Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) has shown to have significant benefits in improving the cognitive function and quality of life (QOL) in people with mild-to-moderate dementia in a UK randomized controlled trial (RCT). We developed and examined the Japanese version of group CST (CST-J) in a single-blind, controlled clinical trial.CST-J consisting of 14 sessions was administered to a treatment group (n = 26) twice a week for 7 weeks. The treatment group was compared with a control group (n = 30). Based on single-blindness, cognition was evaluated by a researcher, and QOL and mood were rated by the participants themselves. Additionally, QOL and mood of participants were rated by care workers who were not blind but who observed them most directly in their daily life (important for social validity).A linear mixed model was used for analyses of cognition and QOL. There were significant improvements in cognition [COGNISTAT (Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination) and MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)] for the treatment group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Regarding QOL, the EQ-5D was significant (p = 0.019) and the QoL-AD (Quality of Life - Alzheimer's Disease) showed a positive trend (p = 0.06) when rated by care workers, although not when rated by the participants themselves. Using a nonparametrical analysis, there were significant improvements in the face scale for mood when rated by both the participants (p < 0.01) and the care workers (p = 0.017).The CST-J shows promising improvements in cognition, mood, and aspects of QOL for people with dementia in Japanese care settings. A large RCT is now needed.

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.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.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.The findings lend further support to previous quantitative findings, as well as providing information about the personal experience of CST.

In organs other than the brain, cell activation seems to increase "wear and tear," e.g., by increased free-radical formation, and so to cause an increased rate of aging. However, activation of nerve cells within the physiological range seems to lead to maintenance of neurons during aging and in Alzheimer's disease, possibly by preferentially stimulating the action of protective mechanisms such as DNA repair. This "use it or lose it" principle might explain why certain neurons degenerate in aging or Alzheimer's disease while others do not, and why recovery of various neuronal systems during aging has been obtained by restoration of the missing stimulus. Consequently, neuronal activation might provide a means of prolonging its optimal function for the full length of our natural life span.