A Collaborative Approach to Dementia Inclusion in Social Work Education: The Dementia Intensive

ABSTRACT

5.8 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is rising. Social work can play a key role. Yet, the field is ill prepared for the growing number of individuals and families affected physically, emotionally, and financially. This mixed-methods concurrent study assessed the preliminary efficacy of an education event for students from eight social work programs. Pre- to post training survey included: (a) dementia knowledge, and (b) negative attitudes toward dementia. Bivariate analyses showed that knowledge (mean difference=9.9) and attitudes (10% lower) improved from pre- to post training (p<.05). Collaboration between social work programs can increase student access to strength-based dementia education. Such programs hold the potential of improving dementia capability within the field of social work.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported, in part, by the Administration on Community Living (ACL) [90ALGG009 to M.N, A.Y., E.V. and K.B] and to a generous donation by the Carson family.

Notes on contributors

Michelle Niedens

Michelle Niedens is Director of the Cognitive Care Network at University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Amy Yeager is Lead Community Navigator at University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Eric D. Vidoni is Associate Professor at University of Kansas Medical Center. Kelli Barton is Director of Health and Aging at University of Missouri–Kansas City Institute for Human Development. Jaime Perales Puchalt is Assistant Professor at University of Kansas Medical Center. Rhonda Peterson Dealey is Assistant Professor and Master of Social Work Program Director at Washburn University. Dory Quinn is Assistant Professor at Pittsburg State University. L. Ashley Gage is Assistant Professor at University of Central Missouri.