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Children's Attitudes Toward Dementia: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study
Gema Somoza-Fernández1, Javier Ortiz-Alonso1,2,3,4, José Antonio Serra-Rexach1,2,3,4
1Geriatrics Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Calle Doctor Esquerdo 46, Madrid, 28007, Spain, 34 915866704.
JMIR Research Protocols
|April 20, 2026
Summary
This study assesses Spanish primary school children's attitudes toward dementia. Findings will inform educational programs to improve understanding and reduce stigma associated with dementia in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Neuroscience Education
- Public Health
Background:
- Dementia research predominantly focuses on adults, neglecting children's perspectives.
- Understanding children's attitudes toward dementia is crucial due to dementia's societal impact and early education's influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess attitudes toward dementia in Spanish primary school children.
- To examine the psychometric properties of a novel questionnaire for assessing children's dementia attitudes.
- To identify factors influencing children's dementia attitudes and evaluate social desirability's impact.
Main Methods:
- A 23-item questionnaire, the Spanish Children's Attitudes Toward Dementia Questionnaire, was developed and validated.
- Data collected from 8-11 year olds in Madrid, Spain, using the questionnaire and a social desirability scale.
- Exploration of factors like cohabitation with grandparents influencing attitudes.
Main Results:
- Data collection ongoing, with 164 participants recruited from 3 schools as of July 2025.
- Analysis pending, with results anticipated for publication in 2027.
- The study is currently unfunded, with data collection concluding January 2026.
Conclusions:
- This study offers a novel approach to understanding children's dementia attitudes.
- Findings may guide the development of targeted educational interventions for dementia awareness in schools.
- Results could support integrating dementia education into primary school curricula.
