Cognitive stimulation in activities of daily living for individuals living with mild-to-moderate dementia: a pilot trial
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Publication Date
2024-12-12
Type
master thesis
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Abstract
Background and objectives: CS-ADL (Cognitive Stimulation in Activities of Daily Living) is an occupational therapist-led group cognitive stimulation program for people living with mild-tomoderate dementia. It aims to enhance and maintain participants’ skills in activities of daily living (ADLs). Previous research has identified participants and caregivers perceive CS-ADL to be an acceptable and beneficial intervention; however, research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention. This study investigated the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial comparing the effect of CS-ADL to treatment-as-usual (TAU). Methodology: A pilot, parallel, non-randomised controlled design was used. Data regarding participants’ ADL functioning, cognition, communication, quality of life (QOL) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) were collected at baseline and follow-up. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Thirteen participants were allocated to the intervention group and three were allocated to the control group. A significant reduction in caregiver burden was observed in the treatment group at follow-up (p=0.04). A significant correlation between baseline cognitive functioning and changes in ADL functioning at follow-up was also identified in the treatment group (p=0.03). There were no other significant findings. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest CS-ADL may reduce caregiver burden and provide greater benefit to ADL outcomes for individuals with less severe cognitive impairment. However, no significant changes in ADL functioning were observed in this study. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings. In addition, challenges in recruitment suggest modification of the study design is required to enhance feasibility and rigour of future trials.
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Publisher
University of Galway