Exploring Nursing students' knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease

Background As the number of people with a diagnosis of dementia continues to increase, it is essential that nurses have the skills required to provide high-quality care. However, there may be gaps in dementia teaching in undergraduate nurse education programmes in the UK.

Aim To assess knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among one cohort of third-year nursing students to improve the education content of the dementia module at an English university.

Method A total of 35 participants completed the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale, a validated tool that measures knowledge about risk factors, assessment and diagnosis, symptoms, course (disease progression), life impact, caregiving, and treatment and management. Data were analysed using quantitative methods.

Results Participating students appeared to have greater knowledge about dementia in relation to treatment and management, life impact, caregiving, and assessment and diagnosis, and less knowledge about risk factors, course and symptoms. This may be because the focus of teaching is on caregiving and medical treatment.

Conclusion This study identified strengths and gaps in nursing students’ knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease. The results have informed recommendations for ways to improve the education content of the dementia module for future cohorts and to enhance dementia education in nursing, health and social care undergraduate programmes in general.