Dementia Residing Research Articles

Mini nutritional assessment short form as a predictor of mortality among older adults with dementia residing in group homes: A 5-year longitudinal study

Many people with dementia frequently experience various health-related problems and are known to have poor nutritional status. However, very few studies have examined the nutritional status of dementia residents in group homes, which play an important role in a society-wide system of support for people with dementia, or the relationship between nutritional status and long-term prognosis. This study was conducted to determine the nutritional status of group-home residents and to examine the relationship between nutritional status and the 5-year survival rate. Participant characteristic (e.g., age, sex, body mass index, and medical history) and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Barthel index (BI), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) data were collected from 79 older people (12 men/67 women; mean age: 88.3±5.5 years) residing in 5 group homes as a baseline survey. Mortality data were obtained from medical records using an endline survey. The nutritional status of the participants using the MNA-SF was normal, at risk of malnutrition, and malnourished in 15.2% (n=12), 69.6% (n=55), and 15.2% (n=12) of participants, respectively. Following the survey, mortality data were collected for 5 years, and the 5-year survival rates were 64.3% in those with normal nutritional status, 30.4% in those at risk of malnutrition, and 9.1% in the malnourished group, with a significant difference observed in the Kaplan-Meier analysis (p<0.001). The hazard ratio for the MNA-SF scores and survival rates adjusted for sex, age, BI, and CDR were significant 0.80 [0.69-0.93, p=0.003]. This study showed that 84.8% of patients with dementia residing in group homes were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and that low MNA-SF levels were an independent determinant of the 5-year survival rate.

The Impact of Water Features on Patients with Dementia Residing in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Scoping Review

There is much research on the effects of nature and gardens on people with dementia (PwD), however there is a lack of research specifically on the effects of water features and their correlation to the well-being of PwD. This scoping review seeks to begin to fill that gap by providing a broad scope of the existing literature available. The identified themes demonstrate an overall positive effect on PwD, and include practical considerations for incorporating natural design, specifically water features, in LTC settings.

“Zoom pals:” a pilot evaluation of a virtual service-learning program to address social isolation in long-term care residents living with dementia

ABSTRACT A mixed-methods, embedded case study design was used to triangulate the effects of a virtual service-learning paradigm, “Zoom Pals,” on participants and community partners including Communicative Disorders students, adults with dementia, and long-term care facility (LTCF) staff. Zoom Pals was designed to provide an experiential learning opportunity for students while addressing social isolation for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A convenience sample of 18 adults with dementia residing in an LTCF, eight student volunteers, and three LTCF staff members participated. Results of this exploratory study showed active engagement and consistent communication across sessions for older adults, although individuals with mild dementia were more responsive than those in moderate stages. Themes from resident interviews included positive emotions, a sense of novelty, and decreased loneliness. Students endorsed significantly increased communication skills and comfort and a trend toward improved dementia knowledge. Students’ post-experience surveys emphasized learning communication strategies, making a difference, empathy, reciprocal benefits, and realizing the complexity of a dementia diagnosis. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of delivering remote service learning and social interventions for adults with dementia and provides a useful road map for others interested in increasing their reach by adapting in-person group behavioral interventions for remote delivery.

Impact of federal antipsychotic use policy in nursing homes on new diagnoses for approved indications in dementia residents.

