Cognitive Skills are the skills the brain uses to think, learn, remember, problem solve and communicate. There are a number of different approaches to help people with dementia improve their memory and thinking skills, and to cope with memory loss. One of these is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy(CST). CST has been developed by reviewing the best available research on approaches to improve cognitive skills for people with dementia.
CST is an evidence-based group therapy that is a recommended treatment protocol by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK. It is specifically for people with mild to moderate stage dementia. The goal of CST is to maintain a person’s level of cognitive function (as much as possible) and to assist them in coping with memory loss.
CST consists of twice-weekly group sessions (a maximum of 15 participants) held throughout the year. Sessions cover a range of activities to stimulate thinking, memory and social skills i.e. discussing current news stories, activities that facilitate creative expression and practical tasks required for independent living. CST provides an opportunity for participants to challenge themselves in a safe space and to connect with others experiencing memory issues.
Benefits of CST
- Found to benefit the memory and thinking skills of individuals with mild to moderate stage dementa
- People with dementia who took part in CST reported an improvement in quality of daily life
- Caregivers and family reported improvement in language and communication of people with dementia
- UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that people with mild to moderate dementia should be offered the opportunity to participate in CST alongside pharmacological treatments
Participation Criteria
- For those experiencing a deterioration in memory and/or thinking skills, or have received a diagnosis of mild to moderate stage dementia
- Availability to participate twice a week in small group based sessions (1.5 hour sessions)
- A willingness to challenge yourself and try new things
- Can attend the sessions independently (without a caregiver or family member for support)
For more information or to find out more about the pre-screening process please contact our Clinical Director, Marie: info@dementiabermuda.bm
