CST is a brief, evidence-based intervention for people with mild to moderate dementia. Complex psychological techniques are embedded within simple, manualised group sessions which aim to stimulate and maximise cognitive skills. These include categorisation, word association and discussion of current affairs, all following guiding principles which encourage the making of new semantic connections to aid learning. More recently, an individualised, carer-led CST programme has been developed and evaluated. This talk will provide an overview of the CST research programme and key findings from three clinical trials. This includes standard CST, longer-term CST and individualised CST (iCST). In summary, changes following group CST may be comparable to those associated with anti-dementia drugs and it is cost-effective. Memory, executive functioning and language were significantly improved, and significant benefits in quality of life were maintained for six months. Individualised CST led to significant improvements in one’s relationship with their caregivers, although cognition did not improve – suggesting the importance of delivery within a group format. The CST research programme has led to changes in service provision in the UK. Government guidelines now recommend routine provision of Cognitive Stimulation, regardless of medication use and as the only non-pharmacological intervention for the cognitive symptoms of dementia. CST provision is now a key standard for memory service accreditation and used in over 66% of UK memory clinics. The World Alzheimer’s Report recommends routine provision of CST in early stage dementia, resulting in its use globally.
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