Experiences of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) in Brazil: a qualitative study of people with dementia and their caregivers

Abstract

Objectives There is a lack of investment in psychosocial treatments for people with dementia in Brazil. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a group-based intervention that has shown to have benefits on activities of daily living and mood for people with dementia in Brazil. This study aims to explore the experiences and perceived changes following CST groups. Methods Individual interviews were conducted with the participants of the group (n = 12) and their caregivers (n = 11). Framework analysis was used to inspect the data. Results Two main themes have emerged: ‘Personal benefits of being part of the group’, containing two subthemes: ‘Benefits for caregivers’ and ‘Benefits for person with dementia’ and ‘Day-to-day changes’, containing seven subthemes; ‘Memory’, Sociability’, ‘Language’, ‘Mood’, ‘Orientation’, ‘Everyday activities’ and ‘Behavioural and psychological symptoms’. Conclusion Results suggest that CST groups led to perceived personal benefits for the people with dementia and caregivers and that there are perceived changes for the participants of the groups.