Cultural adaptation of cognitive stimulation therapy

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) originated in the UK and has demonstrated benefits in cognition and quality of life in patients with dementia, through a multicenter, randomized, controlled design study. It was adapted and implemented in more than 30 countries, consisting of 14 group sessions, weekly for 6 to 8 participants.

In this paper we present the cultural adaptation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy following the guidelines for the adaptation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy to other cultures translated into Spanish to be used in our country. The adaptation method, called “Formative Model for Adapting Psychotherapy” (FMAP), from the “bottom up” is community-based. We started the process with the translation of the manual, then adapted it with feedback from consultations with patients, family members, caregivers and health professionals. Finally, we tested the feasibility and cultural adequacy of the therapy in Spanish.

Some modifications, especially related to linguistic issues, were required in 10 of the 14 sessions. We were able to make a culturally appropriate adaptation of this Therapy for Argentina. The systematization and cultural adaptation manual is ready to be used for large-scale implementation and validation in this country.