Knowledge of Alzheimer's disease, feelings of shame, and awareness of services among Korean American elders.

OBJECTIVE

To explore predictors of knowledge of Alzheimer's disease (AD), feelings of shame if a family member were to have AD, and awareness of AD-related services among Korean American elders.

METHOD

Using data from 675 Korean American elders (mean age = 70.2, SD = 6.87), the study estimates hierarchical linear or logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Greater knowledge of AD is predicted by higher levels of education and acculturation. Feelings of shame associated with family members having AD are more likely to be reported by individuals with lower levels of education, acculturation, and knowledge of AD. Those who are married have greater levels of education and acculturation, and those who have a family member with AD are more aware of AD-related services.

DISCUSSION

The study findings underscore the pivotal role of education and acculturation in predicting knowledge of AD, feelings of shame, and awareness of AD-related services.