Understanding Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Are you seeking treatment for your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s? Cognitive stimulation therapy may provide the results you want. Keep reading to learn more about what this treatment is, how it works, and what benefits are associated with it.

What Is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?

Cognitive stimulation therapy—also known for its medical abbreviation of CST—is a short-term therapy program designed to treat people living with mild to severe dementia or Alzheimer’s. CST involves a series of tasks that stimulate and improve cognitive function. These brain stimulation activities can be conducted in individual or group settings and offer participants an opportunity for continued learning and social interaction.

How Does Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Work?

CST is a non-medicated alternative for treating cognitive symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Sessions are typically held twice weekly for seven or more weeks. CST can be administered by registered nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other related healthcare professionals. This treatment approach improves everything from the quality of life to memory, problem-solving, and communication in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

What is iCST?

iCST stands for individual cognitive stimulation therapy. This form of CST focuses on one patient at a time rather than multiple patients in a group setting. iCST is facilitated by either a family member or an at-home caregiver in a home setting. By taking a more personalized approach during sessions, iCST is beneficial for patients who respond better to care provided in one-on-one settings.

Common Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Activities

CST therapy activities encompass a series of tasks that people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s engage in to improve their cognitive function. These cognitive stimulation activities not only help patients to form connections with people who have a shared experience but improve cognitive functions such as mood and memory.

Some cognitive stimulation therapy exercises include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

  • Singing songs
  • Listening to music
  • Reading
  • Playing card and board games
  • Solving puzzles
  • Coloring or drawing
  • Solving math problems

Hand holding cut out paper of a brain with puzzle5 Benefits of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Cognitive stimulation therapy can significantly improve the lives of those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Here are the top five benefits of CST:

  1. Improved mood
  2. Reduced agitation
  3. Increased social engagement
  4. Improved quality of life
  5. Improved cognitive function (i.e. problem-solving, memory, attention span, language skills, reasoning, planning)

Award-winning Memory Care Community

At Terra Vista, we understand that caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task that should never be managed alone. That’s why our skilled caregivers and administrative staff are here to take the stress of providing quality dementia care off your plate.

As Oakbrook Terrace’s premier memory care community, Terra Vista is an expert in providing the compassionate, customized dementia care or Alzheimer’s care your loved one deserves. All you have to do is be there for them, and our memory care experts will take care of the rest so you can have peace of mind knowing your loved one is in the best possible hands. When you choose Terra Vista as your memory care facility, you’re never alone. We’ll be there for you and your loved one every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.

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