Effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy in real-life settings: more than improvement in measurement scores

Abstract

Introduction: In Hong Kong, the number of demented elders is projected to increase to 332,688 in 2039. Various interventions have been used to manage the symptoms of the disease. Medications may cause adverse effects on elders. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a non-pharmacological intervention and is recommended by the UK National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health for people with mild-to-moderate dementia of all types. CST is effective in hindering cognitive decline and enhancing quality of life of people with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. The Hong Kong version CST (CST-HK) has yielded comparable results. This study investigated the effectiveness of CST-HK on the promotion of cognition, communication, and quality of life in elders with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment in Hong Kong. Methods: 117 elders with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment were recruited through convenience sampling in 2 day-care centres, 2 nursing homes, and 1 district elderly community centre between 2015 and 2017. Of them, 107 completed the study. Each elder received a total of 14 sessions (2 sessions per week) of CST-HK. Data in cognition, communication, and quality of life were collected at baseline and within 1 week after intervention. Opinions from family caregivers (n=4) and group facilitators (n=4) were collected by an in-depth interview in order to understand the social impact of CST-HK. Results: After CST-HK, significant improvement in cognition (p<0.001), communication (p<0.001), and quality of life (p<0.01) was noted. In addition, improved communication and socialisation of elders was identified by family caregivers and group facilitators. Conclusion: CST-HK appeared to benefit cognition, communication, and quality of life of elders with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.

Introduction: In Hong Kong, the number of demented elders is projected to increase to 332,688 in 2039. Various interventions have been used to manage the symptoms of the disease. Medications may cause adverse effects on elders. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a non-pharmacological intervention and is recommended by the UK National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health for people with mild-to-moderate dementia of all types. CST is effective in hindering cognitive decline and enhancing quality of life of people with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. The Hong Kong version CST (CST-HK) has yielded comparable results. This study investigated the effectiveness of CST-HK on the promotion of cognition, communication, and quality of life in elders with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment in Hong Kong. Methods: 117 elders with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment were recruited through convenience sampling in 2 day-care centres, 2 nursing homes, and 1 district elderly community centre between 2015 and 2017. Of them, 107 completed the study. Each elder received a total of 14 sessions (2 sessions per week) of CST-HK. Data in cognition, communication, and quality of life were collected at baseline and within 1 week after intervention. Opinions from family caregivers (n=4) and group facilitators (n=4) were collected by an in-depth interview in order to understand the social impact of CST-HK. Results: After CST-HK, significant improvement in cognition (p<0.001), communication (p<0.001), and quality of life (p<0.01) was noted. In addition, improved communication and socialisation of elders was identified by family caregivers and group facilitators. Conclusion: CST-HK appeared to benefit cognition, communication, and quality of life of elders with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.