Abstract
Purpose : The purpose of the present study is to examine the evaluation of a program to understand dementia disease, healthful behaviors to prevent dementia and the needs for community support in elders with dementia and their families among community-dwelling people. Methods : Subjects were 106 community-dwelling people aged 50 or older who participation in all sessions at 6 areas of 2 cities in Osaka. Evaluation of the program was carried out by examining questionnaires which included questions on the image and knowledge of dementia, self-efficacy of how support to elders with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) and the need for community support in elders with dementia and their families. Results : Regarding the image of dementia, scores between pre and post program were significantly improved, including 'dementia is shameful', 'dementia is sad', 'dementia is not a disease' and 'dementia is my concern'. The total scores of knowledge of dementia and scores of self-efficacy supporting elders with symptoms of dementia like 'verbal or physical aggression' were improved in the post program. Also, scores between pre and post program were significantly improved, including the response 'I think we could support elders with dementia and their families in my community'. Conclusion : This program had limits of interpretation on results, but it also had the potential to promote understanding of dementia and the needs for support to elders with dementia and their families among people living in community.
