Evaluating the Effects of CST on Individuals with LD and dementia

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Evaluating the effects of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) on individuals with a learning disability and dementia.

• IRAS ID

  347048

• Contact name

  Catalia Griffiths

• Contact email

  catalia.griffiths@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  Teesside University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 8 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  What?
  A learning disability (LD) is classed as a significant impairment of intellectual functioning (Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) < 70) and adaptive behaviour. Both impairments must have taken place before the age of 18. Dementia is a decline of memory and other cognitive functions in comparison with the patient’s previous level of function which is not solely attributable to the effects of ageing.

  Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a 7-week group intervention developed for those with dementia to target cognitive and social functioning. Studies have found that it can improve mood, cognition and quality of life in those with dementia, however, there have been limited research into using the intervention with those with LD and dementia.

  The research question is whether Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is effective in improving cognition, mood and Quality of Life (QoL) for people with a learning disability (LD) and dementia.

  Why?
  A justification for the research question is that statistics have shown an increase average life expectancy for those with LD. Additionally, those with LD are significantly more likely to develop dementia which justifies the importance of investigating interventions that can improve their quality of life.

  Despite the British Psychological Society (BPS) recommending for those with LD to be included in CST research and previous studies suggesting it's feasibility, there is a lack of research into this area.

  Who?
  The inclusion criteria includes those with a mild to moderate learning disability (FSIQ = 35-70), a recorded diagnosis of dementia or under investigation for a diagnosis, ability to communicate and understand the English language, capacity to provide informed consent, and lastly, they must have agreed to attend manualised CST group.
  

• REC name

  South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/SC/0245

• Date of REC Opinion

  18 Jul 2025

• REC opinion

  Unfavourable Opinion