Cognitive Stimulation in Daily Activities for People Living With Early to Middle Stage Dementia

Cognitive Stimulation in Activities of Daily Living for Individuals Living With Mild-to-Moderate Dementia (CS-ADL): a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

The goal of this study is to test the effect of CS-ADL is on people living with early to middle stage dementia. The study also aims to evaluate the feasibility of conducting larger-scale research of CS-ADL.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• What is the effect of CS-ADL on the ability of people with early to middle stage dementia to carry out their everyday activities?
• What is the effect of CS-ADL on the memory, mood, communication, and quality of life of people living with early to middle stage dementia? What is the feasibility of conducting large-scale research of CS-ADL?

Participants will take part in a group program that lasts 7 weeks, with one session per week, lasting two hours. Participants will take part in rewarding and stimulating activities, for example discussion, reminiscence, music, and practical activities such as baking, cooking, gardening. Participants will be asked to complete a variety of questionnaires before and after taking part in the group.

Researchers will compare a group receiving CS-ADL to a group receiving their usual care, to explore whether CS-ADL works well in comparison to typical treatment provided by the health services.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must have a formal diagnosis of major neurocognitive disorder (dementia) as per the DSM-V criteria.
• Participants must have a mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment as classified by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
• Participants must have some ability to communicate and understand communication, determined by a score of 1 or 0 on questions 12 and 13 of the Clifton Assessment Procedures for the Elderly-Behaviour Rating Scale.
• Participants must be able to see and hear well enough to participate in the group.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with severe dementia, i.e., an MMSE<10, will be excluded as most CS interventions are not applicable for those with severe cognitive impairment.
• Participants will be excluded if they have significant uncontrolled disruptive behaviours.
• Premorbid diagnosis of a learning disability.
• A significant physical illness/disability that may affect participation during intervention sessions or assessments.