand their perceptions of dementia and dementia care, caregiver support needs, and service needs. Interpretive phenomenological qualitative inquiry guided this study to understand caregivers’ experiences and needs. Ten family caregivers of African American PLWD in the community participated in this study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a diary study approach to document and interpret caregivers’ experiences. The data analysis was based on procedures of content analysis. Four major themes emerged from the in-depth interviews: caregiver burden, familism, lack of information and community-based resources, and desire and need for culturally appropriate community-based resources. Triangulated diary entry data complemented the in-depth interviews with similar themes. This study highlights how African American informal caregivers of PLWD face various caregiving needs and challenges in dementia care including lack of culturally appropriate community resources and information. The study illustrates that African American cultural beliefs of familism are significant aspects of their caregiving experience and their coping strategies. These study results provide a useful foundation for various stakeholders to develop culturally targeted interventions and programs to support African American informal caregivers and their family members with dementia.

Caring for People Living With Dementia in Saudi Arabia: The Perspective of Nurses as Primary Caregivers.

Dementia is a progressive condition and an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms that affects many older adults. Older adults living with dementia often experience social stigma, which can impact their quality of life. Most people with dementia need the assistance of a caregiver in order to enhance their health. The present study seeks to explore the perspective of nurses as the primary caregivers of people living with dementia in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the challenges faced by nurses and their reactions to these challenges. A descriptive qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses with experience caring for people living with dementia from 2 hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Using thematic analysis, 4 main themes were identified: (1) types of support, (2) challenges when caring for people living with dementia, (3) society's views on people living with dementia, and (4) nurses' perceptions of dementia. The nurses stated that people living with dementia do not receive sufficient support from their families. Most participants believed that public awareness about dementia is insufficient. Increased efforts to raise public awareness about dementia could include harnessing social norms around family structure and respect for elders to improve care provided to people living with dementia.

PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER FIRST-GENERATION CHINESE AMERICANS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Family caregivers of individuals with dementia are precious assets whose health is related to the health of their care recipients. First-generation Chinese American older adults are a growing population; the research about their family caregivers’ experience is scarce. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) framework, this study examined how the Chinese sociocultural background shapes family caregivers’ perception of dementia, caring behaviors, and caring experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 16 family caregivers through one-on-one interviews in three languages with the thematic analysis applied. Findings indicated most caregivers could not differentiate dementia from natural cognitive degeneration. Despite the unclarity, the cultural value of filial respect essentially obligated caregivers to unconditionally devote their time and efforts to provide care. Individual coping skills toward care burden were associated with their knowledge, attitude, access to supportive families/friends and reliable community-based organizations (CBOs), and access to government social services. The care recipients’ motivation and functional status affected the difficulty of providing care. The pandemic disturbed families’ care plans and limited community activities. In addition, the heightened Asian xenophobia atmosphere raised concerns for caregivers to be outdoors. Implications for practice include providing culturally appropriate educational resources on dementia care and incorporating CBOs to promote governmental service referral. Larger studies for Chinese American older adults born outside the US and studies of dementia care burden on their family caregivers’ health are needed to address social and health inequities for historically marginalized cohorts.

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY-ENGAGED DEMENTIA EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR THE VIETNAMESE AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Abstract Despite the life-threatening escape from Vietnam, Vietnamese refugees’ health data are scarce. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed the Vietnamese Aging and Care Survey (VACS) and examined the health of community-dwelling older Vietnamese (≥65 years) in Houston, Texas, the 2nd largest Vietnamese-populated metropolitan area in the U.S. The data revealed their adverse health conditions including a high prevalence of cognitive impairment. We proposed a Community-Engaged Dementia Education Program to improve the community’s dementia literacy based on the Cultural Exchange Model as a conceptual framework. Using Edwards’ 9-stage Community Readiness Model, 14 Vietnamese key informants assessed their current literacy level (Aim 1). To develop dementia educational materials (Aim 2), the informants formed focus-group discussions. We used thematic analysis to analyze the community’s understanding of dementia and developed educational materials. Key informants were aged 58 years (mean), Vietnam-born (93%), married (79%), college-educated (72%), women (86%), and full-time employees (79%). They lived in the U.S. for 39 years and in Houston for 30 years. Themes such as the Vietnamese community’s low dementia literacy, their perception of dementia as a normal part of aging, and suggestions for introducing dementia conversations to the community emerged. We considered a one-pager as appropriate educational material, and included culturally- and linguistically-appropriate content and its translation, a target population’s image, and dementia warning signs encouraging them to see their doctors for cognitive check-ups. Our next steps include utilizing local ethnic social media, disseminating the one-pager, and offering a “Brain Booth” at various Vietnamese health fairs.

