Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for older people with Dementia in Africa: A Scoping Review

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a non-pharmacological intervention developed for dementia that is useful in Africa but has not been studied widely. We reviewed the existing evidence regarding CST among older people living with dementia in Africa.

A systematic literature search on CST among older people with dementia in Africa from 2003-2021 was done in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and PsycINFO. A narrative approach was taken to chart, synthesize and interpret the data using Microsoft Excel.

After removing duplicates using Endnote, a total of 122 studies were retained and screened first by title, then abstract, and finally by full text. Six articles matched the inclusion/exclusion criteria. CST has been adapted and piloted in two African countries (Nigeria and Tanzania). CST studies in Africa indicate improvements in clinical outcomes including cognition and quality of life. Although there are some barriers to overcome, CST may be applicable to an African context.

CST is feasible, adaptable, and acceptable in the African countries it has been implemented in. Some cultural barriers, such as religious affiliation and respect for older people, should be overcome. Further research is needed to further evaluate the efficacy of CST in various African contexts.