The Effects of CST for People with Learning Disabilities
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effects of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for People with Learning Disabilities: A Mixed Methods Study
IRAS ID
237668
Contact name
S J (Ash) Summers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 27 days
Research summary
This study aims to provide evidence of the effects of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for people with learning disabilities 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, Thorgrimsen, Woods, & Orrell, 2006). Structured group activities, which aim to be stimulating and engaging, are offered with flexibility within a safe, supportive and respectful environment that is free from pressure and judgement and promotes positive peer relationships. Research outcomes suggest that group based CST is consistently associated with significant improvements in cognitive functioning, the promotion of language skills and an enhanced quality of life (Aguirre, Woods, Spector, & Orrell, 2013; Spector et al., 2003; Spector, Orwell, & Woods, 2010; Woods, Aguirre, Spector, & Orrell, 2012). Due to the evidence base it has been recommended that all individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease are offered group-based CST (NICE, 2015). However, no research has been undertaken to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of CST for individuals with a learning disability and a diagnosis of, or under investigation for, dementia.
Individuals with a learning disability due to attend an NHS CST group will partake in a case series design examining outcomes on measures of cognitive and behavioural functioning, quality of life and mental health. These individuals and their caregivers will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to elicit thoughts, feelings and experiences in regard to the groups impact and effectiveness. This study will provide an understanding if this approach is feasible for this population, an understanding of the effectiveness of this intervention for this population, and whether the outcomes from the general older adult population are replicated in a learning disability population.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NE/0203
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion