Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in a Veteran Sample: A Program Evaluation Study

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based intervention for dementia. This program evaluation examined the outcomes of a modified CST program in a veteran sample.

Twenty-five veterans who participated in a once-weekly, 7-week CST program and completed pre/post-group assessments were selected for inclusion in this chart review study. In this diverse sample (M_age = 74.40; 44% White, 44% Hispanic/Latinx, 8% Black, 4% multiracial), most had a suspected neurodegenerative etiology. Paired-samples t-test examined QoL and cognitive pre/post-intervention scores.

Statistically significant improvements were observed in RBANS total index scores (Cohen's d = 0.46). Although there was not a statistically significant change in MoCA scores or patient QoL-AD ratings, there were small effects in the predicted direction (Cohen's d = 0.29 and 0.30, respectively). There was no significant change or effect on caregiver QoL-AD ratings (Cohen's d = .09).

A modified, once-weekly 7-week CST program for veterans was feasible and demonstrated positive outcomes. Improvements were observed in global cognition and there was a small, positive effect on patient-rated QoL. Given that dementia is often progressive, stability of cognition and QoL are suggestive of the protective effects of CST.

CST is feasible and beneficial as a once-weekly brief group intervention for veterans with cognitive impairment.