Emotional Reactions of Lay Persons to Someone with Alzheimer's Disease

Background: Information about the nature of public reactions to people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) can help reduce stigmatization associated with the disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine emotional reactions to persons with AD, and its correlates.

Methods: A total of 150 Jewish Israeli adults (mean age=59.9) were interviewed face-to-face regarding their emotional reactions to people with AD using a vignette methodology.

Results: Only a third of the participants gave the correct label. The person described in the vignette elicited more positive than negative emotions. Gender and perceived threat were the most important factors associated with emotional reactions.

Conclusions: Findings suggest the need to expand the efforts to increase the recognition of AD by lay persons, and to address the negative emotions of several risk groups, such as male adults and those with greater concern about developing the disease.