Newspaper Coverage of Alzheimer's Disease: Comparing Online Newspapers in Hebrew and Arabic across Time

The aim of the present study was to examine the objective characteristics and the portrayal of Alzheimer's disease and of persons with Alzheimer's disease in Hebrew and Arabic online newspapers across time. The sample included 180 articles published in seven national online newspapers between 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 and dealing specifically with the topic. The majority of the articles in both periods and languages were published in the Health section of the newspapers, had a neutral tone, and experts or researchers as the main sources of information. Stigmatizing elements were infrequent. While small differences were found across time, significant differences were found between Hebrew and Arabic online newspapers, with Arabic newspapers concentrating more on objective, health-related and expert-based information. As the use of online newspapers increases, policy makers should consider the use of this media as a viable way for improving knowledge and awareness about AD and dementia.