Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Older Adults With Mild-to-Moderate Dementia in Italy: Effects on Cognitive Functioning, and on Emotional and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms. (13th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carbone, Elena; Gardini, Simona; Pastore, Massimiliano; Piras, Federica; Vincenzi, Margherita; Borella, Erika
• Editors: Taler, Vanessa
• Is Part Of: Journals of gerontology. Volume 76:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1700
• Page End: 1710
• Publication Date: 2021-01-13
• Subjects: Behavioral symptoms -- Cognition -- Cognitive stimulation -- Dementia -- Depression; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Aged -- Periodicals; Aging -- Periodicals; Psychology, Social -- Periodicals; 305.26
• DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-5014

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is one of the most popular evidence-based interventions for people with dementia. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness in the short- and long-term (on completing the treatment and 3 months later) of an Italian adaptation of the CST protocol (CST-IT). Method: Older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia at 16 residential care homes were randomly assigned to a CST-IT group ( N = 123) or an active control group ( N = 102). The following domains were examined for potential benefits: general cognitive functioning (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale—Cognitive subscale [ADAS-Cog]), language (Narrative Language Test), mood and behavior (Cornell scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory), everyday life functioning (Disability Assessment for Dementia), and quality of life (Quality of Life—Alzheimer's Disease scale). Results: At both the short- and long-term assessments, the CST-IT group's MMSE scores remained stable, while the control group's scores decreased slightly from pretest to posttest and at follow-up. The CST-IT group also had short-term benefits in other cognitive measures (ADAS-Cog and Narrative Language Test) and mood and behavior measures, which were generally maintained at follow-up. No other differences were observed. Discussion: The effectiveness of CST in sustaining cognitive and emotional functioning, and counteracting the progression of behavioral/neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia was confirmed, and a long-term benefit was demonstrated. CST is a promising option for the treatment of people with dementia in clinical practice.