This study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) for an evidence-based intervention for people with moderate to severe dementia. The psychosocial intervention is adapted from Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and developed within the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework.

The World Health Organization calls for an increase of psychosocial interventions for dementia-a global epidemic. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is the only non-pharmacological therapy recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for improving cognition for mild to moderate dementia. However, there is little guidance on how to maximise cognition for severe dementia. Advanced Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (ACST) will be the first evidence-based complex intervention for moderate to severe dementia developed within the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework and building upon CST's key principles. This feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to 1) evaluate the feasibility of ACST 2) explore if ACST can improve the cognitive function, and QoL, as well as other outcomes including behaviour, engagement, and communication, for people with moderate to severe dementia. A sample of 32 participants will be recruited, where 16 will be randomly allocated to ACST, and 16 to treatment as usual (TAU). Data will be collected pre and post the 7-week intervention period. Improving cognition and QoL for people with moderate to severe dementia is vital because dementia's prevalence is projected to reach 152 million by 2050, resulting in excessive excess disability.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18
2. Diagnosis of dementia, according to the DSM-IV
3. SMMSE ≤ 12
4. Ability to communicate in English
5. Ability to complete outcome measures
6. Not having major physical illness or disability that affects participation
7. Consultee is willing and able to provide written informed consent if the participant is not able to provide consent.
8. Ability to remain in a group for around an hour (e.g. no challenging behaviour)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Illness and disability that affects participation (as deemed by the researcher or attending care home staff)
2. SMMSE < 5
3. Participation in other psychosocial intervention studies

Study results and IPD will be published in a doctoral thesis, peer-reviewed journals, and presented at conferences, and disseminated to the public through information sheets. Participants who indicate their interest in receiving further information regarding dissemination will be sent a letter with the main findings of the study upon completion. Other researchers can email authors for IPD.

Upon study completion

Email authors

Single-blind. Assessor will be blinded to the study. Due to the nature of the intervention, the facilitator and participants cannot be blinded