RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 244
OP 253
DO 10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240778
VO 46
IS 3
A1 Alqudah, Alhanouf S.
A1 Abaalkhail, Nahed S.
A1 Alturki, Alanoud S.
A1 Naseer, Yasmen S.
A1 Almansour, Sara K.
YR 2025
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/46/3/244.abstract
AB Objectives: To investigate the knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among 228 Saudi adults with diabetes, aiming to assess cognitive awareness through a questionnaire. It explores risk factors, symptoms, prevention strategies, and attitudes towards dementia, while integrating demographic data to illuminate cognitive landscapes and correlations between diabetes and cognitive health.Methods: Trained dietitians administered questionnaires to 228 adult Saudi diabetic participants, focusing on their understanding of AD across various domains. The study employed validated tools for data collection and amalgamated responses with demographic and medical details.Results: Of the 228 participants, 56.6% were female. Findings revealed a high acknowledgment of 3 subdomains of the Alzheimer’s disease knowledge scale (ADKS) - risk factors, course, and diagnosis - with 75% agreement. However, lower acknowledgment rates with agreements were observed in the domains of life impact (71%), symptoms (71%), caregiving (72%), and treatment management (69%). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in knowledge based on education levels (p≤0.05), with university-educated individuals demonstrating greater agreement across all ADKS subdomains.Conclusion: The research highlights the need for enhanced awareness of AD among Saudi diabetic individuals. By integrating healthcare, education, and culturally sensitive interventions, the study advocates for targeted education to improve understanding of cognitive health and effective management strategies in this demographic, emphasizing the role of educational background in shaping perceptions.