Implementing Individual Cognitive

Stimulation Therapy for people

with dementia during COVID-19

Challenges for people with dementia and their carers during the covid-19 pandemic

Dementia is a chronic neurodegenerative brain disease. People living with dementia may experience many challenges in everyday living due to loss of memory, ability to perform everyday tasks, communication skills, and social participation. During the covid-19 pandemic, people with dementia are hardest hit due to the lockdown and social distancing. Having limited access to invaluable sources and support which take away people with dementia social skills and opportunities of participation in cognitive and psychosocial activities. The covid-19 pandemic may further lower well-being and increase anxiety and depressive symptoms in people living with dementia. As a result, they may need extra support from their family carers. Higher caring demands may increasingly cause emotional distress and burden amongst family carers. Therefore, it is important to support people with dementia to be mentally active during this challenging time.

Implementing home-based iCST for people with dementia

and their carers

Currently there is no “cure” for dementia. Therefore, cognitive, and psychosocial interventions play a vital role to maintain mentally active and promote independence in dementia. Home-based iCST is an evidence intervention offering mentally stimulating and enjoyable activities for people with dementia and their carers which enhance the caregiving relationship, improved carers QoL and reduced depressive symptoms.

Whilst many day centres and activities groups for people with dementia remaining closed during the covid-19 pandemic, home-based iCST is increasing importance for many people with dementia and their carers. The iCST intervention can be delivered by family carers or health professionals. It is great to see increasing numbers of health professionals including dementia advisors, supporters, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists and home care managers from NHS Trusts and voluntary organisations attending the iCST dementia training. Their enthusiasm in learning how to deliver the iCST intervention to people with dementia and their carers has been inspirational.

THE ESSEX PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST TEAM