A nurse‐led positive psychological intervention among elderly community‐dwelling adults with mild cognitive impairment and depression: A non‐randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression have a higher dementia conversion rate, which requires timely intervention. Objectives A non‐randomized controlled trial was conducted to explore the effect of a nurse‐led positive psychological intervention (PPI) in relieving depression and promoting cognition in this population. Methods A total of 70 older adults were enrolled, with 35 each in the intervention and control groups. The control group received one‐to‐one health education, and the intervention group received a 40‐ to 60‐minute PPI for eight successive weeks. Results During the intervention, most participants reached the standard of active participation, and 2.86% continued to complete homework every day during follow‐up. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group at the end of intervention ( t = −3.64, p < 0.05) and at 3‐month follow‐up ( t = −4.48, p < 0.05). Interaction effects of time and group on PHQ‐9 scores ( F = 8.11, p < 0.001), with significant differences between the groups in scores ( F = 9.11, p < 0.05) and times ( F = 23.58, p < 0.05) was observed. In the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, the intervention group had significantly higher scores than controls at the end of intervention ( t = 7.28, p < 0.05) and 3‐month follow‐up ( t = 8.01, p < 0.05). Cognition in the two groups was significantly affected by intergroup effects ( F = 42.80, p < 0.001), interaction effects ( F = 30.38, p < 0.001), and time effects ( F = 33.67, p < 0.05). Conclusions Although the effects tended to decrease in follow‐up, the nurse‐led PPI was feasible and valid in relieving depression and promoting cognition among older participants with MCI and depression. The present findings warrant further exploration. Tweetable abstract A nurse‐led positive psychological intervention was applicable among elderly MCI adults with depression and effective in relieving depression and promoting cognition.