Alzheimer’s disease knowledge among American Indians and Alaska Natives

Abstract

Introduction: The population ofAmerican Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) aged 65 and older is growing rapidly, raising concerns about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in their communities. Methods:We distributed a survey incorporating the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale to 341 AI/ANcommunity members attending cultural events.We computed average adjusted predictions and 95% confidence intervals from a linear regression model, used joint F tests to examine differences in scores according to demographic variables, calculated the percentage of correct items for each participant, and computed domainspecific averages across the sample. Results: The average score was 19.0 (maximum 30); the average percentage of correct responses was 63%. Higher scores were associated with education but not with age, sex, or rural versus urban residence. Lowscores were observed for items on caregiving and disease risk. Discussion: Participants were moderately well informed about AD, but specific knowledge domains call for community outreach and education.