Program

Physician Assistant M.S.

Year Approved

2016

First Advisor

Hopper, Donald

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease causes a progressive and irreversible decline in cognitive functioning. There are many people living with this disease, and the prevalence is expected to triple between 2010 and 2050. Many members of society are affected through either a personal diagnosis or the diagnosis of a family member. There have been numerous studies outlining risk factors, signs and symptoms, and treatments for this disease, but it is unknown if this has translated to greater public awareness. This study aims to assess the general adult population's knowledge of Alzheimer's disease. The participants are 35 to 70 years old and live in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area. A survey was sent via email to participants, and assessed the knowledge they had regarding Alzheimer's disease. This initial survey was followed by a brief educational piece outlining information on the disease. A second survey was then completed by the participants to determine the effectiveness of the educational component. The data was aggregated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. No statistical significance was found, likely due to a small population size. However, the study did give insight into aspects of the disease that require more public education, which includes warning signs and nonpharmacological treatments. Increasing public awareness of Alzheimer's disease will allow for earlier diagnosis. Timely recognition is imperative to the initiation of prompt and accurate treatment. It is recommended that further research be conducted with a larger population in an expanded geographical area.

Degree Name

Masters of Science in Physician Assistant

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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