Dementia as a Current Problem Due to Demographic Trends – Knowledge of Caregivers

Introduction: Dementia is not a disease but a collection of symptoms resulting from damage
\nto the brain. These symptoms can be caused by a number of conditions. It is generally
\nassumed caregiver’s better knowledge of the symptomatology and symptoms result in a better
\nquality of care.
\nObjective: To assess the knowledge about the causes and symptoms of dementia in a selected
\nsample of family members of seniors with dementia and in non-medical healthcare personnel
\ncaring for seniors with dementia at geriatric-psychiatric wards.
\nMethod: A questionnaire-based survey applied to a selected group of family members and to
\nnon-medical workers (questionnaire by the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie in Montréal).
\nResults: Younger age lay persons (p = 0.0012) and relatives in a straight line of the elderly
\nshowed better knowledge of dementia (p = 0.0002). The relatives’ satisfaction with care did not
\ncorrelate with their knowledge of the causes and symptoms of dementia (p = 0.5899). The
\nrelatives’ gender did not show a statistically significant correlation with knowledge (p = 0.937).
\nHowever, women showed better knowledge from the objective point of view. In the sample of
\nnon-medical professionals, education correlated with the level of proven knowledge of the
\ncauses and symptoms of dementia while respondents with university education demonstrated
\nbetter knowledge (p = 0.0016) as well as respondents with completed specialized education on
\ndementia (p = 0.0003). Family members of seniors with dementia did not give correct answers
\nto questions on the pathophysiology and symptoms related to the progression of dementia. Nonmedical
\nhealthcare personnel did not have sufficient knowledge of the general aspects of
\ndementia and some behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
\nConclusion: The analysis of the family members’ and non-medical healthcare personnel's
\nknowledge about dementia proved statistically significant differences. The knowledge
\ndemonstrated by the family members of patients with dementia differs depending on the age
\nand relation to the patient. The level of knowledge demonstrated by non-medical healthcare
\npersonnel caring for patients with dementia differs by gender, their achieved level of
\neducation and specialized education.

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