No abstract

Objectives: The prevalence of dementia has been increasing particularly in developing countries. However, people with dementia (PwD) in Brazil are currently offered no psychosocial treatment upon diagnosis. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) that originated in the UK has proven benefits on cognition and quality of life in PwD. We investigate the possible issues for the implementation of CST for the Brazilian population and its cultural appropriateness.Method: Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with PwD, their caregivers and health professionals (n=37). Data were recorded and transcribed, before being analyzed using Framework Analysis.Results: Regarding the issues for implementation of CST in the Brazilian population, two main themes emerged, "Barriers" and "Facilitators", along with nine subthemes. Overall, the activities and materials were seen as being appropriate for use with the Brazilian population, some minor changes were suggested. Conclusions:The results indicate that CST is appropriate for use in the Brazilian population, only some cultural adaptations are necessary. In the stakeholders' opinions, CTS intervention is needed in Brazil, due to the lack of treatment options for PwD in developing countries.

Abstract

ObjectiveThe prevalence of dementia has been increasing particularly in developing countries but care provision is still limited in these regions. Psychosocial interventions are recognized as useful tools to improve cognitive and behavioral difficulties, as well as quality of life of people with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence‐based psychosocial intervention, recommended and implemented in many countries. In Brazil, there is no validated psychosocial intervention for dementia care. The present study aims to explore feasibility and obtain preliminary data on the efficacy of CST‐Brasil in a sample of 47 people with mild to moderate dementia attending an outpatient unit.MethodsA single‐blind design was used, with participants being randomly allocated to either 14 sessions of CST + treatment as usual (TAU; n = 23) or TAU (n = 24) during 7 weeks. Changes in cognition, quality of life, depressive symptoms, caregiver burden and functionality were measured.ResultsPwD receiving CST and their family caregivers expressed good acceptance of the intervention, with low attrition and high attendance. Participants receiving CST exhibited significant improvements in mood and in activities of daily living compared to TAU. There were no significant effects in cognition, quality of life and caregiver burden.ConclusionsCST‐Brasil proved to be a feasible and useful intervention to improve mood in PwD, with high acceptance between study participators. CST‐Brasil is a promising psychosocial intervention for dementia and should be explored in other clinical settings to allow generalization to a wider Brazilian context.