Cultural adaptation of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for Chinese people with dementia: multicentre pilot study

Ageing of the Chinese population will drive a continued surge in dementia prevalence. Empirically tested non-pharmacological interventions developed in western cultures may be implemented in Chinese. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) that originated in the UK has proven benefits on cognition and quality of life in people with dementia. We investigated the feasibility and cultural appropriateness of CST in Hong Kong Chinese (CST-HK).

Mixed methods research was conducted following the formative method for adapting psychotherapy. A culturally adapted CST-HK, developed involving multidisciplinary stakeholders, was tested in a pilot multicentre study in people with mild dementia (n = 30) receiving community or residential care. Changes in cognition and quality of life were measured. Opinions from family caregivers and group facilitators (n = 25) were collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews for understanding the appropriateness of CST-HK. Feasibility was explored.

After receiving CST-HK, 54% of participants achieved outcome of no cognitive deterioration, and 23% showed clinically meaningful improvement. Family caregivers and group facilitators expressed good acceptance of CST, with a low attrition (13%) and high attendance rate of CST-HK sessions (92%). Key cultural issues identified are (i) less active opinion sharing in group discussions due to conservatism/cautiousness and (ii) preference of practical activities with reward/recognition over pure discussion due to pragmatism.

The CST-HK is feasible and culturally appropriate in Hong Kong Chinese. Further amendments can be made to ensure language use and enjoyment, with potential implications on effectiveness. We have provided a systematically developed, culturally adapted protocol for larger-scale implementation and research in Chinese populations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.