Knowledge about symptoms of Alzheimer's disease: correlates and relationship to help-seeking behavior

The aim of this study was to assess relationships between knowledge about symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and help seeking intention among the lay public.

A convenience sample of 150 community-dwelling persons aged over 45, who did not have a close relative diagnosed with AD, participated in the study.

Knowledge about 11 warning signs of AD as described in the information provided by the Alzheimer's Association, and four non-AD symptoms was assessed, together with intentions to seek help from professional and non-professional sources. Background characteristics included socio-demographic characteristics, personal experience with AD, and perceived threat.

Although participants' knowledge about AD symptoms overall was fair, only a slight percentage reported memory problems to be symptoms of the disease. Participants differentiated between AD warning and non-warning signs. Older participants reported consistently more AD and non-AD symptoms, while higher concerns about developing the disease was associated with reporting more non-AD symptoms. Higher knowledge about AD symptoms was associated with increased intentions to seek help from professional sources.

Efforts to increase knowledge about AD symptoms should be expanded, with special attention to risk groups. Improved recognition of AD symptoms will promote adequate help-seeking behaviors and will increase early identification and treatment of AD.