Individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) for people with intellectual disability and dementia: a feasibility randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives

To examine the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) in people with intellectual disability (ID) and dementia.

Method

We aimed to recruit forty dyads (carer and individual with dementia and ID) who were randomised to iCST or a waiting list control group. Both groups received treatment as usual. Family and paid carers delivered the manualised intervention (40 sessions over 20 weeks). Recruitment and retention of participants, intervention adherence, fidelity and acceptability were assessed. Outcome measures of cognition, adaptive functioning, quality of life (QoL) and carer outcomes were collected at baseline, midpoint (11 weeks) and at 21 weeks. Qualitative interviews were conducted with six carers about their experience of iCST.

Results

Forty dyads were recruited over 10 months from 12 National Health Service trusts. One dyad dropped out and 87.5% and 97.5% completed the midpoint and end-point assessments respectively. Assessment of fidelity indicated that the correct session structure was not followed; 70% completed at least 20 sessions and there was a high level of satisfaction with iCST. QoL was significantly higher in the iCST arm at 21 weeks (adjusted mean difference: 3.11; 95% CI: 0.64 to 5.58). There were no differences in the other outcome measures.

Conclusion

The intervention was feasible and acceptable. A full-scale trial is warranted but some modifications are needed, including improved training and supervision for carers to improve fidelity.

Keywords:

• Dementia
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
• intellectual disabilities
• Down Syndrome
• feasibility study

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.