Federal policies targeting antipsychotic use among nursing home (NH) residents may have increased reporting of diagnoses for approved uses, including schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, and Huntington's Disease (called "exclusionary diagnoses" because they exclude residents from the antipsychotic quality metric). We assessed changes in new exclusionary diagnoses among long-stay NH admissions specifically with dementia following federal policies. Retrospective, quarterly, interrupted time-series analysis (2009-2018) of new long-stay NH residents with dementia and no exclusionary diagnoses reported before NH admission. The National Partnership and the addition of facility level antipsychotic use to the Five Star Quality Rating system were key time exposures. Outcome was quarterly facility level predicted percentage of exclusionary diagnoses within 2 years of admission stratified by NH characteristics. For 264,095 long-stay admissions, mean percentage of new exclusionary diagnoses was 2.2% before the Partnership. After the Partnership, there was an unadjusted increase in the percentage over time (slope change, 0.044, p = 0.018), but the percentage never exceeded 2.9%. The Partnership contributed to a one-time decrease in diagnoses in NHs with an intermediate percentage of Black residents (-1.29%, p = 0.004). Before the Partnership, diagnoses were increasing among not-for-profit relative to for-profit NHs (0.044; p = 0.012), but after the Partnership, the pattern reversed. For-profit NHs saw an increase (+0.034, p = 0.002); not-for-profit NHs experienced a decrease (-0.014, p = 0.039). Quality Rating modifications had no significant effect. Exclusionary diagnosis reporting among long-stay NH residents with dementia, the group most at risk from antipsychotics, did not increase in response to federal policies. Evaluation of reasons for the observed increase in exclusionary diagnoses among non-dementia NH residents is warranted along with continued attention to how to incentivize the appropriate use of medications in residents with dementia that is crucial for high-quality NH care.

Factors for the decline of ADL before and after the COVID-19 of people with dementia in Japan

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the determinants of decline in activities of daily living (ADL) among people with dementia following the onset of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed, including 37 individuals with dementia residing in group and nursing homes. The study cohort experienced a resurgence in facility admissions following COVID-19 outbreak, spanning from September to December 2022. Multivariate generalized linear mixed-effects models were employed to assess the Barthel Index at the time of readmission, which served as the dependent variable. Demographic variables before contracting COVID-19 were considered independent predictors if they were significantly associated with the Barthel Index at the time of readmission. Random intercepts were applied to account for variations among facilities in which individuals resided before contracting COVID-19. ResultsCare level, degree of independent living for disabled older adults, and the ability to perform daily ambulatory movements were significantly associated with the Barthel Index at the time of readmission. When used as independent variables, both daily ambulatory movement (beta = 0.350) and care level (beta = -0.347) showed significant associations with the Barthel Index at the time of readmission. Whereas using daily ambulatory movements and the degree of independent living for disabled older adults as independent variables, only the degree of independent living for disabled older adults (beta = -0.757) was significantly associated with the Barthel Index at the time of readmission. ConclusionThe ability to engage in daily ambulatory movement affects the decline in ADLs due to COVID-19.

The association between rurality, places of care and the location of death of long-term care home residents with dementia: A population-based study.

Most individuals prefer to spend their final moments of life outside a hospital setting. This study compares the places of care and death of long-term care (LTC) home residents in Ontario in the last 90 days of life, according to LTC home rurality. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using health administrative data from ICES (formerly known as the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences). The study population, which was identified through algorithms, included all Ontario LTC home residents with a dementia diagnosis who died between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2019. The location of death was categorized as in an acute care hospital, an LTC home, a subacute care facility, or the community. Places of care included emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the last 90 days of life. Statistical tests were used to evaluate differences in location of death and places of care by rurality. Of the 65,375 LTC home residents with dementia, 49,432 (75.6%) died in an LTC home. Residents of LTC homes in the most urban areas were less likely to die in an LTC home than those in more rural homes (adjusted relative risk: 0.84; 95% confidence interval: 0.83 to 0.85). A higher proportion of residents of the most urban LTC homes had at least one hospitalization in the last 90 days of life compared with rural residents (23.7% versus 9.9% palliative hospitalizations and 28.3% versus 15.9% non-palliative hospitalizations [p ⟨ 0.001]). Individuals with dementia residing in urban LTC homes are more likely to receive care in the hospital and to die outside a LTC home than their counterparts living in rural LTC homes. The findings of this work will inform efforts to improve end-of-life care for older adults with dementia living in LTC homes.

