Effects of cognitive stimulation therapy for people with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Background: Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) has been used to improve cognitive function and reduce negative emotions. However, the efficacy of CST among the dementia population remains inconclusive. Aim: To analyze the efficacy of the CST among people with dementia. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, OVID (UpToDate), and Web of Science databases from the inception to October 18, 2021. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled effects of CST. Stata 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 26 studies were included. Overall, CST increased cognitive function (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66 to 1.28) and decreased depression (SMD: -0.18; 95% CI: - 0.33 to - 0.04). No significant effects were found for neuropsychiatric symptoms. Conclusions: Cognitive stimulation therapy effectively improves cognitive function and alleviates depression levels among people with mild-to-moderate dementia. Futures studies can consider a protocol combined with a rigorous study design to address the effects of CST. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the efficacy of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) among people with dementia. The results suggest that CST effectively improves cognitive function and alleviates depression levels, but it has no significant effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms.