The Level of Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Dementia Among Senior Medical Students in Recife, Brazil

Introduction: Aging is no longer a phenomenon for society; it has become a reality in all countries, leading to a notable increase in the prevalence of dementia, a common condition among the elderly population. This situation highlights the importance of adequately preparing future healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and attitudes to effectively care for dementia patients. Objective: This study aims to describe the knowledge and attitudes toward dementia among fifth- and sixth-year medical students at a prestigious medical school in Recife, Brazil. Materials and methods: A descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in which participants answered questionnaires related to epidemiological and educational data of the involved students, the assessment of the sample’s knowledge regarding dementia, and addressing attitude toward a patient with dementia. Data collection took place online, targeting fifth- and sixth-year medical students at the Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (FPS). Results: A total of 111 students participated in the study, with a majority of females (73.9%), most of them in the fifth year of medical school (79.3%). While the majority of the students received training during their undergraduate studies on cognitive changes related to dementia (58.6%), this knowledge was mostly theoretical (64%), and only a few students took extracurricular courses on the subject (7.2%). Regarding the questionnaire evaluating students’ knowledge, the overall mean was 6.69 points (on a scale of 0-14). Notably, there was no significant difference in correct answers among the tested areas of epidemiology, diagnosis, and management, with percentages of correct answers of 49.8%, 45.27%, and 52.53%, respectively. As for their attitudes toward dementia, the majority of students responded in a manner consistent with current literature and best practices for managing patients with functional dependence and cognitive changes. Conclusion: The results indicate that despite the notable rise in dementia cases across the world, the study revealed that the participants lacked essential knowledge about dementia. However, most of them demonstrated attitudes aligned with the best practices for managing dementia patients and their families. These data may suggest the need for greater attention in the teaching-learning process on the part of the medical school, as well as the promotion of extracurricular activities on this topic, in addition to enhancing the promotion of practical activities in geriatrics.