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Journal of Applied Gerontology
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Lay Appraisal of Cognitive Impairment Symptoms and Related Prevention Beliefs in a Community-Dwelling Sample of Midlife and Older Adults

Dean D. VonDras

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

This study explores how age and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be related to the identification and appraisal of cognitive impairment symptoms as well as associated prevention beliefs. Participants were 140 community-dwelling adults ranging in age from 49 to 90 years who completed a survey containing a vignette about an adult with cognitive impairment symptoms and questions about the illness symptoms, prevention beliefs, and HRQoL. Identification of symptoms as Alzheimer's disease or dementia was reported by 83% of respondents. Correlational analyses suggested age and education to be associated with perceived significance of symptoms as well as the recommendation to seek medical care. Multiple regression modeling indicated interactive effects that suggest advancing age and poor HRQoL may be associated with greater delay in seeking care for cognitive impairment symptoms and unrealistic optimism regarding prevention outcomes. Educational interventions to bolster the individuals' and caregivers' knowledge of Alzheimer's disease are discussed.

Key Words: lay appraisal • cognitive impairment symptoms • health-related quality of life • prevention beliefs • unrealistic optimism

This version was published on June 1, 2009

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Vol. 28, No. 3, 342-368 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1062860608327400
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