Effects of cognitive stimulation therapy Japanese version (CST-J) for people with dementia: a single-blind, controlled clinical trial

Abstract

ObjectivesCognitive stimulation therapy (CST) has shown to have significant benefits in improving the cognitive function and quality of life (QOL) in people with mild-to-moderate dementia in a UK randomized controlled trial (RCT). We developed and examined the Japanese version of group CST (CST-J) in a single-blind, controlled clinical trial.MethodCST-J consisting of 14 sessions was administered to a treatment group (n = 26) twice a week for 7 weeks. The treatment group was compared with a control group (n = 30). Based on single-blindness, cognition was evaluated by a researcher, and QOL and mood were rated by the participants themselves. Additionally, QOL and mood of participants were rated by care workers who were not blind but who observed them most directly in their daily life (important for social validity).ResultsA linear mixed model was used for analyses of cognition and QOL. There were significant improvements in cognition [COGNISTAT (Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination) and MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)] for the treatment group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Regarding QOL, the EQ-5D was significant (p = 0.019) and the QoL-AD (Quality of Life – Alzheimer's Disease) showed a positive trend (p = 0.06) when rated by care workers, although not when rated by the participants themselves. Using a nonparametrical analysis, there were significant improvements in the face scale for mood when rated by both the participants (p < 0.01) and the care workers (p = 0.017).ConclusionThe CST-J shows promising improvements in cognition, mood, and aspects of QOL for people with dementia in Japanese care settings. A large RCT is now needed.

Cognitive stimulation therapy in the Italian context: its efficacy in cognitive and non‐cognitive measures in older adults with dementia

“…In line with Yamanaka et al (2013), although at variance with other investigations (Woods et al, 2012;Aguirre et al, 2013aAguirre et al, , 2013b, we also found a significant improvement in perceived quality of life in the CST-IT group. As the interaction Group × Session was only marginally significant, this result should be taken with caution.…”

“…A number of studies have shown that CST in individuals with dementia is as effective as cholinesterase inhibitors not only for cognition, but also for quality of life (Woods et al, 2012;Aguirre et al, 2013aAguirre et al, , 2013bYamanaka et al, 2013). In particular, among the cognitive domains, verbal and visual episodic learning, recall and recognition, verbal short memory, comprehension of syntax and orientation appear to be the domains most severely impacted on by CST (Spector et al, 2010;Hall et al, 2013).…”

Guidelines for adapting cognitive stimulation therapy to other cultures

“…In particular, the guidelines have been grounded in the FMAP framework and its five phases, illustrating examples of currently modified programs. The available evidence from small studies of the adapted programs indicates that they are also of benefit 12,13…”

A pilot study on behavioral and cognitive effects of Cognitive Stimulation Training based on 3R Mental Stimulation. The Treviso Dementia (TREDEM) Study

“…In psychological interventions, the concepts Clinical trials showed that CS training produces significant benefits in cognition, mood and quality of life (Spector et al, , 2011Yamanaka et al, 2013). The degree of cognitive benefit is comparable to pharmacological treatments and it was found to be cost effective (Knapp et al, 2006).…”