INTRODUCTIONDistress of Alzheimer's disease (AD) contribute significantly to decreased quality of life, increased morbidity, higher levels of caregiver distress, and the decision to institutionalise a patient. However, the risk factors of distress in AD patients have not been thoroughly discussed. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of distress in AD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODSA large randomised controlled clinical trial on AD was analysed in this study. Both linear regression and decision tree models were used to identify the factors of distress in AD patients.

RESULTSThe following variables were recognised as risk factors for AD patient's distress: Care recipients often visit physicians or have medical examinations; Care recipients take medicines that affect the central nervous system or stomach; Care recipients seldom visit nurses; Caregivers have chronic disease or cancer; Caregiver experience distress, feel lonely, or have an unsatisfactory relationship with patients. In addition, caregiver's smoking and drinking were found to correlate negatively with AD patient's distress.

CONCLUSIONSMultiple factors influence the distress of Alzheimer's patients, including patient's examination and medication, patient-caregiver relationships, caregiver's psychological and physical status, and the use of nursing services. These factors should be targeted when designing prevention and intervention strategies.