WHAT MATTERS TO CHINESE AND KOREAN DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS: INFORMING THE CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF THE NYUCI-ES PROGRAM

Abstract Family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) undertake an extensive amount of care and many are challenged by heavy caregiving burden and their own health problems. The New York University Caregiver Intervention (NYUCI) program has demonstrated effectiveness in multiple studies among largely Caucasian samples in improving the wellbeing of caregivers of PWD by decreasing their levels of depression and stress and improving self-reported health. As two large Asian immigrant population in the U.S., Korean and Chinese American caregivers of PWD have unique challenges impacted by their cultural background. However, there are limited studies on what can be done to support them in a culturally sensitive way. The current study aims to inform the cultural adaptation of the program for Chinese and Korean caregivers with multiple chronic conditions by exploring their perspectives to understand their unique challenges, unmet needs, and the best ways to support them in caregiving and engage them in selfcare. We interviewed 14 Chinese and 11 Korean caregivers living in the New York Metropolitan Area. We compared themes mentioned by both groups and found that cultural beliefs profoundly impact their perceptions of dementia and caregiving, their way of utilizing social and family support, and understanding of self-care and counselling services. Caregivers are facing and addressing new challenges during and after the Pandemic, providing insights into how we can use technology and telehealth to assist them in caregiving and coordinating support from others. Our findings provided implications to culturally adapt the NYUCI program to culturally diverse populations.

Evaluating the General Population of Saudi Arabia for Their Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Dementia.

Introduction Dementia, a prevalent neurological condition, has a significant global impact on individuals and communities. Despite affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide, with an expected tripling by 2050, there are currently no widely available disease-modifying treatments. Recent efforts have concentrated on strategies involving legislation, regulations, and population-wide initiatives to address dementia risk, diagnosis, and care. Methods This cross-sectional survey engaged 6123 participants in Saudi Arabia, utilizing a multistage sampling design across provinces and cities. The study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Saudi Arabian general population regarding dementia. Results Participants displayed diverse opinions on dementia knowledge, with females exhibiting higher rates of knowledge, attitudes, and practices than males. Notably, 97.2% of females were aware of dementia compared to 78% of males. The perception of dementia as a healthcare priority was significantly higher in females (84.1%) than in males (59.6%). Older females (≥65) were identified as the age group most associated with dementia (92.50%) compared to males (71.10%). Conclusion While participants demonstrated excellent knowledge of hearing about dementia, understanding symptoms, and identifying modifiable factors, their knowledge regarding prevention and curability was found to be inadequate. A significant gender association was observed, with females exhibiting higher knowledge, attitudes, and practices than males.

Instability in Caregivers' Perception of Dementia as a Terminal Disease.

Family caregivers' perception that dementia is a terminal disease influence end-of-life (EoL) care of persons with severe dementia (PwSDs). Yet, this perception and the extent to which it changes over time is underexplored. We assessed PwSD caregivers' perception of dementia as a terminal disease and changes in this perception over time. Prospective cohort. Two hundred fifteen primary informal caregivers of community-dwelling PWSDs in Singapore were surveyed every 4 months over a period of 16months. We assessed the proportion of caregivers who perceived that dementia is a terminal disease and the extent to which it changed between the previous time points. Using mixed effects multinomial regression models, we assessed factors associated with caregivers' perception and changes in perception between consecutive time points. At baseline, only 26% of the caregivers reported correctly that dementia is a terminal disease. This changed over time, not necessarily toward a correct perception. Caregivers of PwSDs with an acute medical condition in the last 4months (risk ratio [RR] 2.19, 95% CI 1.21, 3.97) and those with higher functional dependence (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01,1.22) were more likely and those of older PwSDs were less likely (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81, 0.93) to perceive dementia as a terminal disease. Caregivers of PwSDs who had experienced an acute medical problem in the last 4months (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.00, 2.49) were also more likely to shift their perception toward being correct. Caregivers of PwSDs who had more agitation behaviors were more likely to shift their perception toward being incorrect (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00,1.07) CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Few caregivers perceived dementia as terminal, and this perception changed over time and differed according to age and the health status of PwSD. Results have implications regarding the frequency of prognostic discussions.

