Knowledge and attitude of pharmacists about Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: To identify studies that explored pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes regarding Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Scopus, Medline (via Pubmed), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and PsycINFO databases until July 2024. Cross-sectional studies that measured pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes toward AD using structure instruments were included. Two reviewers independently performed the selection of studies, data extraction, and methodological assessment.

Results: Ten studies published between 2016 and 2024, involving 7810 participants, were included. Most studies were conducted in Asia (n = 5), in community pharmacies (n = 8), and used the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (n = 8). The response rate varied from 8 % to 100 %, while the percentage of correct responses about AD ranged from 50.1 % to 85.3 %. A knowledge gap was identified in areas such as recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors for AD development, and providing effective patient care. Pharmacists demonstrated greater expertise in the pharmacological management of AD.

Implications: The findings suggest the need for training programs and interventions targeting pharmacists working in services that care for patients with AD.

Keywords: Dementia; Health knowledge; Pharmacy education; Practice evidence-based pharmacy practice.