Authors: Zlata Felc, Brina Felc.
Objective: Recently, several studies have shown a relationship between the development of dementia, and lifestylerelated risk factors. Adolescents must be informed that diminishing of modifiable risk factors can help reduce the risk of developing dementia when they are older. Our aim was to evaluate Slovenian adolescents' knowledge of dementia and of modifiable dementia risk factors.
Methods: An online survey was undertaken of 1812 adolescents, aged 14-19 years, from non-health-related schools with upper secondary education in Slovenia. They were invited to complete a series of questions that assessed their knowledge of dementia and dementia risk reduction. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were performed.
Results: Respondents (n =1128; 68.3 % of females) had satisfactory general knowledge of dementia. Out of 20 questions on dementia knowledge, respondents answered more than two-thirds correctly (Min = 4, Max = 20.0, M = 14.30, SD = 2.56). Respondents with relatives with dementia reported higher knowledge (p = 0.002), and males reported lower knowledge than females (p = 0.000). There was limited knowledge of specific risk factors: just twothirds of respondents recognized digital world addiction and obesity as risk factors. 22.7 % of respondents wished that dementia education will be done by healthcare professionals.
Conclusion: Despite the importance of health lifestyle and smart usage of digital technology for demence prevention, significant gaps in adolescents education clearly exist. Pediatritians are those who may equip adolescents with proper knowledge of diminishing dementia risk factors, and encourage them and their family to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
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