Ethnoculturally-profiled care: Dementia caregiving targeted towards Middle Eastern immigrants living in Sweden.

This study was set out to explore the understanding of dementia as a culturally and socially shaped illness in order to illuminate such perceptions and experience in relation to ethnoculturally profiled dementia care in Sweden. The results indicate, contrary to many other studies (c.f. Conell et al 2009; Flaskerud 2009; Gray et al 2009; Hinton, Franz & Friend 2004) that the perception of dementia and the described meaning of the disease have little (or nothing) to do with decisions regarding formal care. However, cultural norms and traditions in relation to issues of filial piety seem to do. Thus, to understand how different ethnocultural groups might respond to dementia care within a migratory context, the current study illuminate the fact that it is crucial to realize that neither the individual person with dementia, nor larger ethnocultural groups can be placed within a vacuum that seemingly does not change or correlate with surrounding society.

The Social Construction of Dementia: Implications for Healthcare Experiences of Caregivers and People Living with Dementia.

Globally, systems have invested in a variety of dementia care programs in response to the aging population and those who have been diagnosed with dementia. This study is a qualitative secondary analysis of interview data from a larger study investigating stakeholder perceptions of programs that support caregivers and people living with an Alzheimer's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease-related dementia (AD/ADRD) in five North American jurisdictions. This study analyzed interviews with individuals living with an AD/ADRD and caregivers of individuals living with an AD/ADRD (n = 11). Thematic analysis was conducted to understand how the perception of dementia may have shaped their engagement and experience with healthcare systems. Our analysis resulted in three main themes of care users' experience: (i) undesirable experience owing to the overarching negative shared understanding and stereotyping of dementia; (ii) dismissal throughout disease progression when seeking health and social care support; and (iii) dehumanization during care interactions. The findings carry critical social and clinical implications, for example, in informing person-centered approaches to care, and communication tools clinicians can use to enhance provider, patient, and caregiver well-being.

PERCEPTIONS OF DEMENTIA CARE AMONG AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS IN MINNESOTA: INSIGHTS FROM COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Abstract Immigrants and persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds have a higher prevalence of dementia compared with their U.S.-born counterparts, yet the estimates of dementia prevalence, perceptions, and needs among African immigrants are not fully understood. This qualitative study examined African immigrants’ perceptions of dementia and dementia care. Specifically, it explored the community’s attitudes, care practices, and barriers toward dementia care. Community conversations (focus groups) were conducted with 24 African immigrants residing in the Northwest Minneapolis suburbs. Conversation transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis in Nvivo. The majority of participants were women, 79% from Liberia, 43% were over the age of 65 years, and 65% held a bachelor’s degree or higher. Three themes were identified: 1) Perceptions of and attitudes toward mental health and dementia, which indicated that cultural issues limit awareness of dementia, but 2) Family care of a person living with dementia, meaning care happens in the home, and receiving care in a facility is the last resort; 3) Facilitators and barriers to dementia care, including distrust of health systems, immigrant status, and limited finances. This project offers unique insights on the dementia care and caregiving beliefs and attitudes among African immigrants that can inform policy and intervention efforts aimed at decreasing dementia care barriers in the African immigrant community.