The symbiotic experiences of residents with and without dementia co-living in Taiwan’s long-term care facilities: a phenomenological study

BackgroundIn Taiwan, residents with and without dementia mostly co-live in long-term care facilities. The behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia residents often pose challenges for others living together. This study explored the symbiotic experiences of residents without dementia co-living with those with dementia in long-term care facilities in Taiwan to present their experiences of living together.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study with a phenomenological design. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 30 residents without dementia from three long-term care institutions in Taiwan. Colaizzi’s data processing steps were used for analysis.ResultsThe analysis of interview transcripts revealed that the experiences of residents who lived with those with dementia were that of a “symbiosis.” Three core themes were found: “the impact of co-living,” “facing difficulties and coping,” and “companionship and reciprocity.” This study showed that residents without dementia may be affected by the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of residents with dementia when co-living in long-term care facilities. However, there are also positive and mutually beneficial interactions between them. By helping people with dementia in their daily lives, residents without dementia feel happy and accomplished and their self-worth is enhanced. Furthermore, residents with dementia have more opportunities for social engagement and co-living interactions.ConclusionThese results can guide long-term care facilities without special care dementia units to support residents without dementia, reduce the interference of the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of residents with dementia, and promote mutual benefits. However, these findings warrant further investigation.

Longitudinal cohort study of discrepancies between prescribed and administered polypharmacy rates: implications for National Aged Care Quality Indicator Programs

BackgroundPolypharmacy is frequently used as a quality indicator for older adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) and is measured using a range of definitions. The impact of data source...

A psychometric study of validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Holden Communication Scale for elderly with dementia in care homes

Purpose This paper aims to validate and adapt the Arabic version of Holden Communication Scale (HCS) for assessing communication skills among old people with dementia in care home. Design/methodology/approach A study involving 210 elderly residents from Jordanian care homes was conducted, where they completed the Arabic version of the HCS. Internal consistency and factor analysis techniques were precisely used to assess the scale's reliability. Additionally, cognitive function evaluation used the Arabic iteration of the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) questionnaire, while communication skills were comprehensively appraised using the HCS. Findings The Arabic HCS has strong content validity, with a one-component structure accounting for 60% of the variation and a three-factor structure accounting for 77.2% of the variance. The original three-subgroup structure of the scale was recreated, and internal consistency varied from 0.85 to 0.87, indicating good reliability. Originality/value This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the HCS among old people with dementia residing in care homes. The authors conducted examination of its psychometric properties within this unique population.

Quality Improvement Project to Increase Well-Being for Dementia Residents

Quality Improvement Project to Increase Well-Being for Dementia Residents

Remote visits to address loneliness for people living with dementia in care homes: A descriptive qualitative study of visitors' perceptions.

To assess visitors' perceptions of the benefits and challenges related to engaging in a remote visit intervention, which was designed to address the loneliness of people living with moderate to severe dementia in care homes. A qualitative descriptive study. Twenty-four people living with dementia in care homes in Canada and their family and friends (i.e., remote visitors) took part in facilitated remote visits in 2021. Each person living with dementia received scheduled visits for 30-60 min per week for 6 weeks. Participants chose to complete one longer visit, or multiple shorter visits, per week. Twenty remote visitors participated in semi-structured interviews after six weeks to discuss their perspectives on the effectiveness, benefits and challenges of the program in relation to addressing experiences of loneliness of the person living with dementia. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. We describe three themes and several sub-themes. Themes support the use of remote visits to enhance, rather than replace, in-person visits; the benefits of remote visits for the person living with dementia and their remote visitors; and the conditions that lead to a successful remote visit. Remote visitors reported that facilitated visits had positive effects for both visitors and people living with dementia with respect to loneliness, communication, relationships, and social connection. Clinicians can consider the factors that contributed to positive experiences of remote visits. The factors include individualized, facilitated visits that were flexible, and the use of reliable technology in a supportive, distraction-free environment. Loneliness and social isolation are growing health concerns. When experienced by people living with dementia residing in long-term care homes, loneliness and social isolation can result in lower levels of quality of life and well-being, and higher levels of anxiety and responsive behaviours. Remote visitors perceived that facilitated remote visits have the potential to address loneliness and improve quality of life for people living with dementia and also offer social support to remote visitors. The findings can impact clinician practice by guiding the use of remote visits in care homes, and inform future intervention research to evaluate the effectiveness of remote visits for people living with dementia and their remote visitors. This manuscript adheres to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines (the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research or COREQ). No patient or public contribution.

Dementia, nurse staffing, and health outcomes in nursing homes.

