Evaluating the Effects of CST on Individuals with LD and Dementia

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Evaluating the Effects of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy on Individuals with a Learning Disability and Dementia.

• IRAS ID

  362188

• Contact name

  Catalia Griffiths

• Contact email

  d3668160@tees.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Teesside University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  The aim of the study is to investigate the effects that Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) has on individuals with a learning disability and a diagnosis of, or under investigation for, dementia. CST is typically a seven-week manualised programme delivered by a healthcare professional to the general older adult population with a diagnosis of dementia (Spector et al., 2006). The group offers structured activities, which aims to provide stimulation and engagement within a safe and supportive environment that promotes positive peer relationships. Research outcomes suggest that group-based CST is associated with significant improvements in cognitive functioning, the promotion of language skills and an improved quality of life (Aguirre, et al., 2013; Spector et al., 2012). It has been recommended that all individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease are offered group-based CST (NICE, 2015). Despite research suggesting that CST is feasible and provides positive initial results with dementia and LD populations (MacDonald and Summers, 2019), there is limited research has been undertaken to explore the effectiveness of CST for individuals with a learning disability and dementia.

  In this study, the participants will attend a seven-week CST group intervention. Outcome measures of their level of cognition, mood and quality of life will be administered before the intervention, after the intervention and at the six to eight weeks follow-up. The inclusion criteria include 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, understand the English language and they must have agreed to attend the CST group.

• REC name

  South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/SC/0327

• Date of REC Opinion

  3 Dec 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion