Remedying Mild Cognitive Impairment with Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: A Trial Study in Pakistan

Abstract

Present study aimed to explore if Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is effective for better cognitive functioning and quality of life (QoL) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Sample comprised of 41 participants shortlisted to 24 consenting participants, assigned to treatment and waitlist control groups. Participants age range was 50 to 75 years (M = 56.48, SD = 7.09) and they met criteria for mild cognitive impairment (Peterson’s, 2004). Participants were from Punjab, Pakistan. ABA (within and between groups) research design was employed in this outcome study and assessed cognitive function and QoL through Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) and QoL in Alzheimer’s disease (QoL-AD). The therapy consisted of 14 biweekly sessions over a period of 8 weeks with pre- and post-intervention sessions and 2-month follow-up assessment. The therapy proved effective in the management of MCI. Improvements in cognitive function and QoL were more pronounced at the post session rather than at follow-ups particularly for QoL. We propose more CST sessions should be used or group CST should be supplemented with individual sessions with interventions targeting coping with stress so that longer lasting impact could be seen in cognitive function and QoL. Waitlist control group was offered CST, after sessions were over for the treatment group.