To estimate and contrast the relationships between nurse staffing and health outcomes in nursing homes with low and high dementia census, to understand the association of staffing hours with dementia care quality. A national sample of nursing homes during 2017-2019 (pre-COVID). Data included the Payroll-Based Journal, Medicare Claims, Nursing Home Care Compare, and Long-Term Care Focus. Retrospective, regression analyses. We estimated separate linear models predicting six long-term facility-level outcomes. Independent variables included staffing hours per resident-day (HPRD) interacted with the facility percentage of dementia residents, controlling for other resident and facility characteristics. Hospital-based nursing homes, those with fewer than 30% dementia residents, and missing data were excluded. We found that registered nurses and certified nurse assistants HPRDs were likely to exhibit positive returns in terms of outcomes throughout most of the range of HPRD for both high and low-census dementia facilities, although, high- and low-dementia facilities differed in most outcome rates at all staffing levels. Average predicted antipsychotics and activities of daily living as functions of HPRD were worse in higher dementia facilities, independent movement, and hospitalizations did not differ significantly, and Emergency Rooms and pressure sores were worse in lower dementia facilities. Average marginal effects were not statistically different [CI included zero] between the high and low dementia facilities for any outcome. These findings suggest that increasing staffing will improve outcomes by similar increments in both low- and high-dementia facilities for all outcomes. However, at any given level of staffing, absolute differences in outcomes between low- and high-dementia facilities remain, suggesting that additional staffing alone will not suffice to close these gaps. Further studies are required to identify opportunities for improvement in performance for both low- and high-dementia census facilities.

STAKEHOLDER INSIGHTS: STANDARDIZING END-OF-LIFE CARE TRANSITIONS FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Sixty-seven percent of dementia patients die in nursing homes (NHs), where end-of-life care is often suboptimal, and hospice not accessed in a timely manner. The eligibility criteria for the Medicare Hospice Benefit (&amp;lt; 6 months prognosis) poses challenges for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias given the variable disease progressions that characterize most dementias. This study describes current NH processes used to identify dementia residents to refer to hospice, and stakeholders’ input into the design of a standardized process for clinical decision-making, using the Mitchell Index, a dementia mortality prediction tool. Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with NH administrators, medical directors, directors of nursing, MDS coordinators, and social workers (N=11). Participants completed an online survey including facility (e.g., size, profit status) and individual demographics (e.g., years of experience), then participated in an interview that involved a brief presentation of the proposed standardized process using the Mitchell Index. Qualitative data analysis followed a deductive approach, guided by constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Preliminary analyses indicate providers believe the Mitchell Index can be successfully adapted for NH use. Participants stated the tool added something to current processes (CFIR relative advantage), would be easy to use (CFIR complexity), and pointed to external influences (i.e., regulations; CFIR domain 2: outer setting) which would be important to consult in later stages of intervention development. Overall, nursing home stakeholders endorse the potential for a standardized process using the Mitchell Index to be acceptable and feasible in high-Medicaid nursing homes.

Effects of reminiscence therapy on cognition, agitation, and quality of life in older adults with dementia receiving long-term care.

Dementia is one of the most common neuropsychiatric conditions in older adults. Despite many older adults with dementia receiving long-term care (LTC), few studies have been conducted in Turkey on reminiscence therapy (RT) influencing neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in people with dementia receiving LTC. This study aimed to investigate the effect of RT on cognition, agitation, and quality of life in older adults with dementia receiving LTC in Turkey. The study population consisted of 100 older adults living in a LTC centre in a province. The size of the research group was calculated using the power analysis method, and 54 older adults were included in the study, 27 each in the RT and control (C) groups. Data collection forms Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), and the Alzheimer's Disease Quality-of-Life Scale (AD-QOL) were applied to the RT and C groups before RT (T0 ), 1 week after RT (T1 ), 1 month after RT (T2 ), and 3 months after RT (T3 ) to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Mean, standard deviation, ratio, percentile, Fisher's exact test, Pearson Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Friedman test were used in analyzing the data. Older adults in the RT and C groups were similar regarding sociodemographic characteristics, institutional care, and life models (P > 0.05). When comparing the T3 values of MMSE, CMAI, and AD-QOL total scores with the T0 values, a significant difference was observed between the groups, favouring the RT group (P < 0.001). Individual RT may benefit cognition, agitation, and quality of life of older adults with dementia residing in a LTC centre.

