Table 2 Response of the participants to Alzheimer’s disease knowledge statements
Right answer | ||
|---|---|---|
No. | % | |
People with Alzheimer’s disease are particularly prone to depression. (True) | 691 | 80.2 |
It has been scientifically proven that mental exercise can prevent a person from getting Alzheimer’s disease. (False) | 558 | 64.7 |
After symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear, the average life expectancy is 6 to 12 years. (True) | 365 | 42.3 |
When a person with Alzheimer’s disease becomes agitated, a medical examination might reveal other health problems that caused the agitation. (True) | 610 | 70.8 |
People with Alzheimer’s disease do best with simple, instructions given one step at a time. (True) | 637 | 73.9 |
When people with Alzheimer’s disease begin to have difficulty taking care of themselves, caregivers should take over right away. (False) | 540 | 62.6 |
If a person with Alzheimer’s disease becomes alert and agitated at night, a good strategy is to try to make sure that the person gets plenty of physical activity during the day. (True) | 629 | 73.0 |
In rare cases, people have recovered from Alzheimer’s disease. (False) | 428 | 49.7 |
People whose Alzheimer’s disease is not yet severe can benefit from psychotherapy for depression and anxiety. (True) | 649 | 75.3 |
If trouble with memory and confused thinking appears suddenly, it is likely due to Alzheimer’s disease. (False) | 377 | 43.7 |
Most people with Alzheimer’s disease live in nursing homes. (False) | 352 | 40.8 |
Poor nutrition can make the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease worse. (True) | 633 | 73.4 |
People in their 30s can have Alzheimer’s disease. (True) | 490 | 56.8 |
A person with Alzheimer’s disease becomes increasingly likely to fall down as the disease gets worse. (True) | 592 | 68.7 |
When people with Alzheimer’s disease repeat the same question or story several times, it is helpful to remind them that they are repeating themselves. (False) | 402 | 46.6 |
Once people have Alzheimer’s disease, they are no longer capable of making informed decisions about their own care. (False) | 457 | 53.0 |
Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s disease will need 24-h supervision. (True) | 718 | 83.3 |
Having high cholesterol may increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. (True) | 372 | 43.2 |
Tremor or shaking of the hands or arms is a common symptom in people with Alzheimer’s disease. (False) | 418 | 48.5 |
Symptoms of severe depression can be mistaken for symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. (True) | 473 | 54.9 |
Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia. (True) | 685 | 79.5 |
Trouble handling money or paying bills is a common early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. (True) | 482 | 55.9 |
One symptom that can occur with Alzheimer’s disease is believing that other people are stealing one’s things. (True) | 528 | 61.3 |
When a person has Alzheimer’s disease, using reminder notes is a crutch that can contribute to decline. (False) | 405 | 47.0 |
Prescription drugs that prevent Alzheimer’s disease are available. (False) | 475 | 55.1 |
Having high blood pressure may increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. (True) | 405 | 47.0 |
Genes can only partially account for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. (True) | 506 | 58.7 |
It is safe for people with Alzheimer’s disease to drive, as long as they have a companion in the car at all times. (False) | 384 | 44.5 |
Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured. (True) | 454 | 52.7 |
Most people with Alzheimer’s disease remember recent events better than things that happened in the past. (False) | 408 | 47.3 |