Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Offers Hope for Dementia

Free evidence-based group program promotes cognitive function in individuals with mild to moderate dementia

LAS VEGAS, August 26, 2022 – Dignity Health Wellness Centers in southern Nevada are seeking individuals suffering from mild to moderate dementia to participate in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, a free, evidence-based group intervention program that promotes improved cognitive function in individuals with dementia. 

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: CST is an evidence-based group intervention for individuals with mild to moderate dementia that promotes cognitive function through conversation, socialization, and physical activity. Participants meet as a group for an hour, twice a week, across seven weeks, in structured sessions featuring a range of enjoyable activities that provide stimulation for thinking, concentration and memory. 

Slowing dementia’s progression: CST has the potential to slow the progression of dementia symptoms, allowing participants to enjoy a higher quality of life for longer periods of time, more positive interactions with family, less dependence on others, and the ability to maintain their independence. CST can be equally as effective, and more cost effective, as some expensive dementia medications. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions at Dignity Health Wellness Centers are offered free of charge. 

Why it matters: More than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide. Nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed every year. Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among seniors. Becker’s Hospital Review recently reported on an August study in The Lancet Psychiatry that showed dementia among the ailments being suffered by some victims of Long-COVID. 

New sessions are being offered at three Wellness Center locations across the Las Vegas valley. Previous sessions of this free, seven-week course have shown remarkable participant results. 

Success stories: Dignity Health Wellness Centers began offering CST therapy sessions in January 2022. Caretakers report positive changes in previous participants who successfully completed the course: 

• The participants report feeling more like real people
  
• Participants feel they have better focus and improved recall 
• CST provides a safe place for participants to relax from the stress of their memory loss
• Participants benefit from connecting with others dealing with similar symptoms and memory loss
• Family members report improved cognition and more positive interactions with family at home
• Caregivers also report elevated mood in participants on CST class days. Some who before were unable to remember what day it was, now wake in the morning knowing it is a CST session day looking forward to the experience. 

By the numbers: As facilitators conduct CST sessions, they are able to observe first-hand improvements in participant mood and mental status. The course includes professional evaluations at the beginning and end of the CST course to measure status and progress. 

• 77 percent of participants in Dignity Health Wellness Center classes in the May/June session showed improvement in scores for Mental Status
  
• 75 percent scored lower levels of depression
• 40 percent showed an increase in Quality of Life scores. 

Improved results benefit both participants and their families, who are also dealing with the effects of a difficult dementia diagnosis. Improved cognition often leads to improved family relationships. 

New classes are forming now. CST sessions are limited to eight participants. Call (702) 616-4992 for more information or to register. 

Additional information on CST from the St. Louis University School of Medicine.

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About Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican:

As the community’s only not-for-profit, faith-based health system, Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican has been guided by the vision and core values of the Adrian Dominican Sisters since 1947. As the Henderson and Las Vegas communities grow, the St. Rose Dominican health system and its nearly 4,000 employees will continue the Sisters’ mission of serving people in need. St. Rose Dominican is a member of the multi-state Dignity Health network of 10,000 physicians, more than 60,000 employees, 41 acute care hospitals and 400-plus care-centers including neighborhood hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, and primary care clinics.