Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Deanna Myer

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Disqualifiers: Auditory impairment, Visual impairment, Combative behaviors, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 14

Duration: 7 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if online Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), a group therapy for individuals with mild to moderate dementia, can slow cognitive decline. Researchers will compare participants in CST with a control group receiving standard care without CST. Individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia, who speak English, and can use online meeting platforms may be suitable for this study. Doctors will refer participants to the CST group, and they will attend sessions online. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could improve dementia care.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on a non-drug therapy, so it's likely you can continue your current medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is safe for people with dementia?

Research shows that Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is well-tolerated by people with mild to moderate dementia. Several studies have found that CST can significantly improve thinking and memory in this group. While the main goal is to boost cognitive function, the treatment remains safe and free of major side effects.

In summary, CST is generally considered safe for people with dementia, and studies reviewed report no major side effects. This suggests that participants in the trial can feel comfortable about the treatment's safety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for dementia because it offers a non-drug approach that could enhance cognitive function and quality of life for patients. Unlike standard treatments that often rely on medications like cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, CST involves engaging patients in activities and exercises designed to stimulate thinking and memory skills. This therapy is unique because it focuses on mental engagement in a social setting, which can also improve mood and social interaction. By targeting cognitive abilities through structured sessions, CST has the potential to offer benefits beyond what medications can provide, addressing both the mind and emotional well-being.

What evidence suggests that Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is effective for dementia?

This trial will compare Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) with standard care for dementia. Studies have shown that CST can benefit people with dementia. A 2018 review of research found that CST improved thinking skills and reduced depression in individuals with Alzheimer's. Another study demonstrated that a 14-week CST program enhanced mental health in those with mild dementia. Research also indicates that CST provides a small but real boost in memory and language skills. Overall, CST shows promise in supporting better brain health for those with dementia. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Michael Lepore, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking individuals with mild to moderate dementia, as indicated by certain cognitive test scores. They must have a scheduled visit for cognitive screening within 6-12 months and not have participated in V-CST before. Those without online access or necessary caregiver support, or who have impairments that interfere with group therapy are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Your test scores for memory and thinking fall within a certain range, which was recorded less than 24 months ago.

Visit scheduled to include cognitive screening 6 to 12 months after record review.

English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria

No access to online meeting platform

My doctor says I need help to participate in a study, but I don't have anyone to assist with technology.

I have chosen not to participate in research or share my data for research.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Referral

Participants receive a referral for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) from their clinical providers

1 month

Treatment

Participants undergo Virtual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (V-CST) sessions

7 weeks

14 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for cognitive changes using assessments like MoCA, SLUMS, and MMSE

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Trial Overview

The trial tests if Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) delivered virtually can slow down cognitive decline in dementia patients compared to standard care. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive a referral for virtual CST or continue with their usual treatment without changes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Referral for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will receive a referral from their physician for CST treatment

Group II: Standard of Care Placebo Group 1 Intervention

This group will receive standard of care and no CST referral.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Lead Sponsor

Trials

83

Recruited

3,474,000+

UConn Health

Collaborator

Trials

218

Recruited

59,100+

Yale University

Collaborator

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Collaborator

Trials

729

Recruited

540,000+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12038668/

Meta-analysis of the effect of cognitive stimulation therapy ...

CONCLUSION. In conclusion, CST may not improve the cognitive function of AD patients, not improve the cognitive function of AD patients, not improve the ability ...

2.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197457222001768

Effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) on ...

In a 2018 meta-analysis, the authors found that CST significantly improved cognitive function and reduced depression scores in patients with Alzheimer's disease ...

3.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2024.2410256

Effectiveness of a 14-week protocol for cognitive ...

This pragmatic study shows that an adapted 14-week face-to-face CST protocol is effective in improving mental health in people with mild dementia.

4.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9891430/

Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in ...

Overall, we found moderate‐quality evidence for a small benefit in cognition associated with CS (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.40, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.55).

5.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163724001302

Effectiveness of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for ...

The pooled results indicated that CST had a significant beneficial impact on global cognition, language, working memory, depression, neuropsychiatric symptoms, ...

6.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556523001183

Review Effects of cognitive stimulation therapy on patients ...

Eleven studies with low to high rating of overall confidence (OC) consistently reported that CST could significantly improve cognition of people ...

7.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05394584

CST-HK for Cognition and Well-being in People With ...

This cluster wait-list randomized controlled study investigates the effectiveness of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (Hong Kong version) delivered by trained ...

8.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424178/

Maintenance cognitive stimulation therapy - NCBI

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness and impact of cognitive stimulation in dementia

9.

bmjopen.bmj.com

bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/6/e090767

Effectiveness of cognitive stimulation for individuals with ...

Our findings suggest a significant positive impact of CS on cognitive function among individuals with MCI. CS encourages the active involvement of individuals ...