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The aim of the present study was to examine the objective characteristics and the portrayal of Alzheimer's disease and of persons with Alzheimer's disease in Hebrew and Arabic online newspapers across time. The sample included 180 articles published in seven national online newspapers between 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 and dealing specifically with the topic. The majority of the articles in both periods and languages were published in the Health section of the newspapers, had a neutral tone, and experts or researchers as the main sources of information. Stigmatizing elements were infrequent. While small differences were found across time, significant differences were found between Hebrew and Arabic online newspapers, with Arabic newspapers concentrating more on objective, health-related and expert-based information. As the use of online newspapers increases, policy makers should consider the use of this media as a viable way for improving knowledge and awareness about AD and dementia.

Background and objectives Family caregivers of people with dementia experience high burden making medical decisions for their loved ones. Undertaking Advance Care Planning (ACP) can help reduce burden and stress. Having experiences making medical decisions for someone else may influence the way people make decisions for themselves. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess the willingness of family caregivers of people with dementia to undertake ACP for themselves, using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Research design and methods Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 195 family caregivers of people with dementia. A structured questionnaire was used to assessed participants’ attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control, anticipated regret, the wish to prolong life and caregiver burden. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the contribution of the variables to the willingness to undertake ACP. Results Overall, participants expressed moderate willingness to undertake ACP. Among the various options for undertaking ACP, the highest willingness expressed was to appoint a durable power of attorney and the lowest willingness was to have informal conversations with their doctor. The hierarchical regression revealed that attitudes, subjective norms and anticipated regrets were main determinants of the willingness to undertake ACP. Discussion and implications Interventions should be developed to encourage family members to undertake ACP for themselves, which emphasize the advantages of the process and involve significant others in the formal and informal aspects of ACP.

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More research is needed to better understand which types of media campaigns work best to increase awareness and reduce stigma associated with AD.