What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based program used in over 40 countries worldwide and recommended within international dementia guidelines.
Through structured therapist-guided activities, CST supports areas of thinking commonly affected by dementia, including memory, attention, word finding, planning, and recall.
The home CST program is completed together with a family member or trusted support person, helping strengthen confidence, connection, and shared wellbeing, while also reducing carer stress.
Programs may be eligible for funding through Support at Home.
How Does is Work?
The Connect at Home™ program includes 21 carefully designed structured activities to complete at home. Each session takes around 20 minutes and is designed to be completed 2–3 times per week with a family member or trusted support person.
A printed manual, carefully prepared high-quality activity resources, curated support package, and private community group are provided, along with 3 months of coaching support from me.
The program combines the evidence-based CST framework with neurorehabilitation principles through thoughtfully designed adult-oriented activities that support meaningful conversation, confidence, neuroplasticity, and continued use of strengths and abilities.
It is particularly valuable in the early to middle stages of dementia, providing an enjoyable way for families to support connection, cognitive skills, and wellbeing together.
Due to the preparation involved in each resource package, numbers are limited and intakes are offered twice yearly.
See What a Session May Look Like
This short video provides an example of what a Connect at Home session may look like.
Research and Outcomes
CST is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention recommended within international dementia care guidelines and provided in 40+ countries.¹
Targets areas of thinking commonly affected by dementia, including communication, attention, planning, problem solving, and memory.²
Based on neuroplasticity principles — meaningful cognitive, sensory, and social stimulation help strengthen support brain networks (“use it or lose it”).³
Cognitive and social engagement helps strengthen neural connections and supports cognitive reserve, helping the brain function despite changes.⁴
Environmental enrichment research shows regular stimulation supports brain networks involved in learning, attention and flexible thinking.⁵
Research has shown benefits across cognition, communication, confidence, mood, social interaction, and overall quality of life for people with dementia.⁶
Home-based CST research has shown benefits for carer confidence, wellbeing, and positive shared experiences within everyday home life.⁷
Professional Feedback
NEUROLOGY PROFESSOR
"I can see the high value in this"
HOME CARE COORDINATOR
"[client] has gained a lot from this program. I can see the difference it has made in her life "
GERIATRICIAN
"This is an excellent program"
Family Feedback
HUSBAND
"I wish we had this information when we first received a diagnosis."
WIFE & DAUGHTER
"These activities brought our family closer together, they are so much fun."
WIFE
"No one explained things the way you did. You make complex information easy to understand."
Meet Amanda
Amanda is a neurological physiotherapist, dementia consultant, and founder of Dementia ConnectEd™, with over 25 years’ experience in neurological & gerontology rehabilitation.
-
Evidence-based Cognitive Stimulation Therapy programs
-
Dementia education and practical family support strategies
-
Postgraduate training in dementia and health leadership
-
Creator of The Connect Method™ framework
-
Focus on the person and the family/support network
-
Renound for making dementis simple to understand
-
Presenter for GPs, healthcare professionals, aged care providers, carer groups, and community organisations
-
Speaker at dementia education events, professional forums, podcasts, and Young Onset Dementia initiatives
Book a complimentary 15-minute professional discussion call below to learn more about Amanda’s programs and referral pathways.
Resources For Clinics & Providers
A beautiful, calm DL flyer that includes 10 Simple Ways to Support Brain Health
A3 FLOW CHART
A simple guide designed to help healthcare providers connect families with appropriate dementia services and supports.
Reference List
-
Woods, B., Aguirre, E., Spector, A. E., & Orrell, M. (2012). Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD005562. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005562.pub2
-
Spector, A., Thorgrimsen, L., Woods, B., Royan, L., Davies, S., Butterworth, M., & Orrell, M. (2003). Efficacy of an evidence-based cognitive stimulation therapy programme for people with dementia. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 183(3), 248–254. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.183.3.248
-
Puderbaugh, M., & Emmady, P. D. (2023). Neuroplasticity. StatPearls Publishing.
-
Stern, Y. (2012). Cognitive reserve in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. The Lancet Neurology, 11(11), 1006–1012. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(12)70191-6
-
Baroncelli, L., Braschi, C., Spolidoro, M., Begenisic, T., Sale, A., & Maffei, L. (2010). Nurturing brain plasticity: Impact of environmental enrichment. Cell Death & Differentiation, 17(7), 1092–1103. https://doi.org/10.1038/cdd.2010.34
-
Spector, A., Orrell, M., & Woods, B. (2010). Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST): Effects on different areas of cognitive function for people with dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25(12), 1253–1258. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.2464
-
Orgeta, V., Qazi, A., Spector, A., & Orrell, M. (2015). Psychological treatments for depression and anxiety in dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD009125. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009125.pub2