Assessing the quality of the Israeli Alzheimer's Association website: an evaluation of lay persons, family caregivers and professionals

The Internet is increasingly used as a source for health-related information in general and for information
about memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) particularly. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the quality of the Israeli Alzheimer's Association website. A convenience sample of 62 lay persons, 28 family
caregivers and 27 professionals assessed the quality and content of the website using a structured
questionnaire. Based on DISCERN scores, the quality of the website was rated as modest. Better scores were
obtained regarding its accountability and aesthetics. About content, participants reported that appropriate
information was present regarding the characteristics of the disease, its stages and symptoms. Information
regarding prevention and treatment issues was poorer. No differences were found between the scores
obtained from the different groups of users. The official website of the Israeli Alzheimer's Association
provides accurate and responsible information to potential consumers of information regarding AD.