Understanding, Recognition, And Perspectives On Dementia Among Medical Students: Is A Sensitization Initiative Effective?

Abstract

The existing undergraduate medical curriculum does not prioritize the evaluation and management of dementia. There has been no prior assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of medical students in India regarding patients with dementia.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of final-year medical students concerning dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, we sought to determine whether a specialized sensitization and teaching session led by a group of intern doctors under the guidance of a neurologist could enhance students' knowledge and awareness of dementia.

Methods and Materials: A total of 80 final-year medical students who provided consent completed the Alzheimer Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) at baseline. Following this, a sensitization and teaching session was conducted by intern doctors to improve students' understanding of dementia. A follow-up assessment was performed to evaluate the impact of the session.

Results: The baseline ADKS score was 57%, which increased to 73% after the sensitization program. The mean DAS score rose from 3.2 at baseline to 3.4 post-session. While students reported a notable improvement in their knowledge, there was no corresponding enhancement in their attitudes or comfort levels when caring for dementia patients. Students continued to feel uneasy in their interactions with individuals suffering from dementia. Conclusion: There is a significant deficiency in knowledge and training regarding dementia among medical students. It is essential to integrate patient contact and practical training for the basic assessment and care of dementia into the current academic curriculum. Targeted sensitization sessions on dementia care can help bridge this gap. Practical experience in managing dementia patients is necessary to improve students' comfort levels and attitudes towards dementia care.