Health care students' attitudes towards, and intention to work with, patients suffering from senile dementia

Health care students' attitudes towards and intention to care for patients suffering from senile dementia were measured by questionnaire during the last week of their education. The relationship between curriculum content and attitudes and other variables which affect student training is discussed. It was noted that education on dementia lagged behind the needs of students. Factorial analysis of the respondents' answers on the attitudinal items indicates generally negative attitudes to demented patients. Few female, and none of the male, students stated an intention to work with demented patients. Fear of death and experiences of patients dying are described, and are seen as crucial factors in the care of demented patients.