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Meta-Analysis
. 2018 Apr 19;13(4):e0196085.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196085. eCollection 2018.

What does the general public understand about prevention and treatment of dementia? A systematic review of population-based surveys

Monica Cations  1   2 , Gorjana Radisic  1   2 , Maria Crotty  1   2 , Kate E Laver  1   2
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

What does the general public understand about prevention and treatment of dementia? A systematic review of population-based surveys

Monica Cations et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Objectives: To synthesise results of population surveys assessing knowledge and attitudes about prevention and treatment of dementia.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and grey literature were searched for English language entries published between 2012 and May 2017. Survey questions were grouped using an inductive approach and responses were pooled.

Results: Thirty-four eligible studies and four grey literature items were identified. Surveys were conducted in Europe, the US, Eastern Asia, Israel, and Australia. Nearly half of respondents agreed that dementia is a normal and non-preventable part of ageing, but belief in the potential for prevention may be improving over time. The role of cardiovascular risk factors was poorly understood overall. Less than half of respondents reported belief in the availability of a cure for dementia. The value of seeking treatment was highly endorsed.

Conclusions: Results suggest that knowledge about the potential for dementia prevention and treatment remains poor but may be improving over time. Knowledge among those living in low- and middle-income countries are largely unknown, presenting challenges for the development of National action plans consistent with World Health Organization directives.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: Monica Cations is currently employed to assist with data collection for Alzheimer's disease drug trials funded by Janssen, Paraxel, and Merck. Maria Crotty receives funding from Novartis for trials of hip fracture involving treatments for sarcopenia. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Synthesis of public knowledge and beliefs about prevention of dementia.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Synthesis of public knowledge and beliefs about treatments for dementia.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Trends by time.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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