Community knowledge of dementia: a cross-sectional study in the Southeast region of Brazil

There is a gap in the literature regarding popular knowledge about dementia. Although dementia affects older individuals more frequently, it does not belong to senescence. Lack of awareness contributes to the normalization of cognitive decline, delaying the search for healthcare services, diagnosis, and treatments.

Assess the population's knowledge about dementia and its relationship with socioeconomic characteristics.

Cross-sectional study with a semi-structured questionnaire administered in person to a convenience sample of residents of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Significance level: p<0.05.

Three hundred residents were interviewed. Among them, 189 (63%) were unaware of the meaning of dementia. In a multivariable regression, higher income increased the odds of knowing what dementia is compared to the lowest income group (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]=4.29, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.40-14.11, p=0.013). Working in healthcare (aOR=3.30, 95%CI 1.24-9.66, p=0.021) or having relatives in this sector (aOR=2.16, 95%CI 1.16-4.07, p=0.016) increased the probability of awareness. Limited awareness of risk factors was observed, along with the normalization of dementia signs and symptoms, which were commonly perceived as part of normal aging.

Significant lack of knowledge on the subject was observed, particularly among socioeconomic vulnerable individuals. Dementia was not widely recognized as a pathological and preventable condition. Given an aging society, this study provides a critical foundation for future public health initiatives and research aimed at improving dementia literacy and promoting early intervention.