Using virtual reality to educate healthcare professionals on patients’ experience of delirium

Delirium is an acute onset confusion that has fluctuating consciousness symptoms such as hallucinations, mood changes and distractibility. It is experienced by around 2 in 10 patients within the hospital [1]. Amongst these patients, 96% are older adults and their outcomes are consistently worse due to the delirium alone, including increased mortality rates [2]. It can also be extremely frightening and distressing. Hence, the attitudes and knowledge of healthcare professionals surrounding delirium is an important topic to address in order to aid prevention as well as manage delirium. Despite training, delirium is under reported and generally poorly managed. Studies have found that the use of virtual reality in medical education has improved empathy, depth of knowledge, and self-awareness [3]. Using a 360° camera and virtual reality headsets, an in-patient scenario was created whereby the effects of delirium such as hallucinations and disorientation were depicted. The aim of the project was to establish whether virtual reality can be used to improve healthcare professionals understanding and awareness of patients’ experience of delirium. The virtual reality video and the interviews can be found on YouTube. Eight people were recorded using the VR and five of them were interviewed afterwards. The interviews were conducted using an unstructured approach in which the topics of how the virtual reality tool changed their perception of dementia, what they learnt from the tool, and whether they thought the tool was useful, were discussed. Thematic analysis was carried out retrospectively. The thematic analysis of the qualitative data highlighted four key themes amongst the healthcare professionals’ responses. These themes were education, insight, empathy, and future practice. The most common theme was insight, with comments such as ‘having the virtual reality, it breaks that barrier between you and them,’ ‘you realise how just isolated that person is,’ and how the virtual reality made them feel like they are ‘in the room,’ emphasising this theme. The outcome has been to prove concept and highlight the usefulness of virtual reality as a method of educating healthcare professionals. We have been emboldened by the feedback received. We are looking to incorporate the VR film as part of a broader simulation-based training. The training is already being adopted by local clinical teams and our local university partners. 1. Combined NHS (National Health Service). Delirium Training Video (Virtual Reality). 2022. 2. Royal College of Nursing. Delirium | Older people | Royal College of Nursing. The Royal College of Nursing. 2013. 3. Dyer E, Swartzlander BJ, Gugliucci MR. Using virtual reality in medical education to teach empathy. Journal of the Medical Library Association. 2018;106(4):498–500.

Blogging with dementia: Writing about lived experience of dementia in the public domain.

Public narratives around dementia have historically been negative, and have not been shaped by people with dementia themselves, but stories of living with dementia are becoming more common in the public domain. This qualitative study explored the motivations and experiences of bloggers by conducting interviews with six bloggers with dementia in the UK. Thematic analysis suggested that the asynchronous nature of blogging offered a valuable, personalised space for people with dementia to tell their own stories in their own way. Blogging as a format posed some practical challenges, but bloggers developed strategies to overcome these. Motivations for blogging were on three levels: the personal (as a journal, and as a ‘room of one’s own’); community (as solidarity for other people with dementia, and as comfort for families and friends) and society (as an educational and campaigning tool). Whilst the study is small, and there are many voices of people with dementia missing from the blogging community, this research demonstrates the potential for blogging by people with dementia to change public narratives and perceptions of dementia.

Experiences and perceptions of dementia in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese diaspora: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Objectives: This paper aimed to review and synthesise the qualitative research evidence on the experiences and perceptions of dementia in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese diaspora. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in June 2019 using Medline, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO and Cochrane electronic databases, as well as grey literature. Keywords and Medical Subject Headings [MeSH terms] for dementia and associated terms were combined with keywords for Vietnam and its provinces. Qualitative research articles published in English or Vietnamese were included to examine evidence on the life experiences of Vietnamese people with dementia using thematic analysis. Results: Our searches resulted in 3,940 papers, from which 21 qualitative research studies were included for final analysis. The majority of research has not been undertaken in Vietnam but with the Vietnamese diaspora in Western countries and has taken a cultural perspective to analyses. Research in Western countries has focused on the need for culturally adapted and culturally sensitive models of care. Emerging themes about the life experiences of Vietnamese people with dementia identified from the studies included: many people do not have diagnostic terms for dementia but use the descriptive language of symptoms; stigma was a reported problem and on occasions can be observed in the descriptive language used for people with dementia; cultural and traditional values create both an opportunity and a barrier, supporting compassion, family care and relaxation, but creating barriers to accessing health services or long-term residential care. Conclusions: This is the first systematic review reporting qualitative evidence on the life experiences of people with dementia in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese diaspora. Future research is needed on the voice of people with dementia themselves and their caregivers particularly in Vietnam, and low and middle-income countries with regards to living with dementia, pathways to care from diagnosis, treatment, care and support, additional social care and preparedness for end of life care for people with dementia.

