“A light, A breath”: A community-based temporary care model for enhancing quality of life in Alzheimer's disease patients and supporting caregivers

Background Non-pharmacological interventions may improve quality of life in patients with Alzheimer's disease and reduce caregiver burden. Objective This study aimed to compare the effects of a single-modal social (choir) and a multimodal intervention program on patient quality of life and caregiver burden in early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Methods This quasi-experimental study included 20 patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease and their primary caregivers. Participants were allocated to either choir (control) group or multimodal (intervention) group. The former consisted of choir-based social stimulation, whereas the latter combined structured activities with supervised respite care. Both programs were delivered twice weekly for 6 months. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention using patient- and caregiver-rated Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease scores and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview scores. Results Patient-rated quality of life scores improved in both groups, with a significantly greater increase in the multimodal group (F(1,18) = 17.78, p = 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.497). Difference-in-differences analysis confirmed a greater improvement in patient-rated quality of life in the multimodal group (β = 6.20, p = 0.001). Caregiver-rated quality of life scores also improved more prominently in the multimodal group (F(1,18) = 15.46, p = 0.001; β = 9.30, p < 0.001). Zarit caregiver burden scores decreased in both groups, with a significantly greater decrease in the multimodal group (F(1,18) = 7.09, p = 0.016, partial η 2 = 0.283). Conclusions A multimodal community-based intervention incorporating respite care may offer greater benefits than a single-modal intervention alone