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International Journal of Public Health

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01-01-2016 | Original Article

Public knowledge about dementia in Germany—results of a population survey

Authors: Daniel Lüdecke, Olaf von dem Knesebeck, Christopher Kofahl

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Objectives

The following research questions are addressed: (1) What does the German public know about dementia? (2) Are social factors, care experience and contact with dementia patients associated with knowledge about dementia? (3) Is knowledge associated with attitudes/beliefs about dementia?

Methods

Analyses are based on a German mail survey conducted in 2012. Sample consists of persons aged 18–79 years. 1795 persons filled out the questionnaire (response rate 78 %). Respondents were asked about their knowledge of and attitudes about dementia.

Results

Knowledge about cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and life impact of dementia is characterized by a relatively high uncertainty. People with care experiences and people from higher status groups know more about dementia. People with more knowledge are less likely to believe that dementia patients have a high quality of life, but tend to be less skeptical about early detection of dementia.

Conclusions

To increase knowledge, reduce uncertainty and modify attitudes towards dementia and those who are afflicted, educational programs and contact-based approaches should be considered.

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Title: Public knowledge about dementia in Germany—results of a population survey
Authors: Daniel Lüdecke
Olaf von dem Knesebeck
Christopher Kofahl
Publication date: 01-01-2016
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-015-0703-x

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Springer Medicine

Public knowledge about dementia in Germany—results of a population survey

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

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