Guided by The Connect Method®
The Connect Method® is a registered framework developed by neurological physiotherapist Amanda Burnby. It combines dementia research, neurorehabilitation principles, and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy to help families support thinking, communication, confidence, and connection at home.
What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention recommended within international dementia care guidelines and delivered in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Suitable for people living with mild to moderate dementia, Connect at Home™ provides the structured guidance, resources, and support required to complete 21 CST-based activities at home.
Activities target cognitive domains commonly affected by dementia, including attention, language, memory, executive function, and communication.
Research has demonstrated benefits across cognition, communication, quality of life, mood, and social engagement. Home-based CST has also been associated with improved carer confidence, reduced caregiver burden, and positive shared experiences within everyday life.
Programs may be eligible for funding through Support at Home.
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
Free Resources for Clinics & Providers
A beautiful, calm DL flyer that includes 10 Simple Ways to Support Brain Health
SERVICES FLOWCHART
A flow chart to help healthcare professionals guide families towards dementia services and supports
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
"The entire program is great, made easier by the videos. I’ve felt supported the whole time."
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