Strambi, L Ferini

Abstract Introduction This study investigated differences in opinions about neurodegenerative disorders (NDD) in countries with large populations and expanded access to healthcare. Methods A 5-point Likert scale survey assessed opinions of 30–59-year-olds, pertaining to their parents and NDD conditions. 100 surveys, translated into native languages, were acquired in eight developed countries. Positive (somewhat- or strongly-agree) vs. other responses, sex, and country were submitted to logistic regression and Chi-squared analyses. Results “It is important for me to know if my parent has a risk for developing a NDD condition in the future, even if nothing can be currently done to prevent or cure those diseases” had higher positive responses in Australia (92%) compared to Germany (74%) and the USA (78%). “I believe that knowing about my parent’s risk for developing a NDD condition will help me assist in the planning of their future” had higher number of positive responses in Australia (91%) versus Japan (70%), Germany (76%), Italy (80%) and UK (80%). “If my parent(s) was found to be at risk for a NDD condition, I would want to learn more about medications and adaptive therapies that could delay onset” was responded to more positively in Australia (92%), Canada (78%), France (87%), Germany (78%), Italy (88%), UK (88%), and USA (81%) versus Japan (60%). Conclusions Australians responded more positively to questions related to care of a parent with a NDD disorder. These findings suggest cultural differences that could influence education and support systems requirements for sleep medicine providers and NDD patients.