Assess the public awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards Alzheimer's disease in Medina Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Background There is an increasing number of individuals with dementia due to the rapid aging process worldwide. AD is a major public health problem and the most prevalent form of dementia. It affects mainly older people and causes a significant decline in cognitive abilities, thus affecting the quality of life and independence. Understanding AD is fundamental for early diagnosis and reducing caregiver burden. Aim and objective to assess the public awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward AD in Medina City, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study of a convenient sample from Madina city, Saudi Arabia collected via validated Arabic face-to-face interviews conducted in shopping malls in Al-Madina city, KSA from August 2022 to September 2022. This study included only Madina's residents, between the age of 20 and 65. Data collected via the interview included sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitude towards Alzheimer’s disease. Results The study included 391 participants with a mean age between 18–29 years. The majority of the participants were able to identify aging and AD as causes of memory loss (86.2% and 65.7%) respectively. The overall AD knowledge was measured out of 12 points given to correct responses to the marked questions in table 2. The mean knowledge level was 7 ± 2 out of 12 possible points. Simple linear regression models were performed for the following predictors: age group, gender, and educational level. Data showed that only age groups (B = -0.351, SE = 0.103 (95% CI: -0.553 to -0.149), p < 0.001, R2 = 0.029), predicted the total awareness level related to AD (Table 3). 72.4% of the participants believed that Alzheimer’s patients are not capable of making decisions. Furthermore, 83.4% believe that Alzheimer’s patients need continuous monitoring and 70.8% think they may cause a psychological or societal burden. Conclusion Knowing the signs and symptoms of AD can allow clinicians to early diagnoses, treatment, preventing complications and decreasing the burden on families. So, it's important to guarantee enough public awareness of AD and the importance of managing risk factors that can minimize the risk of AD.