Correlates of caregiver burden in African immigrants with personal experiences of dementia

AbstractBackgroundDementia care and caregiving needs of African immigrants are not fully understood. This paper describes the correlates of caregiver burden in a sample of first and second generation African immigrants with personal experiences of dementia. Data comes from the Immigrant Memory Collaborative; a community‐based participatory research project with African immigrants in a Midwestern state in the United States.MethodWe used linear regression modeling to determine whether discrimination and where the person with dementia resides were associated with caregiver burden.ResultOf the 155 care givers in the sample, 32% (49) were foreign‐born. The mean caregiver burden score in this sample was 6.7(0‐12, range). Compared to those born in the United States, caregivers who were born in Africa were older (31 vs 41) and majority female (20% vs 51%). Older age was associated with a decrease in caregiver burden score (b: ‐0.071 95% CI [‐0.11, ‐0.03]) and higher every day discrimination was associated with higher caregiver burden score (b: 0.22, 95% CI [0.14, 0.29]). The burden score for caregivers of a person living with dementia residing in Africa was lower but this was not statistically significant (b: ‐1.36 95% CI [‐2.72, 0.009]).ConclusionIn this sample, high discrimination experiences and younger age were associated with greater caregiver burden. Many African immigrants have never heard of dementia prior to migrating to the United States (U.S.) but currently provide care both to persons living with dementia in the U.S. and back home in their countries of origin. There is need for outreach and education towards improved dementia care and caregiving for African immigrants.

Enhancing apathy treatment in Jordanian people living with dementia residing in care homes using virtual reality reminiscence therapy

PurposeThis paper aims to explore examine the therapeutic potential of head-mounted display (HMD)-based Virtual Reality Relaxation Therapy (VRRT) sessions for people individuals with dementia in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional survey recruited 75 dementia-diagnosed elderly individuals from three Jordanian care homes. A VRRT intervention comprising 10 tailored RT sessions held over the course of five weeks was administered to the participants. Apathy, cognitive performance, anxiety and depression were evaluated before and after the intervention to determine any changes. The Person-Environment Apathy Rating Scale's (PEARS) Arabic translation's validity and reliability were also evaluated.FindingsThe VRRT intervention yielded noteworthy results in reducing apathy, as indicated by a substantial decrease in PEARS scores from 17.20 to 11.15. The findings of the study revealed that the participants demonstrated enhanced cognitive abilities, as evidenced by a significant rise in their Saint Louis University Mental Status ratings, which increased from 15.11 to 19.70. The levels of anxiety and depression exhibited a significant decrease subsequent to the implementation of VRRT, with anxiety levels decreasing from 13.66 to 8.23 and depression levels decreasing from 13.62 to 9.33. Furthermore, a notable 70% of participants demonstrated statistically significant decreases in indifference.Practical implicationsThis study makes a significant contribution to the advancement of innovative treatment approaches aimed at addressing the needs of the aging population, hence enhancing health outcomes and raising the quality of care in Jordan.Originality/valueThe effectiveness of VRRT in reducing apathy among Jordanian senior citizens residing in nursing homes has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, this paper seeks to assess the effectiveness of HMD-based VRRT by conducting pre- and post-intervention evaluations. This research aims to provide valuable insights into the applicability and significance of VRRT in the Jordanian context, contributing to the development of culturally appropriate and cutting-edge therapeutic interventions for older individuals in Jordan. Through this study, the authors aim to promote improved health and elevated standards of care for this population.

Offering Outworld Experiences to In-Patients With Dementia Through Virtual Reality: Mixed Methods Study.

