Arch Gerontol Geriatr

ObjectiveEarly diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD) or dementia is important so that patients can express treatment preferences, subsequently allowing caregivers to make decisions consistent with their wishes. This study explored the relationship between people\u2019s concern about developing AD/dementia, likelihood to be screened/tested, if experiencing changes in cognitive status or functioning, and concerns about sharing the diagnostic information with others.MethodA descriptive study was conducted using Porter Novelli\u2019s SummerStyles 2013 online survey data. Of the 6105 panelists aged 18+ who received the survey, 4033 adults responded (response rate: 66%). Chi squares were used with case-level weighting applied.ResultsAlmost 13% of respondents reported being very worried or worried about getting AD/dementia, with women more worried than men (p <.001), and AD/dementia caregivers more worried than other types of caregivers (p = .04). Women were also more likely than men to agree to be screened/tested if experiencing changes in memory and/or thinking (p <.001). The greater the worry, the more likely respondents would agree to be screened/tested (p <.001). Nearly 66% of respondents were concerned that sharing a diagnosis would change the way others think/feel about them, with women reporting greater concern than men (p = .003).ConclusionFindings demonstrate that level of worry about AD/dementia is associated with the reported likelihood that individuals agree to be screened/tested. This information will be useful in developing communication strategies to address public concern about AD/dementia that may increase the likelihood of screening and early detection.U48 DP005000/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United StatesU48 DP005013/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United StatesU48DP005000/ACL HHS/United StatesU48DP005013/ACL HHS/United States2018-06-11T00:00:00Z28279898PMC5995109vault:3040