Results from the open-label, single-center, clinical study assessing the efficacy and safety of a group cognitive stimulation therapy in Russian-speaking patients with the moderate dementia stage of Alzheimer's disease

Introduction. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) used worldwide to treat cognitive impairment has recently attracted interest of Russian medical and scientific minds. However, when applied to Russian-speaking patients with dementia, CST requires adaptation. Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Russian-language version of CST for Russian-speaking patients with Alzheimer’s disease at the stage of moderate dementia.

Materials and мethods. 8 participants involved into the trial were residents of social care center ZILANT diagnosed as dementia patients with Alzheimer’s, aged 76 ± 10.8 years, with the median MMSE score identified 17 ± 5.0. Before implementing the main course of CST developed by E. Spector et al we translated and localized it for Russian patients. The patients undergoing CST were assessed for the state of cognitive functions, everyday activity, mental symptoms, as well as enjoyment and involvement. One of the recruited patients was excluded due to restlessness and anxiety.

Results. Seven patients had significantly improved on ADAS-Cog scale (p = 0.002), Lowton&Brody and ADCS-ADL. The NPI scale indicated a reduction in symptoms of delirium and apathy which contributed to a reduction in antipsychotic dosages and a corresponding decrease in caregiver’s distress. The most striking indicator of CST effectiveness was improvements in the patient’s mood and satisfaction, which we view significant in everyday life and as an indicator of CST safety.

Conclusion. The Russian-language version of CST proved effective and safe for moderate dementia patients with Alzheimer’s and can be recommended for implementing in clinical practice. This opens up prospects for studying CST as part of various drug strategies in treatment of dementia of various origins.