C Jorge1, M Cetó1, A Arias1, E Blasco1, M P Gil1, R López1, F Dakterzada2, F Purroy3, G Piñol-Ripoll4. 1. Unitat Trastorns Cognitius, Clinical Neuroscience Research, IRBLleida-Hospital Universitari Santa Maria Lleida, Lleida, Spain. 2. Department of Experimental Medicine, Clinical Neuroscience Research, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain. 3. Servicio Neurología, Clinical Neuroscience Research, IRBLleida-Hospital Universitari Arnau Vilanova Lleida, Lleida, Spain. 4. Unitat Trastorns Cognitius, Clinical Neuroscience Research, IRBLleida-Hospital Universitari Santa Maria Lleida, Lleida, Spain. Electronic address: gerard_437302@hotmail.com.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Understanding of Alzheimer disease (AD) is fundamental for early diagnosis and to reduce caregiver burden. The objective of this study is to evaluate the degree of understanding of AD among informal caregivers and different segments of the general population through the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed the knowledge of caregivers in different follow-up periods (less than one year, between 1 and 5 years, and over 5 years since diagnosis) and individuals from the general population. ADKS scores were grouped into different items: life impact, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, disease progression, and caregiving. RESULTS: A total of 419 people (215 caregivers and 204 individuals from the general population) were included in the study. No significant differences were found between groups for overall ADKS score (19.1 vs 18.8, P = .9). There is a scarce knowledge of disease risk factors (49.3%) or the care needed (51.2%), while symptoms (78.6%) and course of the disease (77.2%) were the best understood aspects. Older caregiver age was correlated with worse ADKS scores overall and for life impact, symptoms, treatment, and disease progression (P < .05). Time since diagnosis improved caregivers' knowledge of AD symptoms (P = .00) and diagnosis (P = .05). CONCLUSION: Assessing the degree of understanding of AD is essential to the development of health education strategies both in the general population and among caregivers.
INTRODUCTION: Understanding of Alzheimer disease (AD) is fundamental for early diagnosis and to reduce caregiver burden. The objective of this study is to evaluate the degree of understanding of AD among informal caregivers and different segments of the general population through the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed the knowledge of caregivers in different follow-up periods (less than one year, between 1 and 5 years, and over 5 years since diagnosis) and individuals from the general population. ADKS scores were grouped into different items: life impact, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, disease progression, and caregiving. RESULTS: A total of 419 people (215 caregivers and 204 individuals from the general population) were included in the study. No significant differences were found between groups for overall ADKS score (19.1 vs 18.8, P = .9). There is a scarce knowledge of disease risk factors (49.3%) or the care needed (51.2%), while symptoms (78.6%) and course of the disease (77.2%) were the best understood aspects. Older caregiver age was correlated with worse ADKS scores overall and for life impact, symptoms, treatment, and disease progression (P < .05). Time since diagnosis improved caregivers' knowledge of AD symptoms (P = .00) and diagnosis (P = .05). CONCLUSION: Assessing the degree of understanding of AD is essential to the development of health education strategies both in the general population and among caregivers.
Authors: Nienke van Wezel; Iris van der Heide; Walter L J M Devillé; Marco M Blom; Rianne Hoopman; Anneke L Francke Journal: J Prim Care Community Health Date: 2022 Jan-Dec