Home-dwelling older adults' attitudes and perceptions of dementia: A Q-methodological study in South Korea.

Older adult attitudes and perceptions of dementia can have a major impact on early diagnosis, efforts to prevent and appropriately treat it, as well as being a family burden. The aim of this study is to explore attitudes and perceptions of dementia of home-dwelling older adults using Q-methodology. A total of 42 adults, age 65 or over, who live in South Korea ranked 37 Q statements about their attitudes and perceptions of dementia into A Q sort table grid. The following three distinct viewpoints were extracted: (1) it is my responsibility to prevent and to care about dementia (family-centered view); (2) there are no ways to treat dementia (despairing views); and (3) dementia is a national responsibility (nation-centered view). Based on these results, central and local government and communities should work together with older adults to manage dementia and reflect these three viewpoints when developing systematic dementia management programs.

EAST Meets West Symposium: Community-Based Programs for Dementia Prevention and Support

This East Meets West Symposium presents cross-cultural evidence of community-based programs developed to address cognitive health needs of older adults or to support dementia family caregivers. It includes five studies from mainland China, Taiwan, and the U.S.A. The first study explored the adherence to computerized cognitive training to promote cognitive health among Chinese older adults using a qualitative approach. External encouragement, and self-awareness of performance improvement were found influential to older adults’ adherence. The second study spearheaded by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in the U.S.A shed further light on technology use in promoting brain health by comparing in-person versus online cognitive training to older Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The third study tested the effectiveness of a cognitive health management model for community-dwelling older adults including healthy and mild cognitively impaired (MCI) ones in Shanghai, China. Older adults with MCI who received the management service showed better cognition outcomes compared to their counterparts in the control group. The fourth study focused on a community program named “Carer Café”, developed to support dementia family caregiver in Taiwan. Participants (n=375) reported reduced stress and increased access to service referrals. The last study examined the stakeholders’ perceptions of dementia friendly initiatives (DFI) being implemented in U.S.A, mainland China, and Taiwan to support persons with dementia and family caregivers. The impacts of DFI made, challenges DFI faced, and strategies DFI used during COVID-19 pandemic were discussed. The discussant will comment on each article’s contributions and limitations in the context of literature.

Effects of Professional Instructor Education Program for Dementia Prevention on Nursing Students’ Perception, Attitude, and Needs of Prevention Education related to Dementia

Purpose : This study was attempted to apply the dementia prevention instructor education program to nursing students and to investigate the effects on the nursing students’ perception, attitude and needs for dementia prevention education. Methods : This study used a one group, pretest-posttest design. There were nursing students from G city enrolled in this study, and self-reported questionnaires were collected between September 16 and October 28, 2020. The prevention of dementia instructor program was applied for 4 hours / session for 48 hours, using a 12 session. The data were analyzed by frequencies, paired t-test, and Pearson’s correlation using SPSS Win 23.0. Results : The results showed that there was a significant difference in the perception of (t＝-2.20, p＝.040) and attitude toward dementia (t＝2.49, p＝.022) and needs of dementia-prevention education (t＝-2.23, p＝.038). After the prevention of dementia instructor program, perception of dementia was found to be positively correlated with attitude toward dementia (r＝.45, p＜.049). Conclusion : Dementia prevention instructor education program is effective in raising nursing students’ perception and attitude toward dementia and dementia prevention. Therefore, it is recommended to implement the dementia prevention program through regular or non-regular subjects.

Dementia-Related Knowledge, Experiences and Perceptions of Dementia among Adolescents in Slovenia

