iCST Web-application for People With Dementia

In the UK, over 670,000 older people are living with dementia which has a substantial, multi-level impact on society, the person with dementia, and their carers. There is a need for an increase in the availability of psychological therapies since people with dementia can face difficulties with staying mentally stimulated and engaged. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) offers a person based approach and can help to relieve some of these problems. It is a brief manualised evidence based psychological treatment for people with mild to moderate dementia which has shown to improve cognition and quality of life. CST is currently available in both a group and individualised format called iCST. It is worthwhile to explore a computerised version of iCST since it would take together the added value of computer use and the beneficial effects of iCST which might produce combined, positive effects on cognition and quality of life. The investigators have spoken to people with dementia and their carers who are keen on using technology to stay mentally active and stimulated. This study sets out to develop and evaluate the potential benefits of an iCST web-application within a feasibility study. The effects on cognition and quality of life between (a) usual care and (b) iCST web-application over 11 weeks will be compared. A web-application is a website which can easily be accessed on and is compatible with computers and tablets. In order to create the most appropriate and practical web-application, the research team will work closely together with people with dementia, their carers, and the software company. An iCST web-application will compliment traditional CST by making it even more accessible since technology users will be able to access it easily on their device. Furthermore, a computerised version of iCST will by highly relevant for upcoming generations who have grown up with the use of technology.