For people with dementia and carers

What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a structured program aimed at improving thinking skills, mental engagement, and quality of life for people with dementia. It consists of 14 sessions, held twice a week over seven weeks, either in person or online. Sessions are usually in small groups to encourage social interaction, but can also be done one-on-one. CST is designed as a treatment for people with mild to moderate dementia. Participants must be able to hear and see well enough to partake in discussions and view visual materials such as photographs. They should be able to remain in the session for 45 to 60 minutes.

Types of CST

Group CST is the original type of CST. It is administered by two trained facilitators in-person to a group of participants who meet the treatment criteria. Group CST is particularly beneficial as the treatment encourages socialisation and provides a supportive and safe environment for people with dementia. Group CST includes 14 sessions, each lasting about 45 to 60 minutes. The sessions are typically held twice a week for seven weeks, but the exact schedule can vary based on the availability of the location and the facilitators. Group CST is designed for small groups of fewer than ten people who have mild to moderate dementia. Group CST includes 14 sessions, each lasting about 45 to 60 minutes. The sessions are typically held twice a week for seven weeks, but the exact schedule can vary based on the availability of the location and the facilitators. Group CST is designed for small groups of fewer than ten people who have mild to moderate dementia.

Group CST

Maintenance CST

Maintenance CST (mCST) is conducted following the completion of Group CST. It is a longer-term treatment conducted weekly for 24 sessions. The sessions are structured similarly to Group CST.

Individual CST

Individual CST (iCST) is designed for those who are unable to attend Group CST sessions. Sessions last 30 minutes and are held three times a week for 25 weeks and are administered by care partners or family members. Participanting in iCST can improve and strengthen these relationships.

Virtual CST

Virtual CST (vCST) is held in small groups online. Virtual CST is beneficial as it allows for more diverse groupings of people, which can lead to stimulating conversation.

What happens in CST sessions?

CST sessions are delivered by two trained facilitators. Sessions begin with a welcome, orientation and warm-up activity. Each session follows a different theme and involves activities which can be tailored to the location, interests and needs of participants. Some examples include word association, discussion of current events, picture-based activities, physical movement or baking. Participants are encouraged to make the group their own through choosing a name and theme song for the group. During sessions there is often shared refreshments and time for an informal chat. Care partners do not attend CST sessions, but some providers may offer carer or peer support sessions while CST is being delivered.

How does CST work?

CST uses a variety of materials and hands-on activities to stimulate cognitive function and actively engage participants. CST uses 18 key principles to support mental stimulation and social interaction. The activities in the CST treatment reinforce thinking, encourage new learning and improve self-confidence and social skills.

What are the benefits of CST?

CST has been shown to have several benefits. CST can improve cognition and language skills, which helps to slow the progression of dementia. Participants also experience improved mental health, with many participants reporting feeling less anxious and depressed. CST encourages interaction with others and engagement in conversation, which can strengthen social skills and confidence. These combined effects can lead to improved quality of life for participants.

History of CST in Australia

CST was initially developed in the United Kingdom (UK), led by Professor Aimee Spector at the University College London (UCL). It emerged from a growing body of evidence that emphasised the importance of non-pharmacological interventions for dementia. Researchers have since reviewed non-pharmaceutical dementia treatments and combined key elements to enhance CST’s effectiveness. Today, CST is used in 39 countries and includes numerous cross-cultural adaptations. Since 2006, CST has been implemented in Australian residential services, hospital wards, transition care services, and social groups. In 2013, Sydney's Aged Care Psychiatry Department demonstrated that CST material can be adapted for an Australian context. By 2015, the Australian CST Handbook was published to guide CST delivery. In 2016, the Whiddon Group in NSW and QLD began CST groups through the program Chat, Stories and Tea. In South Australia, occupational therapy students deliver CST annually in aged care settings within their coursework. Resthaven Incorporated has been providing CST groups in the Making Minds Matter program which was developed in 2019 through a project with Occupational Therapy students from University of South Australia. In 2022, Canberra Health Services and the University of Canberra, incorporated CST into a wellbeing program for people with dementia and their care partners. The Sustainable Personalised Intervention for Cognition, Care and Engagement (SPICE) is based at the University of Canberra Hospital.