MedicineNet Survey Shows Alzheimers Disease Caregivers Ten Times More Likely to Seek Information Online

MedicineNet survey shows the Internet is a primary source of Alzheimers disease information, treatment and management strategies and support for those coping with the disease

San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) October 29, 2004 -- Alzheimers disease currently affects 4.5 million Americans and that number is expected to swell as the population ages. A new survey of 387 Web-savvy patients, caregivers, families and health care professionals shows that the Internet is a primary source for Alzheimers disease information. Web-savvy caregivers and spouses are ten times more likely to seek information online than at the library. Internet-savvy health care professionals are less reliant on the Internet, which is creating an information gap since 37.29% of caregivers have already conducted their own research before consulting with a health care professional.

Commenting on the survey, Dr. Shiel, Chief Medical Editor of MedicineNet.com noted that health care professionals must appreciate the wide variety of sources of information used by their patients. Credible information can be helpful to those seeking to optimize health situations, while misleading information carries the risk of potentially being harmful."

The survey also showed that 11.76% of Internet-savvy caregivers are not finding the support they need to cope with the demands of Alzheimers disease and rely heavily on their families and friends for support. Given our mobile society and smaller families, this number is expected to grow in the future. The survey showed health professionals rely more on community health resources. Dr. Shiel of MedicineNet.com adds: This survey data highlights the need for health care professionals to effectively provide caregivers with Alzheimers disease information and available community health resources."

MedicineNet, Inc. is an online healthcare publishing company, creating proprietary consumer information that is produced by a network of 75+ U.S. board-certified physicians. Since 1996, it has been the trusted source for easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information via its robust, user-friendly, interactive Web site at www.medicinenet.com. The Doctors of MedicineNet are also proud to author the Webster's New World Medical Dictionary now in its second edition, published by Wiley Publishing, Inc.

To download a complete copy of the survey findings: Coping with Alzheimers Disease in the Internet Age/Survey Results go to:
http://www.medicinenet.com/alzheimers_disease_health_report/article.htm

Health Research Survey Reports are available on MedicineNet at:
http://www.medicinenet.com/healthreport/article.htm

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