Women’s attitudes toward dementia prevention trials

The objective of this study was to assess attitudes toward participation in dementia prevention trials among elderly women with a family history of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prevention trials require the recruitment and retainment unaffected individuals. Many studies indicate that those with a family history of memory problems have increased risk of memory loss. As part of a study to determine the interest of participation a clinical trial of estrogen among women with a family history of AD, we assessed their perceptions about dementia and attitudes about several potential agents. Eighty-six women with a family history of dementia were asked three specific questions. If 10 represents the best of health and zero the worst, what number would you give to dementia? How would you compare your risk of getting dementia to other people your age? How worried are you about becoming demented? They were also asked about their current medication (Including nonprescription and nutritional supplements) use. Women were asked whether they were willing to participate in a randomized clinical trial of estrogen, vitamins, and nonsteroids. The mean age of women in the group was 71 years + 6 years and the mean education level was 13 years + 3 years). Seventy percent of the women interviewed rated AD as representing “the worst of health,” 44% reported feeling more at risk of becoming demented. Agreement to participate in a trail of vitamins was highest (48%). Willingness to participate in a trial of estrogen was 35% and that to participate in a trial of nonsteroidals was 29%. Ratings of worry, risk, and willingness to participate were increased among the 47 women who had personally cared for someone with dementia. These data of willingness to participate in clinical trials provide important information for estimating samples for prevention studies. Study supported by AG08702 and AG08031-0751