Cognitive stimulation therapy - what are your experiences?

By Kate Morley - 29/06/2009

Research has identified a new therapy which may help those suffering from mild to moderate dementia. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) treatment involves group sessions of themed activities, which aim to actively stimulate and engage people with dementia, whilst providing an optimal learning environment and the social benefits of a group. CST treatment can be administered by anyone working with people with dementia, such as care workers, Occupational Therapists or nurses, and the groups can take place in settings including residential homes, hospitals or day centres.

 

The current NICE guidelines on dementia state that: "People with mild / moderate dementia of all types should be given the opportunity to participate in a structured group cognitive stimulation programme. This should be commissioned and provided by a range of health and social care workers with training and supervision. This should be delivered irrespective of any anti-dementia drug received by the person with dementia" – and yet, despite these guidelines, very few people have heard of CST and it is rarely available; so why is this?

 

The simple answer seems to be lack of funding for further research on a therapy which, although promising, is yet to be 100% proven. Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of The Alzheimer's Society said:  

‘Growing evidence suggests that Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) may have positive benefits for people with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society branches offer structured activities and support similar to CST and we have also taken part in early research in this area. Meaningful activities and engagement is at the heart of all good person centred care.

 

‘Building an evidence base is important. Strong evidence helps to attract funding we urgently need to support the 700, 000 people with dementia living in the UK.  But the shameful truth is that dementia research is underfunded. The Government invests eight times less in dementia research than cancer research.  With the right investment, dementia can be defeated.’

 

Clearly they feel more research is needed; but what are your experiences?  Have any of you participated in CST? And has it been beneficial?

Let us know at editorial@maturetimes.co.uk

 

 

 

Your Views

 

Since joining the course in May 08 I have found my wife Ann more relaxed and confident and happier in herself. She has really enjoyed the sessions which she describes as good fun and tells everyone that they all have a good laugh.

 

She has found some good friends who are in a similar situation and enjoys being with them and participating in the activities. The consultant that Ann sees is impressed with her improvement with the combination of her medication and the Chat group, her frontal scores have improved.

 

As you may know the Chat pilot was set up with a carers course running alongside which has been very helpful. Firstly I could attend the course as Ann was being well looked after, secondly I learnt much both from the speakers who came into to talk to us over the seven weeks and from the other carers. It has been very helpful meeting a group of people in a similar situation both in knowing that you are not alone and having found some local friends who understand our situation.

 

Dementia can be a very isolating disease but through Chat we have people to go out with and know that through them we can get further help if we need it and of course I also have a short break and join the monthly carers meetings.

 

I noticed that your article seemed to question whether CST is fully proven or not and was surprised as I understand that it is as effective as the anti-dementia drugs, that there have been fully documented trials and that CST is recommended by NICE for all people in the early stages of dementia. We have been lucky to be part of the pilot. I hope CST becomes more available and dread to think what our past year, or so, would have been without the   support we have received through Chat.

 

Peter Curtis ( by email)