Novel Tool Gauges Rural, Older Adults' Knowledge of Alzheimer's

A study published in Aging & Mental Health assessed a survey called the Basic Knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease (BKAD), reports EurekAlert . BKAD features 32 items that measure and assess Alzheimer's knowledge in rural and underserved communities. BKAD was applied at senior centers in five such communities in Florida, Appalachian Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, and North Carolina. Seventy-five percent of participants were aware that annual cognitive screening is recommended for older adults, but only 25 percent had been previously screened. Sociodemographic findings determined 86 percent of participants would partake in yearly memory screenings if offered, irrespective of their education or health literacy level. More than 75 percent believed staying socially, mentally, and physically active is important, and that medication exists that could help. Meanwhile, 90 percent said "the sooner you get help for Alzheimer's, the more chance you have to slow it down." According to Florida Atlantic University Professor Lisa Kirk Wiese, "Results ... confirm the positive fit, reliability, and validity of our survey in underserved populations and also provide insights about the impact of health literacy and education, the knowledge gaps that exist in two diverse rural settings, and the differences in reported willingness to be screened for Alzheimer's."