Effects of Multi-Sensory Stimulation on Apathy Symptoms in  Elderly Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Yang  Li; Teng  Zhao; Yu  Wang; Xuewen  Yang; Yinghui  Lv; Shumei Li; Xiujun Yang; Li Li

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i6.15908

Yang Li Department of Medical Examination, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
Teng Zhao Department of Intensive Care Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
Yu Wang Ward 2, Department of Neurology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
Xuewen Yang Department of Nursing, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
Yinghui Lv Department of Geriatrics, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
Shumei Li The General Practice Ward, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
Xiujun Yang Honorable Community, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China
Li Li Department of Nursing, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161000, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i6.15908

Keywords: Multi-sensory stimulation; Elderly; Alzheimer's disease; Apathy; Mental behavior; Quality of life

Abstract

Background: We aimed to explore the effect of multi-sensory stimulation on apathy symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: Eighty elderly patients with AD admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, China from January 2022 to February 2023 were selected as the research objects by convenient sampling method. According to the random number table, they were divided into intervention group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was given routine nursing, while the intervention group was given multi-sensory stimulation based on this nursing. Apathy evaluation scale (AES), Behavioral pathology in Alzheimer’s disease rating scale (BEHAVE-AD) and Quality of Life Scale for dementia patients（QoL-AD） were used to compare the results.

Results: Compared with the control group, the scores of AES and BEHAVE-AD in intervention group were lower (t was -7.312 and 11.88 respectively, P < 0.05), and the scores of QoL-AD in intervention group were significantly higher than those in control group were (t was -15.311, P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Multi-sensory stimulation can relieve apathy symptoms, mental and behavioral symptoms and improve the quality of life of elderly patients with AD, which is worth popularizing in clinical practice