Assessing accuracy of knowledge of cognitive effects of normal ageing and mild stage of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and pilot the Alzheimer's Disease and Ageing Perception Scale (ADAPS), examine theory-consistent differences and convergent validity, and identify misconceptions of the cognitive effects of ageing and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Method: After piloting a large pool of items with a panel of ageing and dementia experts (n = 6), an item analysis yielded a 25-item version of the ADAPS (α = .70), comprising a Normal Ageing subscale (α = .68) and Mild AD subscale (α = .74). Participants from the general community (n = 251) and aged care professionals (n = 59) completed the ADAPS, Knowledge of Memory Ageing Questionnaire (KMAQ), and the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS).

Results: Compared to matched controls, aged care professionals demonstrated greater accuracy of knowledge on the Mild AD subscale (p < .05), but not the Normal Ageing subscale (p > .05) of the ADAPS. The pattern of significant correlations between the ADAPS, KMAQ, and ADKS supported the convergent validity of the ADAPS. The most common misconceptions on the ADAPS indicated a tendency for participants to overgeneralise the cognitive effects of normal ageing.

Conclusion: This preliminary study introduces a new tool for assessing accuracy of knowledge of cognitive effects associated with normal ageing and mild AD, and may assist in identifying misconceptions of the ageing process.

Keywords:

• scale development
• dementia
• ageing
• misconceptions
• cognitive changes

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the panel of experts, the NIMAC organisations that assisted with disseminating the survey, and the participants.