Adapting cognitive stimulation therapy for Bangladeshi people living with dementia: A pilot group

Abstract

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST; Spector et al., 2013) is recommended in the NICE guidelines for people living with mild-moderate dementia (NICE, 2018). One challenge of delivering this is in adapting it for different cultural groups and non-English speakers. This has proven challenging in the Mental Health Care of Older People in Tower Hamlets where, according to the most recent census in 2011, Bangladeshi people make up 32 per cent of the population. This article summarises a joint piece of work between the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Care of Older People and Alzheimer’s Society in 2019 in which the CST materials and group were adapted to be piloted for a Bengali people living with dementia. Outcomes of the group, feedback and reflections are discussed for consideration for the future.