Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsui PY(1), Ho MW(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Pok Oi Hospital
Introduction :
Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a non-pharmacological intervention for people with mild to moderate dementia. It has been shown to significantly improve in cognition and quality of life in the UK and internationally. Moreover, it is cost-effective and available in clinical practice. CST is recommended by the UK NICE guidelines “to promote cognition, independence and wellbeing”. In view of the strong evidence of its effectiveness, Occupational Therapy Department in Pok Oi Hospital (POH) applied CST for the patient with mild to moderate dementia.
Objectives :
This retrospective study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the CST in Occupational Therapy Department, POH on the improvement in cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) in patients with mild to moderate dementia.
Methodology :
22 patients with mild to moderate dementia were recruited to CST group from Feb, 2019 to Nov, 2021. The 14-session CST group was held by occupational therapist with different themed activities weekly. Assessments were completed at baseline and end of program to evaluate patient’s cognitive function, ADL function, instrumental ADL function, as well as QOL. A satisfactory survey was also conducted at the end of the session.
Result & Outcome :
Among 22 patients, there were 7 male (31.8%) and 15 female (68.2%). They ranged from 63 to 91 years old with average 5.7 years of education. Their diagnoses included MCI (22.7%), Alzheimer’s dementia (63.6%), vascular dementia (4.5%) and stroke (9.1%). Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA) was used to assess the cognitive function; Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale were used to evaluate daily function; Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QOL-AD) was used to evaluate different aspects of the QOL.
A paired t-test was used to evaluate the outcome measures. It showed significant improvement in QOL (p=0.029). There was no deterioration in cognitive function, function in daily living. More than 94% patients and carers reported they were satisfied with the CST group and 70% patients reported CST can maintain their cognitive function and improve mood. Over 60% patients reported CST can promote their interest to daily living.
Conclusions:
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy from Occupational Therapy Department can improve the quality of life in patients with dementia and maintain their cognitive function and function in daily living.
