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Virtual Group Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia: Mixed-Methods Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.
Aimee Spector1, Nur Diyanah Abdul Wahab1, Joshua Stott1
1Department of Clinical, Health, and Educational Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
The Gerontologist
|June 6, 2024
Summary
Virtual cognitive stimulation therapy (vCST) is feasible for dementia patients, showing high attendance and acceptability. While this feasibility study found no statistical outcome differences, it justifies a larger trial for vCST effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an established group intervention for dementia, improving cognition and quality of life.
- Barriers such as health and transport limit access to face-to-face CST.
- Virtual delivery of CST (vCST) offers a potential solution for wider accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) virtually (vCST).
- To evaluate the potential of vCST as an accessible intervention for individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, randomized controlled feasibility trial.
- 46 participants with mild-to-moderate dementia were randomized to vCST (14 sessions over 7 weeks) or treatment as usual (TAU).
- Feasibility assessed via attendance, adherence, fidelity, and recruitment; acceptability via qualitative interviews; outcomes via pre/post assessments.
Main Results:
- High attendance, adherence, and fidelity to the vCST manual were observed.
- Recruitment was feasible, though randomization acceptability varied.
- No statistically significant differences in cognition, quality of life, or depression were found between vCST and TAU groups.
- Qualitative data and participant feedback indicated acceptability and potential benefits.
Conclusions:
- Virtual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (vCST) is a feasible intervention for people with dementia.
- The feasibility trial supports the need for a larger, fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) to confirm vCST's effectiveness.
- vCST represents a promising adaptation for delivering dementia interventions globally.
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