Predictors of misconceptions of Alzheimer's disease among community dwelling elderly

Abstract

Although discussion of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in the popular media, knowledge about AD has not been extensively examined. This study analyzes factors associated with knowledge about AD in an elderly sample. Data from a mail survey was sent to a random sample (N=527) of subjects aged 60 and older in the Northwest Indiana metropolitan area. We performed a multiple regression analysis to determine the effect of demographic characteristics, knowledge about services for the elderly, and health information scanning on knowledge about AD. Results indicate that misconceptions of AD are widespread among the elderly population. Race and general knowledge about services for the elderly is associated with specific misconceptions of AD. In addition, a higher education level is associated with fewer misconceptions of AD, while health information scanning is not. These findings suggest that there is a need for accurate information about both AD and community services for older people. Results of these analyses indicate the importance of addressing race and education level when disseminating information about services and AD. © 2000, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.