Du denkst Zukunft! Ergebnisse eines fächerübergreifenden Schulprojekts zu Morbus Alzheimer

The presented health literacy project "Du denkst Zukunft!" aims to introduce young adults to the current topic of morbus Alzheimer and to explain medical, scientific, and societal aspects of this widespread form of dementia. Using a project day in schools and an optional practical day in scientific or medical institutions, students’ interest should be aroused by giving first thematic and vocational insights into the field. The project’s evaluation with 325 students focuses first and foremost on the interest in medical activities (measured with an adapted RIASEC-approach) as well as on knowledge gain about morbus Alzheimer, assessment of societal relevance, career aspirations, and the future willingness to volunteer in this area. The results show significant knowledge gains as well as gains in specific interest dimensions, a strengthened interest in medical careers (but not in science careers), and remarkable gender differences.