Guest Editorial: Are we well prepared for dementia?

摘要

Getting older and staying healthy? The aging of populations in first world countries, New Zealand included, might lead to a tripling of dementia cases by 2050. Health literacy and knowledge of dementia risk factors are important, for example, in the early diagnosis of the disease. I studied New Zealanders' (particularly people living in Dunedin) levels of knowledge about dementia. Three questions were explored (1) how much do New Zealanders know about dementia, (2) which factors explain differences in dementia knowledge, and (3) whether knowledge about dementia had an impact on attitudes and fear of the disease among participants. Two groups of research participants over the age of fifty were compared. One group had a family member with dementia and the other individuals had no previous personal connections to dementia patients. Twenty semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted, and the HLS-Q12 health literacy questionnaire was administered. The qualitative data were content analysed. Due to the small sample size, the quantitative data were used only to provide context at the general and individual case levels. The findings demonstrated that the two groups differed in knowledge and health literacy. The group with previous dementia experience displayed a deeper and more detailed knowledge of dementia and dementia progression. Being close to a relative with the disease required them to engage with the topic and access publicly available information. Their knowledge about dementia and its progression provided this experienced cohort with more security in their respective situations. It also offered an early possibility for considering bereavement management. It is noteworthy that this group indicated a lower perceived level of health literacy in their HLS-Q12 responses. Another finding was that different information about dementia was used in context of age and situation, for example the younger participants made more use of the internet. In comparison the participants experienced with dementia made more use of support organisations such as Alzheimers New Zealand. A further important finding was that knowledge of dementia increases relevant health literacy whilst reducing anxiety towards the disease. It is therefore important for policy makers in health and related fields to develop and implement policies and strategies to increase and ensure individuals' engagement with information about dementia. A future-oriented society that supports those in old age in all areas needs a high awareness and an open approach to the subject of dementia.