Introduction: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a well-established intervention for people with dementia shown to improve cognition and quality of life. Past research includes development of a longer term 'maintenance CST' and an individual CST programme. Previous reviews of CST have focused on quantitative outcomes or excluded certain formats of CST. This review aimed to fill this gap by evaluating how the voices of facilitators, carers and people with dementia in qualitative studies of CST can contribute to our understanding of its implementation and how it is experienced. Methods. The current systematic review explored the experience and perspectives of people with dementia, facilitators and carers. Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2012) was used to analyse this data, alongside Thomas and Harden's (2008) guidance on synthesising qualitative findings. Results.A systematic literature search retrieved 10 relevant studies using qualitative methodology. Eighteen themes were generated, which were grouped into three categories: 'Acceptability and feasibility', 'Features of CST' and 'Key outcomes'. Conclusions.To our knowledge, this is the only review to explore solely qualitative studies of CST. Findings provided insight into the shared features, outcomes and factors affecting implementation, and suggested theories for discrepancies between quantitative and qualitative findings in the literature. Some of the common themes were also in keeping with past reviews.

Objectives: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based group intervention shown to improve cognition and quality of life in dementia and is widely implemented across the NHS. However, no attempt has been made to understand the possible advantages, and/or disadvantages, of delivering CST in a group format. The main aim of the present study was to explore experiences of group interactions in CST and longer-term maintenance CST (MCST) groups.Method: A total of twenty-one semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted across four separate groups delivered in London, the East Midlands, South West and South East of England; including two CST and two MCST groups. Group members with mild to moderate dementia and facilitators from these groups were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data using NVivo software. Results:The final analysis identified six themes: 'benefits and challenges of group expression', 'importance of companionship and getting to know others, 'togetherness and shared identity', 'group entertainment', 'group support' and 'cognitive stimulation through the group'. The interconnecting relationship between these themes are synthesised and summarised. Conclusion:Findings support the notion that therapeutic advantages inherent to the group format exist in group-based CST. New insights into the challenges related to a group format are also highlighted and discussed.Future research may benefit from exploring the relationship between the identified experiences of group interactions and clinical outcomes.

A feasibility randomised control trial of individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) for dementia: impact on cognition, quality of life and positive psychologyObjectives: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a 14-session programme of individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) for people with dementia (PWD). It addressed potential limitations in previous literature of iCST and evaluated possible impact on cognition, quality of life (QoL) and positive psychology.Method: The 14-session iCST programme was developed using existing manuals for group and individual CST and consultation with experts in the field. Thirty-three PWD were recruited from care homes and randomly assigned to iCST (14, 45-min sessions) or treatment as usual (TAU) over seven weeks. Outcomes measures were assessed at baseline and follow-up after the intervention. Results:The intervention appeared feasible with high attendance to sessions, minimal levels of attrition, and ease of recruitment. Analysis of covariance indicated significant improvements in cognition (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale) for PWD receiving iCST compared to TAU. There were no significant differences between groups on follow-up scores on the standardised Mini Mental State Examination, measures of positive psychology or selfand proxy-reported QoL. Conclusion:A 14-session programme of iCST delivered by professionals was feasible and acceptable to PWD and may provide benefits to cognition. A larger randomised control trial would be necessary to fully evaluate intervention impact on cognition, as well as QoL and positive psychology.

The VIG-Dem has good psychometric properties and may provide a useful tool in dementia care research and practice.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the suspension of community-based dementia services worldwide, where evidence-based interventions for dementia, like Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), were delivered. Treatment access is paramount during the pandemic and beyond for people with dementia to maintain functioning and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual, 14-session program of Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (V-iCST) in the UK.Method: A single-blind feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in the UK. Thirty-four people with mild to moderate dementia were recruited from dementia organizations and networks. Seventeen were randomly assigned to receive V-iCST (14, 45-min sessions) and 17 to treatment as usual (TAU) over seven weeks. Feasibility and acceptability data, for example, recruitment, attrition, attendance, adverse effects, and fidelity, were collected. Outcome measures on cognitive function, quality of life (QoL), mood, and communication were collected pre and post-test. Analysis of covariance was used to compare changes in V-iCST and TAU. Result:We have successfully completed recruitment. Results on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy will be available at the conference. Conclusion:We hypothesize that V-iCST is feasible and acceptable and will have positive effects on cognitive, QoL, mood, and communication. Findings will be available at the conference.