Iran

Contact

Dr. Sayyed Ahmad Reza Khatoonabadi
Associate Professor of Speech Therapy and Head of the Gerontology Department
School of Rehabilitation
Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)
Email: khatoonabadi@tums.ac.ir
Website: https://rehab.tums.ac.ir/

CST Research

We are proud to announce the official initiation and development of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) in Iran, led by our team at the prestigious Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).

Key Achievement: Cultural Adaptation and Translation (2022)

A significant milestone has been reached with the completion of the cultural adaptation and Farsi translation of the core CST workbooks. Under the supervision of Dr. Khatoonabadi, the three original books, "Making a Difference 1, 2, and 3," have been meticulously translated and adapted to be fully relevant and accessible for the Iranian population, considering linguistic nuances and socio-cultural contexts and were published by Setayesh Hasti Pub. This foundational work ensures that the therapy is delivered effectively and respectfully to Persian-speaking individuals living with dementia and their families.

Current and Future Directions

Our team is currently in the planning stages of a formal research study to implement and evaluate the efficacy of the culturally-adapted CST program within Iran's healthcare system. This study aims to:

• Validate the effectiveness of CST in improving cognitive function and quality of life for Iranians with dementia.
• Train a new cohort of healthcare professionals in the delivery of CST.
• Establish a sustainable framework for offering CST across rehabilitation centers and clinics in Iran. This project represents a crucial step forward in expanding evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions for dementia care in our country. We are committed to integrating CST into standard practice to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by dementia in Iran.

For collaborations, further information, or to express interest in our upcoming CST training and research, please contact Dr. Sayyed Ahmad Reza Khatoonabadi.