Dementia Treatment: Cognitive stimulation as effective as drugs

Contemporary dementia treatment research continues to explore various options in delaying the decline of individuals with cognitive disorders. Dementia treatment in the form of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) was recently compared to several of the medications commonly used in delaying the deterioration associated with dementias such as Alzheimer‘s disease, and it was found that the dementia treatment consisting of CST appeared to be as beneficial in improving both cognitive functioning and quality of life, as individuals attributed to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

A study conducted by Amy Spector of the University College London, UK and colleagues, considered data from a trial in which 203 older people with dementia from residential facilities and day care centers were randomly assigned to either CST (n = 115) or to a control group (n = 86).

The CST dementia treatment consisted of 14 sessions, 45 minutes in length, which ran twice a week for 7 weeks. The patients participated in information processing activities and word games. A “reality orientation” board was included that displayed both personal and orientation information to provide a focus, create continuity, and assist individuals in remembering the name and nature of their group.

At follow-up, patients in the CST dementia treatment had significantly improved relative to the control group, indicating increased scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (+1.9 vs. -0.4) and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition (+1.9 vs. - 0.3). Individuals receiving CST also rated their quality of life more positively than those in the control group.

Comparing results of a number needed-to-treat analysis of CST with those previously performed for three acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, including tacrine, rivastigmine, and donezepil, CST was not quite as effective as rivastigmine or donezepil on the basis of small improvements or no deterioration. However for greater improvements, CST did as well as to tacrin, and substantially better than rivastigmine or a 5 mg dose of donezepil.

Researchers in the British Journal of Psychiatry have concluded that “the findings suggest that reality orientation groups...are likely to be beneficial for many people with dementia and should be regarded more positively by staff, and service providers“.

Information and webpage by Paul Susic  MA Licensed Psychologist   Ph.D. Candidate  (Health and Geriatric Psychologist) 

Source: British Journal of Psychiatry    

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