EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE STIMULATION THERAPY(CST) AMONG PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA - A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy to improve cognition in people with dementia. SELECTION METHOD: PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Cochrane from these databases, articles were searched using keywords. SELECTION CRITERIA: The articles were collected based on the inclusion criteria focusing on the cognition in people with dementia. RESULTS: The preliminary results suggested that the tasks like measuring attention, memory, speed processing, executive functions, and speed processing following the cognitive stimulation treatment (CST). Evidence shows that CST promisingly improves people’s cognitive functions as measured by the (MMSE) mini-mental state examination. This test investigates memory, orientation, language, and visuospatial abilities. CST has led to significant improvements in quality of life, along with care givers. Analyses suggests CST is equally effective as many dementia drugs. CONCLUSION: Cognitive stimulation therapy improves cognition in people with dementia and benefits the quality of life. Evidence from several studies indicates that cognitive stimulation therapy along with multiple component interventions improves not only cognition but also the language, behavior, and quality of life of people with dementia. Results from interviews of CST sessions found key themes, including positivity being in the groups, due to a supportive and good environment, improvements in confidence, mood, and concentration. KEY WORDS: Non-Pharmacological intervention, Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), People with Dementia (PwD), Cognition, Older adults, assessment scales, Quality of life (QoL).