Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Committee Chair
Tracy Arnold
Abstract
Preparing nursing students to care for the ever-growing aging population with memory impairment is vital. This research study aimed to determine the prevalence of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among Baccalaureate nursing students. A descriptive correlational design was used to determine the prevalence of AD knowledge among juniors in an Adult I course and seniors in a Mental Health nursing course. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). A convenience sample of 63 student cohorts completed the survey. Results indicated that students were aware that AD is a form of dementia; however, students were lacking more comprehensive knowledge of this debilitating brain disease. Based on this study’s findings, students’ knowledge of AD could be expanded. The number of those suffering from various forms of dementia is steadily rising. Taking into consideration the continued rise of patients with dementia-related illnesses, it is imperative for nurse educators to recognize these vicissitudes. Failure to address the delivery of inadequate care has the potential to produce devastating effects in this vulnerable population. It is recommended that nurse educators incorporate nursing curricula which addresses care of the aging adult, specifically those with memory impairments as dementia has already be deemed a public health concern.
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Citation Information
Helms, D'Anna, "Students’ Knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease" (2020). Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects. 366.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing_etd/366