title: The impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups on people with dementia: views from participants, their carers and group facilitators.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) can lead to significant improvements in cognitive function and quality of life for people with dementia. This study sought to investigate whether improvements found in clinical trials were also noted by people with dementia, their carers and group facilitators in everyday life.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with people attending CST groups, their carers and the group facilitators. Data were recorded and transcribed, before being analysed using Framework Analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two main themes emerged, 'Positive experiences of being in the group' and 'Changes experienced in everyday life', along with seven sub-themes. The overall experience of attending CST was seen as being emotionally positive and most participants reported some cognitive benefits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings lend further support to previous quantitative findings, as well as providing information about the personal experience of CST.
authors: Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK. a.spector@ucl.ac.uk
authors: Aimee
authors: A
authors: Spector
authors: Charlotte
authors: C
authors: Gardner
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Orrell
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003704:Dementia / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011788:Quality of Life