Attitudes of the German general population toward early diagnosis of dementia

Background: Early diagnosis of dementia has clearly improved applying neuropsychological, imaging and biochemical indicators. However, none of the currently available interventions for the most common type of dementia, the Alzheimer’s dementia, promises cure. Given this background, this study aims to describe attitudes toward early diagnosis of dementia in the German general population. Methods: A representative telephone survey of the German population aged 18+ years (n=1,002) was conducted in 2011. Results: The vast majority of the participants (88%) stated that early diagnosis of dementia should be offered. 69% also inclined that they would be willing to participate in an early diagnosis examination in case they are affected. Almost two thirds would see their General Practitioner as the first source of professional help, followed by neurologists, memory clinics and psychiatrists to a much lesser extent. More than half of the study participants (55%) committed that they think something could be done against dementia. Answers to an open questions regarding what might help showed that mainly psychosocial interventions were favored; only 10.1% regarded medication as helpful. Discussion: The German general population is very open for early diagnosis of dementia. This, however, seems connected with large expectations regarding influence on course of dementia. Although the GP is seen as first source of help, it is known that recognition of pre-dementia and mild forms of dementia in primary care settings is low. Implications are discussed.

attitude - dementia - early detection - general population - knowledge