Research has suggested that institutionalization can increase the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. To date, recent studies have reported a growing number of successful deployments of virtual reality for people with dementia to alleviate behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and improve quality of life. However, virtual reality has yet to be rigorously evaluated, since the findings are still in their infancy, with nonstatistically significant and inconclusive results. Unlike prior works, to overcome limitations in the current literature, our virtual reality system was co-designed with people with dementia and experts in dementia care and was evaluated with a larger population of patients with mild to severe cases of dementia. Working with 44 patients with dementia and 51 medical experts, we co-designed a virtual reality system to enhance the symptom management of in-patients with dementia residing in long-term care. We evaluated the system with 16 medical experts and 20 people with dementia. This paper explains the screening process and analysis we used to identify which environments patients would like to receive as an intervention. We also present the system's evaluation results by discussing their impact in depth. According to our findings, virtual reality contributes significantly to the reduction of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, especially for aggressive, agitated, anxious, apathetic, depressive, and fearful behaviors. Ultimately, we hope that the results from this study will offer insight into how virtual reality technology can be designed, deployed, and used in dementia care.

Emergency department visits and associated factors among people with dementia residing in nursing homes in Taiwan: a one-year cohort study

BackgroundResiding in a nursing home (NH) may increase emergency department (ED) utilization in patients with dementia; however, evidence regarding the status of and predictors for ED utilization of NH residents with dementia remains unclear, especially in Asia. This study aimed to assess the incidence density of ED visits and associated factors for the risk of ED utilization among NH residents with dementia.MethodsThis one-year cohort study followed 6595 NH residents with dementia aged ≧ 40 years from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database between 2012 and 2014. The Andersen-Gill extension of Cox regression analysis with death as a competing risk was applied to investigate the association of the risk of all causes and the most common causes of ED utilization with the predisposing, enabling, and need factors as defined by the Andersen model.ResultsAll participants encountered 9254 emergency visits in the 5371.49 person-years observed, representing incidence densities of ED visits of 1722.80 per 1000 person-years. Among them, respiratory disease was the most common cause of ED visits. The significant predictors for the risk of all-cause and respiratory-cause ED visits included: (1) predisposing factors (i.e., age and gender); (2) enabling factors (i.e., regional variables); and (3) need factors (i.e., prolonged ventilator dependence and comorbidity status).ConclusionsPredisposing, enabling, and need factors could influence ED visits among studies patients. NH providers should consider these factors to develop strategies for reducing ED utilization.

Habitual Activities for People with Dementia: The Role of Interiors in Supporting Their Development after Relocating to a Care Environment

People with dementia have pre-reactive instincts, known as bodily habits, that allow them to continue with habitual activities. According to recent research, continuing and developing habitual activities in care facilities can help individuals with dementia establish a deep-rooted sense of home. Three aspects of developing habitual activity are critical in this process: continuing habitual activities fluidly, incorporating positive interaction into these habitual activities, and carrying out these habitual activities regularly. Based on this foundation, this article discusses how the interior environment of care facilities can support these three aspects of habitual activity for people living with dementia. Three cases in a long-term care facility were in-depth examined by using the microethnography approach. The study produced four themes. These themes emphasize the importance of organizing and managing the interior environment to support dementia residents’ habitual activities. In addition, it emphasizes that caregivers and institutional regulations influence the organizational role of the interior environment.

The presence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms and their association with quality of life among patients with dementia

ABSTRACT Background Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common manifestations of dementia. The presence and severity of these symptoms differ depending on different personal and contextual factors. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the presence and predictors of neuropsychiatric symptoms and the association between the severity of these symptoms and the quality of life in a sample of patients with dementia in Jordan. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 112 patients with dementia residing in Jordanian nursing homes were recruited using the consecutive sampling method. Results The mean severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms was 9.58. The most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients were depression (61.6%), followed by irritability (55.4%), and a feeling of euphoria (54.5%). The regression analysis results indicated that gender, marital status, and dementia severity significantly predicted the neuropsychiatric symptoms severity score and explained 17.70% of the variance. A significant negative correlation between the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life was found. Conclusion The study's results indicate that our sample reported mild neuropsychiatric symptoms. These symptoms’ high prevalence and persistence negatively impact patients’ quality of life. The study's results can help mental health nurses determine the factors impacting effective treatment strategies to combat these symptoms. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to help explain the importance of early diagnosis and management of these symptoms in preventing dementia progression.