A Systematic Review of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Older Adults with Mild to Moderate Dementia: An Occupational Therapy Perspective

Abstract

In response to the need for effective non-pharmacological approaches for individuals with mild to moderate dementia, cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) interventions aim to optimize cognitive function. The present literature review explored the effectiveness of CST and the congruence of this approach with occupational therapy. Twenty-four databases and 13 "grey" sources were searched. Relevant papers were analysed using the McMaster Critical Literature Review Guidelines, the Modified Jadad Quality Scale and the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence Scale. To establish the congruence of CST with occupational therapy, themes were identified using the International Classification of Functioning and professional values outlined by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Twelve studies demonstrated a trend towards delayed cognitive decline following CST. This intervention strategy is congruent with occupational therapy values and may provide a useful structural framework to build rehabilitation programmes for this population. Psychometric properties of the McMaster Guidelines have not yet been established, and there is no standardized way to extract quantitative data from this measure. There is a need for further research exploring outcomes of CST interventions within the context of everyday function in individuals experiencing cognitive decline.

Distinctive effects between cognitive stimulation and reminiscence therapy on cognitive function and quality of life for different types of behavioural problems in dementia

“…Nonpharmacological interventions, such as acupressure therapy, music therapy, cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), the Montessori method, aroma massage therapy and reminiscence therapy (RT), have been applied to PwD with BPSD . Among the various complementary therapies, CST and RT are commonly used to improve cognitive function and quality of life for PwD . However, the distinctive effects of CST and RT on these two outcomes have never been compared.…”

Entender e envolver: avaliando dois objetivos de um programa para cuidadores de idosos com Alzheimer

“…A prática frequente de estimulação cognitiva contribui para a manutenção da saúde mental, podendo retardar o progresso da demência e, consequentemente, melhorar a autonomia, independência e a qualidade de vida dos idosos (Lousa, 2016). Deve-se evitar que as atividades de estimulação propostas sejam muito fáceis, de forma que o idoso não precise raciocinar, ou muito difíceis, tornando-se frustrantes (Yuill & Hollis, 2011). Em relação ao formato de realização, atividades de estimulação cognitiva podem ocorrer individualmente ou com a participação de outras pessoas, mas geralmente é necessária a presença do cuidador.…”

Addressing Adventitious Behaviors Associated with Dementia

“…One limitation is that patients in the later stages of dementia are unable to participate in active music therapy [30]. Such diversionary and reaffirming interventions are effective for patients in the mild to moderate stages of dementia [31], yet have been shown to have decreased effectiveness in those in the progressive stages of cognitive decline.…”