Misconceptions about dementia and its implication for willingness to seek treatment and knowledge in dementia related information

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence of misconceptions about dementia and its associated factors in Hong Kong. To address the relationship between misconceptions and tendency to seek treatment or information. Design: Survey type quantitative study. Subjects: 1002 Hong Kong people (433 males and 569 females). Main outcome measures: Perceived prevalence of dementia, misconceptions about dementia, treatment seeking tendency, and interest in dementia related information. Results: High level of misconceptions about dement ia was observed. In general, male gender, absence of demented relatives and low education level predicted endorsement of various misconceptions about dementia. Participants who displayed higher level of misconceptions about dementia were less willing to seek treatment in face of dementia and displayed less interest in dementia related information. Conclusion: More can be done by concerned parties to increase the general public's awareness of dementing features so as to promote its early detection and intervention. Besides looking out for commonly missed symptoms and conducting proper assessments, general practitioners can help clarify myths and advise on the benefits of early treatment.