Age and Gender Differences in Attitudes and Knowledge About Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine possible age and gender discrepancies in knowledge and attitudes towards individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Data were taken from a Midwestern survey study of community-dwelling adults aged 18-88 (N=211).Participants were divided into two age groups: younger adults (ages 18-49), and older adults, encompassing the Baby Boom generation (ages 49+). The findings indicated that, relative to older adults, younger adults were: less likely to know someone with AD; less likely to make lifestyle changes to reduce their AD risk; and less factually knowledgeable about AD. However, younger adults reported more positive attitudes about AD. When demographic variables, knowing someone with AD, and knowledge of AD were examined simultaneously as predictors of attitudes, the following were significant: age, knowledge, and knowing someone with AD.Gender had no significant relationships with any of the outcome variables examined.Interpretations of these findings were discussed. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSFirst and above all, I deeply thank and exalt God Almighty for His unparalleled support, providing this opportunity, and being my strength to proceed successfully. My appreciation also goes to my committee, Drs. Melissa O'Connor, Heather Fuller-Iglesias, and Ardith Brunt, for their guidance. I want to express my deep gratitude to my advisor, Dr Melissa O'Connor, for her sincere and indispensable effort, patience and guidance since commencement of my program and throughout the writing process. Lastly, I want to profoundly thank my father, Tola Adelani, for his loving guidance and encouragements. v