Improving cognitive function and functional independence in Alzheimer's disease: the role of specialized dementia nursing.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the impact of a specialized dementia nursing program on cognitive function, self-care ability, psychological status, and quality of life in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Data from 131 AD patients admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and August 2021 were analyzed. Based on the nursing method, the patients were divided into a control group that received routine nursing care (n = 58) and an intervention group that implemented routine nursing care combined with specialized nursing (n = 73). Psychological status, daily living and self-care ability, cognitive function, quality of life, and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

After specialized nursing, the intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in HAMA and HAMD scores and greater increases in CD - RISC, ADL, and ESCA scores compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The intervention group also had higher MMSE, ADCS - ADL, and DQOL scores and lower ADAS - Cog scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Nursing satisfaction was also higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Specialized dementia nursing can enhance cognitive function, self-care ability, psychological resilience, and quality of life in AD patients, and increases satisfaction with nursing care.