A Case of a Home-Dwelling Elderly Woman with Alzheimer’s Disease Living Alone Who Underwent Nutritional Intervention by Home-Visit Nursing

Abstract

Background: Older adults with dementia living alone are at risk of insufficient protein and micro nutrient intake, which may contribute to psychological symptoms and functional decline. Nutritiona l psychiatry–oriented care via home-visit nursing is attracting attention, but case-level evidence rem ains limited.

Case: An 82-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease living alone presented with anxiety, episod ic hyperventilation, throat discomfort, and reduced oral intake. In collaboration with her physician, a home-visit nurse delivered a three-month nutrition-centered intervention including protein optimiz ation, moderation of refined carbohydrates, supplementation with iron, zinc, B vitamins, and vitami n D, dietary fiber adjustment, and supportive nursing and environmental measures. Nutritional indi ces, psychological symptoms, and daily activities improved during care.

Conclusion: This single case suggests that home-visit, nutrition-focused intervention may be associ ated with improvements in nutritional status, psychological symptoms, and daily functioning. Evalu ation of nutritional status should be considered in dementia care for individuals living alone.