Awareness of Alzheimer's disease and Dementia among young adults: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Alzheimer's disease and dementia are both classified as severe brain disorders (AD), which pose substantial challenges to public health. A synthesis of research findings has examined the degree of cognisance among young adults worldwide. This literature review aimed to identify and synthesise existing research to identify any overarching trends among young adults in Asia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and various other countries. Methods overview material: An electronic database search of PubMed, Google Scholar and ProQuest from 2018 to 2021 was conducted using the Population, Intervention ( Issue ), Comparison (Context), Outcome (PICO) framework through September 2023. Disease search terms included awareness, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia and young adults. 13 quantitative studies by the Coughlan, Cronin, and Ryan Framework, which measures awareness with descriptive statistics using surveys, experiments, and questionnaires, were evaluated using quality, research credibility, and practice relevance. Thematic analysis is used to identify themes in young adult Alzheimer's disease research articles. Results: In these 8 Canadian studies,44% had high Alzheimer's disease awareness. Two studies found self-knowledge that 49% of young adults in the US and 44% of non-North Americans perceived self-knowledge. This rate is far lower than literature's 62%. The comprehensive literature evaluation identified existing research and combined data to identify regional adolescent patterns. In Canada, the UK, and the US, most young adults know of Alzheimer's disease and believe it has no treatment. Whites are more aware of education, information, family history, and cognitive activity protection than blacks. Families significantly affect Alzheimer's diagnosis and therapy. The report recommends concentrated education, support networks, and research and studies to raise young people's understanding of Alzheimer's and public health. Conclusions: The prevalence of awareness of Alzheimer's disease and dementia among young adults was conducted worldwide and revealed an alarming lack of information and understanding of these disorders. These findings highlight the need to enhance awareness and understanding of these diseases and impact public health policy, education, and research. Young people may not have had Alzheimer's or dementia; thus, knowledge is crucial. The study highlights the need for more significant research on factors affecting young people's comprehension and knowledge of these illnesses.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Rankin, Shana

• RA0421 Lechyd cyhoeddus. Glanweithdra. Meddygaeth Ataliol

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3160