Objectives: Without information about how adolescents perceive dementia, and what their dementia related experiences are, it is hard to raise awareness of dementia and positive attitudes towards people with dementia in adolescents. Aim: To evaluate dementia-related knowledge with a focus on comparison between adolescents with and those without relatives with dementia and their perception and experiences of relatives with dementia to provide basic data for educating about knowledge of dementia and strengthening positive attitudes towards dementia. Methods: 1128 students (aged 14 -19) from non-health related secondary schools in Slovenia completed the dementia-related knowledge survey. In subsample of 335 students with relatives with dementia we explored their experiences of dementia in relatives. Results: Out of 20 questions and supplementary questions on dementia knowledge, participants were on average able to answer 71.5% correctly (M = 14.30; SD = 2.56). Respondents with relatives with dementia reported higher knowledge (M = 14.67; SD = 2.44, p<0.05), boys reported lower levels of knowledge than girls (p<0.05), and students of secondary technical and vocational school, and of general secondary schools (grammar-school) scored significantly higher on the knowledge questionnaire in comparison to students of lower vocational and secondary vocational schools (p<0.05). We also identified that in subsample of 335 adolescents with a relative with dementia a sadness and fear prewail in their attitudes towards dementia (e.g. 55% of all responses). Conclusions: Considering that adolescents are already forming negative attitudes and misconceptions of dementia, it is important that we raise awareness about dementia in this age.

Discordance between the perceptions of clinicians and families about end-of-life trajectories in hospitalized dementia patients.

Due to the unpredictable dementia trajectory, it is challenging to recognize illness progression and the appropriateness of a palliative approach. Further confusion occurs during hospitalization where the presence of comorbid conditions complicates prognostication. This research examined clinicians and families' perceptions of dementia as a terminal condition in relation to end-of-life admissions. The study was based in the General Medicine units of one Australian public hospital. Medical, nursing, and social work clinicians were recruited to reflect multidisciplinary perspectives. Bereaved caregivers of deceased patients with dementia were interviewed 3 months following death. Qualitative research underpinned by a social constructionist epistemology and framed through complex systems theory. Semi-structured interviews generated data that illuminated perceptions of deterioration observed toward the end of life. Although participants anticipated general cognitive and physical deterioration associated with dementia, the emergence of comorbid illness made it difficult to predict the onset of the end of life. During a hospital admission, clinicians attributed the end of life to the advanced outcomes of dementia, whereas families described new medical crises. End-of-life admissions illuminated intersections between dementia and comorbidities rather than illness progression. In contrast with the perception that people with dementia lose awareness at the end of life, families drew attention to evidence that their loved one was present during the dying phase. Our findings challenge the dominant understanding of dementia trajectories. Bifurcations between clinicians and families' views demonstrate the difficulties in recognizing end-of-life transitions. Implications for the integration of palliative care are considered.

Is Perception Reality? Using Person-in-Context Simulation to Promote Empathic Understanding of Dementia Among Nurse Practitioner Students.

This one-group nonexperimental pretest/posttest repeated-measures design plus interpretative phenomenological analysis explored nurse practitioner students' perceptions of dementia using virtual simulation. Perceptions of dementia and its associated challenges differed after the simulation. A critical theme that emerged was "developing empathic understanding"; the two subthemes were "mirroring dementia behaviors" and "provoking emotions." Virtual dementia simulation is an inexpensive, low-fidelity strategy to challenge assumptions and preconceived belief systems about dementia. Person-in-context experiential learning is valuable in nurse practitioner education for facilitating empathic understanding. Further research is needed to explore the correlation between empathic understanding and altruistic helping behaviors in professional practice.

치매 인식과 태도가 노화불안에 미치는 영향

본 연구의 목적은 치매에 대한 인식과 태도가 노화불안에 미치는 영향을 파악하여 노화불안을 줄이고 효과적인 치매예방 및 관리방안 마련을 위한 기초자료를 제공하고자 한다. 연구대상은 충북 J시에 거주하는 시민 509명을 대상으로 하였으며 치매 인식과 태도가 노화불안에 미치는 영향을 살펴보기 위해 다중회귀분석을 실시하였다.<BR> 본 연구결과 노화불안에 영향을 미치는 요인은 치매 인식이 유의미한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 이는 치매 인식이 낮을수록 노화불안이 높아진다는 것을 의미한다. 그러나 치매 태도는 노화불안에 유의미한 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 연구결과를 근거로 정책제언을 하면 첫째, 치매 인식증진을 위한 체계적인 교육과 교육 프로그램의 개발이 필요하다. 둘째, 치매 인식개선을 위한 홍보 강화가 필요하다. 셋째, 치매 인식 향상을 위한 지역사회 네트워크 구축이 필요하다.