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International Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Centre

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Puerto Rico

Contacts

Dr María E. Bidot-San Antonio, EdD
Geriatric Research and Education Centre-Department of Medicine
Medical Sciences Campus-University of Puerto Rico
Email address: maria.bidot@upr.edu

Dr Valerie Wojna, MD
Neurology Program
Medical Sciences Campus-University of Puerto Rico
Email address: valerie.wojna1@upr.edu

CST Research Projects

Translation, adaptation, and feasibility test of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) in Puerto Rico: Pilot Study.

A mixed research method and an exploratory study design were used. The study had two phases: one qualitative for the translation and cultural validation and a second quantitative in which implementation was carried out with older adults in two settings: a long-term care centre and a multiple activity centre. Results: A total of 40 older adults participated in the second phase and 95% of the participants were 70 years old or older. Changes in SLUMS was statistically significant (0.001). Changes were more evident in those with <12 years of education. On the other hand, changes were evident in QoL-AD scores but not were not statistically significant. Conclusions: CST has proven to be effective in improving cognition and quality of life in adults in the early stages of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. These results underscore the importance of considering interventions like CST in the care and management of patients with MCI and dementia and suggest the need for further research to further explore its long-term impact and its application in clinical and community settings.

Plans:

  1. Disseminate the research findings and the publication of the manual among health and behavioral professionals, direct service providers, and caregivers of older adults with MCI or early-stage dementia.
  2. Develop further research to identify changes in mental status (SLUMS) and depression with the Yesavage Depression Scale.

CST Publications

The translation and cultural adaptation of CST Manual was completed, and we are nearing the final stages and preparing to send it to print. We are in the process of drafting a professional article to submit the research findings to a peer-reviewed journal.