Efficacy and predictors of cognitive stimulation therapy combined with pharmacotherapy for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial - Report - MDSpire
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Efficacy and predictors of cognitive stimulation therapy combined with pharmacotherapy for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial
Effectiveness and Predictors of Combining Cognitive Stimulation Therapy with Pharmacological Treatment in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Overview
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of modified cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) combined with standard pharmacotherapy in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Results indicated improvements in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and quality of life for the CST group compared to the control group, which received standard pharmacotherapy alone.
Background
Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of dementia, significantly impacting cognitive function and quality of life. Current pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy. Cognitive stimulation therapy has emerged as a promising approach to enhance cognitive and functional outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate AD.
Data Highlights
Measure
Study Group
Control Group
P-value
ADAS-Cog Score Change
-3.28
Baseline
< 0.001
ADL Score Change
-4.93
Baseline
0.006
QOL-AD Score Change
2.69
Baseline
0.002
Key Findings
The study included 80 patients with mild-to-moderate AD, with 75 completing the trial.
Modified CST combined with pharmacotherapy significantly improved ADAS-Cog scores compared to pharmacotherapy alone.
Significant improvements were also observed in activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL-AD) for the CST group.
Higher educational attainment, regular physical activity, and cognitive reserve were identified as independent predictors of CST efficacy.
The intervention consisted of 14 weekly 45-minute sessions of modified CST.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that integrating cognitive stimulation therapy with standard pharmacological treatment may enhance cognitive and functional outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusion
Combining cognitive stimulation therapy with pharmacological treatment may provide an approach to managing cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
