Cognitive stimulation therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia in a day hospital setting: a service evaluation

Abstract

Background/Aims The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for dementia recommend the use of cognitive stimulation therapy as a non-pharmacological treatment for people with mild to moderate dementia. Research evidence indicates that it can have a positive impact on cognition, quality of life and mood. Methods Cognitive stimulation therapy groups have recently been delivered as part of a therapeutic programme at a day hospital and a service evaluation was conducted to ascertain the impact of cognitive stimulation therapy on the patients attending these groups. The cognitive functioning and mood of patients was assessed before and immediately after a course of 14 cognitive stimulation therapy group sessions using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results The results indicated a stabilisation or improvement in cognition in eight of the nine patients and an improvement in mood in five of the nine patients. Conclusions These findings are in line with current research and support the continued use of cognitive stimulation therapy in the day hospital.