Early detection of dementia: The knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background

Dementia affects people worldwide and its prevalence is growing. Early detection of dementia by primary care physicians can be beneficial; thus, their knowledge and attitudes about this issue are important.

Objective

To assess primary care physicians’ knowledge and attitudes about the early detection of dementia in Hong Kong.

Methods

This was a mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) study. Four focus groups with a purposive sample of 31 primary care physicians were interviewed, and a questionnaire-survey was completed and returned by 437 primary care physicians.

Results

Participants all agreed that the early detection of dementia would benefit patients and primary care physicians should be capable of making such diagnoses. Confidence in making an early diagnosis varied; physicians tended to overlook symptoms in the early stages. All agreed that more training is needed at the post-graduate level of medical education.

Conclusions

Participants had positive attitudes towards early detection of dementia; however, their confidence and ability to make an early diagnosis varied.