Author Type

Undergraduate Student

Date of Award

Spring 4-28-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

July 2026

College Granting Degree

Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Jacqueline Fewkes

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition characterized by a significant decline in cognitive function. Due to its severe effects and the absence of a cure, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for slowing its progression. My project examines how cultural perceptions of Alzheimer’s disease are reflected in digital discourse. Using Voyant, a text analysis tool, and the NRC Emotion Lexicon, I analyzed Reddit discussions from South Asian, East Asian, and North American individuals, categorizing their posts into three themes: diagnosis perceptions, treatment decisions, and family/social dynamics and classifying sentiments as negative, positive, or neutral to gain a deeper understanding of the tone of these discussions. By analyzing online discourse of this neurological illness, I situate Alzheimer’s disease within the broader sociocultural environments that affect how it is digitally discussed and understood, offering insights for developing more diversely informed and proactive healthcare strategies to address Alzheimer’s disease.

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