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Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
Cognitive stimulation therapy for people with dementia: cost-effectiveness analysis
Martin Knapp1, Lene Thorgrimsen, Anita Patel
1Personal Social Services Research Unit, London School of Economics, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE. m.knapp@lse.ac.uk
Summary
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for dementia improves cognition and quality of life. This evidence-based therapy is likely more cost-effective than standard care for people with dementia.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Health Economics
Background:
- Psychological therapy groups are common for dementia patients.
- The cost-effectiveness of these groups remains largely unexplored.
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based intervention for dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) program for individuals with dementia.
- To compare CST to treatment as usual within a randomized controlled trial framework.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 91 participants receiving CST and 70 receiving treatment as usual.
- Service utilization and costs were recorded before and during the 8-week intervention.
- Cost-effectiveness analysis focused on cognition (primary) and quality of life (secondary) outcomes.
Main Results:
- CST demonstrated benefits for both cognitive function and quality of life in people with dementia.
- No significant cost differences were observed between the CST and treatment as usual groups.
- High probability suggests CST is more cost-effective than treatment as usual for both measured outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) offers significant advantages in effectiveness for dementia patients.
- CST presents a potentially more cost-effective alternative to treatment as usual for managing dementia.
