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Family Physicians’ Recommendations for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel, werner{at}research.haifa.ac.il

The aim of this study was to examine family physicians’ recommendations for various pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its correlates. A phone survey was conducted with 395 family physicians using an experimental vignette methodology, varying in the severity of the disease. Information regarding participants’ recommendations about 10 interventions for the person described in the vignette was elicited. Sociodemographic and professional correlates were examined. Engagement in social activities and participation in support groups were the interventions most recommended by the physicians. Isolation and physical restraints were the least recommended. Recommendations about AD treatments were associated with the severity of the disease and the extent to which the person described in the vignette was perceived as dangerous. Physicians’ recommendations were very similar to those of the lay public, a fact that might contribute to the efficiency of the treatment plan.

Key Words: Alzheimer’s disease • family physicians • treatments • vignette-based survey

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