Holistic Nursing Benefits Cognitive and Psychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer's Patients

This clinical study aims to evaluate the effects of a holistic nursing (HN) intervention on cognitive function, psychological well-being, and overall health outcomes in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and behavioral changes, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and increasing the burden on caregivers. Conventional treatment primarily involves pharmacological interventions, but non-pharmacological approaches, such as specialized nursing care, have shown potential in improving patient outcomes.

This study prospectively enrolled 105 AD patients admitted to our hospital between January 2023 and January 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on admission periods: the control group (n=58) received standard care, while the observation group (n=47) received HN in addition to standard care. The HN intervention was implemented based on established guidelines for older adults with cognitive impairment and consisted of five key components: psychological support, cognitive stimulation, memory enhancement, self-care training, and environmental optimization.

The study assessed cognitive function, psychiatric symptoms, anxiety, and depression levels before and after the intervention using validated scales, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Self-rating Anxiety/Depression Scales (SAS/SDS). Additionally, blood biomarkers related to neurological function, such as dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, γ-aminobutyric acid, S100β, homocysteine, and interleukin-1β, were measured.

Patient compliance, safety outcomes, and family satisfaction with the nursing intervention were also evaluated. The findings of this study may provide evidence supporting the integration of HN as a complementary approach in AD management, potentially improving cognitive function, reducing psychiatric symptoms, and enhancing overall patient well-being.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) according to clinical and neuroimaging evidence.
* Aged between 60 to 80 years.
* Mild-to-moderate disease severity, with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ranging from 10 to 24.
* Adequate cognitive and functional capacity to complete questionnaires and follow the intervention protocol.
* Ability to communicate and comprehend instructions.
* Availability of comprehensive medical records.
* Informed consent obtained from the patient or their legal guardian.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of intracranial surgery or major brain trauma.
* Coexisting psychiatric disorders or severe mental illnesses.
* Significant visual, auditory, language, or motor impairments that would hinder participation in the study.
* Severe organ dysfunction that could interfere with study participation or safety.
* Comorbid autoimmune diseases or severe malignancies.
* Participants who have received experimental treatments or clinical trials within the last 3 months.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
* Individuals with a history of substance abuse or dependency.
* Participants with other medical conditions that, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise participation in the study.