Primary care physicians' knowledge and behavior related to Alzheimer's disease

A national sample of primary care physicians from the American Medical Asso ciation database was surveyed to examine primary cam physician knowledge an d physician practices related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). A previously val idated instrument, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Alzheimer's Dise ase Knowledge Test for Health Professionals, was used to assess physician k nowledge. The survey also included questions regarding the frequency of per forming diagnostic, treatment, and support behaviors for Alzheimer's patien ts and families. Scores on the knowledge portion of the questionnaire varie d widely, with internists and family practitioners scoring better than gene ral practitioners, and younger physicians scoring higher than older physici ans. Overall, primary cam physicians made few new diagnoses and infrequentl y performed behaviors related to the diagnostic process, treatment, and rec ommendation of support services. Weak, positive associations were found bet ween physician level of knowledge and six of the nine AD practice behaviors investigated. Implications of these findings are discussed, and strategies to improve knowledge of physicians caring for people with AD are outlined.