Title | Public beliefs and knowledge about risk and protective factors for Alzheimer's disease. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | J Roberts, S, McLaughlin, SJ, Connell, CM |
Journal | Alzheimers Dement |
Volume | 10 |
Issue | 5 Suppl |
Pagination | S381-9 |
Date Published | 2014 Oct |
ISSN Number | 1552-5279 |
Keywords | Aged, Alzheimer disease, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Protective factors, United States |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess public beliefs and knowledge about risk and protective factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: A brief survey module was added to the Health and Retirement Study, a longstanding national panel study of the U.S. population over the age of 50. RESULTS: Respondents were 1641 adults (mean age=64.4 years, 53.6% female, 81.7% White). Most (60.1%) indicated interest in learning their AD risk, with 29.4% expressing active worry. Many failed to recognize that medications to prevent AD are not available (39.1%) or that having an affected first-degree relative is associated with increased disease risk (32%). Many respondents believed that various actions (e.g., mental activity, eating a healthy diet) would be effective in reducing AD risk. CONCLUSION: Older and middle-aged adults are interested in their AD risk status and believe that steps can be taken to reduce disease risk. Tailored education efforts are needed to address potential misconceptions about risk and protective factors. |
Notes | Export Date: 21 April 2014 Source: Scopus Article in Press |
URL | http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84895853906andpartnerID=40andmd5=336a2df47951d1d5c021f44b8055d10e |
DOI | 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.07.001 |
User Guide Notes | |
Endnote Keywords | Attitudes and beliefs/Health education/Illness perceptions/National survey/Public understanding |
Endnote ID | 999999 |
Alternate Journal | Alzheimers Dement |
Citation Key | 8062 |
PubMed ID | 24630852 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC4163539 |
Grant List | U01 AG009740 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States U01AG009740 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States T32HD007422 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States |