What if there was a program that could help improve thinking skills, boost confidence, and reduce isolation for people living with dementia…and participants actually describe it as fun?
That program exists. It’s called Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST for short), and it’s become one of the things I’m most passionate about in my work as a dementia doula.
What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
CST is a structured program designed for people with mild to moderate dementia. It involves small group activities that stimulate thinking, memory, language, and social interaction.
And here’s what I love about it – it doesn’t feel like therapy. That might sound like a small thing, but it matters a lot. People living with dementia can sometimes feel anxious about being tested or put on the spot. CST isn’t that. Participants consistently describe it as fun, engaging, and social, and that enjoyment is actually part of what makes it work.
What actually happens in a session?
Sessions run in small groups, with participants at similar ability levels so everyone feels comfortable and no one is left behind. Activities might include themed discussions, word games, reminiscence activities, creative problem-solving, shared conversations around current events or pictures, gentle movement, and sensory experiences.
One of my favourite things about running these sessions is what I witness in the participants. I run CST as a one-to-one program with someone at the moment, and honestly, it just makes me feel so amazing. The first couple of weeks, she was a little unsure – and that’s completely understandable. But once we got into the themed sessions, bringing in some physical activity, laughing and having fun, something shifted.
She really loves coming to each session now. And what she said to me in about week two has stayed with me. She said that everything about dementia feels sad, negative and depressing…but CST is something she genuinely looks forward to in her week, because she knows it will be fun.
That’s it. That’s why this program matters. The goal is never to test people or put them on the spot – it’s to create a space where engagement happens naturally, and where someone living with dementia gets to feel joy, connection, and something to look forward to.
What does the research say?
CST is one of the most well-researched non-pharmacological interventions available for people with mild to moderate dementia. It was developed in the UK by Professor Aimee Spector at University College London and is now delivered in 39 countries.
The research findings are fantastic:
- Benefits comparable to some dementia medications for thinking and everyday functioning
- Improvements in cognitive function and language skills
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced depression and anxiety
- Increased confidence and engagement
- Reduced social isolation.
That last point matters a lot. Loneliness and social withdrawal are significant risks for people living with dementia, and CST directly addresses both.
How is the program structured?
The standard CST program runs across 14 sessions, delivered twice a week over seven weeks, or weekly over 14 weeks. Each session has a different theme, and two trained facilitators run each group. The program is structured, but flexible, and sessions are tailored to the interests and abilities of the group.
Another thing I love about CST is that it can be delivered both in-person and online. That matters in a country like Australia, where access to services can vary enormously depending on where you live. I offer CST groups in person in north Brisbane, and virtually, so wherever you are, there’s an option available to you.
Why I offer CST as part of my work
Dementia support shouldn’t only focus on decline. It should also focus on joy, connection, and keeping the brain as active and engaged as possible for as long as possible.
When families tell us that their loved one is happy, talkative, or just a little more like themselves after a session, that’s what this work is about. CST gives people living with dementia the opportunity to engage, contribute, feel confident, and belong. And for carers, it provides an hour of breathing space too.
That’s why CST is one of the most important things I do in my business.
If you’d like to learn more about CST programs, including virtual CST, visit our Dementia Wellness website.
This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
