What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?

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Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is an approach for treating dementia or Alzheimer’s in adults. It uses memory and cognitive exercises in a group therapy setting. Therapists can use CST activities with individuals, but it’s not as effective.

Regular CST activities can improve the quality of life for people living with mild to moderate dementia and Alzheimer’s as much as some medications can.

Combined with various activities to stimulate memory and cognition, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy serves as an engaging social event for adults dealing with memory or cognitive concerns. Individuals within the group are encouraged to connect with their memories regarding specific events, such as holidays, vacations, days of the year, family gatherings, social events, and jobs.

A CST group could engage in a memory game, complete a puzzle, read an article, or watch a video about a current event and then discuss it together. CST is a welcoming group activity that makes adults feel safe and connected to others.

CST is generally offered two times a week for several weeks at a time.

In addition to exercises that stimulate social engagement, learning, and memory, CST promotes activities that can improve communication skills for adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Solomon Abebe, PMHNP-BC, APRN

Charlotte

North Carolina

I provide compassionate and holistic mental health care tailored to each individual’s needs. Specializing in conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma, I utilize evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Through virtual consultations, I ensure accessible care, developing personalized treatment plans that encompa...

Manhattan Mental Health Counseling

Durham

North Carolina

Manhattan Mental Health Counseling is a full-service therapy practice accepting many insurance plans. The therapists of the practice specialize in many topics including  anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-esteem, grief, trauma, PTSD, social anxiety, phobias, and LGBTQIA+ topics, among other issues. Manhattan Mental Health Counseling is committed to providing the highest level of…

K Drorit (Dee) Gaines

Beverly Hills

California

Dr. Dee Gaines is trained extensively in Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology and is involved in both clinical and research. She has conducted hundreds of diagnostic neuropsychological evaluations including forensic, dementia, brain-injury, combat-related PTSD, developmental disabilities, and severe mental health disorders, and received her training in institutions such as UCLA, Veterans...
Dr. Kadooka is an Executive Function & Wellness Life Coach. She uses a strength-based, developmental approach to support and promote adaptive self-regulation, self-awareness, flexible responding, goal-directed behavior, and neurological cortical efficiency. This approach is intended to address issues related to executive functioning (including ADHD-related symptoms), anxiety/stress management,...

Raisa M Rodriguez-Torres

New York

New York

( English | español ) I'm a latina/bilingual Social Worker. I specialized in Trauma, Managing Depression and Anxiety with young adults (18-35) and aging/geriatric adults (60+). I take pride in working with diverse individuals from all cultural backgrounds. As well, I’m also trained in Neurocognitive Disorders, specifically with Alzheimer’s. I have collaborated with caregivers of Alzheimer...