2024 Poll Insights Part III: Bridging the Alzheimer’s Knowledge Gap
Welcome back to our series on the national perception of Alzheimer’s disease, based on insights from the 2024 national poll conducted by FTP Insights and Accelerate Advocacy. In our previous posts, we provided an overview of the essential findings and discussed why Alzheimer’s should be a national priority. Today, we’ll explore the low awareness of current treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and what can be done to bridge this knowledge gap.
Limited Knowledge Among Voters
Despite the high level of concern about Alzheimer’s disease, the poll revealed a significant knowledge gap regarding current treatments. Only a small percentage of voters feel they know "a lot" about available treatment options, with most having a superficial understanding. This lack of knowledge is particularly concerning given the widespread impact of the disease and the significant progress underway over the past few years.
Treatment Awareness
The poll results indicate that awareness of Alzheimer’s treatments is limited. Many respondents were only familiar with the fact that medications exist to slow the progression of the disease but had little to no knowledge of specific treatments or their effectiveness. This presents a significant opportunity for education and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the latest advancements and available options.
“I know there are medications that slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease but don’t cure it.”
“No cure. There are a few medicines that can slow the progression of it and treat symptoms.”
Satisfaction with Current Treatments
Satisfaction levels with current Alzheimer’s treatments are relatively low. Voters desired more effective and accessible options, highlighting the need for ongoing research and development. The poll showed a significant unmet need for treatments — value for patients and families is placed on slowing progression and improving quality of life.
Educational Opportunity
Given the low levels of awareness and satisfaction, there is a critical need to continue and increase comprehensive public education campaigns. These campaigns should aim to:
Inform the Public: Provide clear, accessible information about current treatment options, how they work, and their benefits and limitations.
Highlight Innovations: Showcase the latest research and advancements in Alzheimer’s treatments, including promising new therapies in development.
Support Caregivers: Offer resources and support for caregivers, who often have the most direct experience with Alzheimer’s treatments but may lack detailed knowledge about them.
Role of Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in bridging this knowledge gap. Physicians, researchers, caregivers, and patient and caregiver organizations are among the most trusted sources of information for patients and their families. It is essential to ensure these organizations and individuals, especially caregivers, have up-to-date knowledge about the latest treatments and can effectively communicate this information to patients and their families.
Looking Ahead
As we continue our series, we’ll explore the enthusiasm for new treatments and the connection between Alzheimer’s and vascular health. Upcoming posts will cover:
New Treatment Enthusiasm: We’ll highlight the latest innovations in Alzheimer’s treatment, focusing on the connection between vascular health and cognitive decline.
Patient and Caregiver Priorities: We’ll examine what patients and caregivers value most in new treatments and how these insights can guide future research.
Stay tuned for these detailed discussions and sign up for our updates to ensure you don’t miss any part of this important series. By staying informed and engaged, you can help support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusion
The 2024 national poll highlights a significant knowledge gap regarding current Alzheimer’s treatments. By increasing public awareness and providing comprehensive education about available options, we can empower patients and caregivers, leading to better outcomes and support for future innovations in therapy.