Transforming Alzheimer's disease nursing: integrating holistic care, innovative interventions, and evidence-based...

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a significant global healthcare challenge with increasing prevalence in aging populations. Traditional care models often focus primarily on symptom management with insufficient attention to holistic patient needs.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated care approach combining holistic nursing interventions, innovative technologies, and evidence-based practices for enhanced patient outcomes in AD.

A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study involving 248 AD patients across 9 healthcare facilities over 24 months. The intervention group (n = 126) received an integrated care approach while the control group (n = 122) received usual care. Outcomes were assessed using validated instruments at baseline and 6-month intervals.

Patients receiving integrated care showed significantly improved cognitive stability (ADAS-Cog change: 4.2 ± 3.1 vs. 7.8 ± 3.6 points, p < 0.001), enhanced quality of life (QoL-AD improvement: 3.8 ± 2.4 vs. -1.2 ± 2.9 points, p < 0.001), and reduced behavioral symptoms (NPI reduction: 15.4 ± 10.2 vs. -6.8 ± 12.5 points, p < 0.001). Caregiver burden decreased significantly (ZBI reduction: 10.8 ± 7.4 vs. -6.2 ± 8.1 points, p < 0.001).

The integrated care approach demonstrates significant benefits across multiple domains, supporting its implementation for improving AD patient and caregiver outcomes.