Effectiveness of Weekly Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for People with Dementia and the Additional Impact of Enhancing CST with a Carer Training Programme

摘要

This thesis focuses on interventions for people with dementia and their carers. Part 1 of the thesis is a literature review examining the effectiveness of combined intervention programmes for people with dementia and their carers. A previous review examined literature published before 2005 and current review sought to update this review. The 18 papers retrieved from the review are presented according to the type of intervention they describe. The effectiveness of each type intervention was discussed followed by a consideration of the effectiveness of interventions for people with dementia and their carers according to different outcomes. Part 2 is an empirical study using a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of weekly Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and the additional effects of enhancing CST with a carer training program. Quantitative outcomes for people with dementia are reported. This paper forms part of a joint research study conducted with Jacobi (2013; Counselling Doctorate Trainee, City University) who will report quantitative outcomes for carers and evaluate the carer training program using a qualitative approach. Part 3 is a critical appraisal and discusses the factors that should be taken into account when interpreting non-significant research findings. A discussion of the ethical obligations of publishing non-significant research findings is also presented. Finally, the quality of the research study described in Part 2 is assessed. Consideration is given to the strengths and weaknesses of the research and a quality rating, using a formal assessment scale, is undertaken.