COGNITIVE STIMULATION THERAPY RESEARCH [INTRODUCTION TO DEMENTIA AND AGING]
Creating memories is one of the brain's most remarkable functions. By relying on an intricate network of connected nerve cells in different parts of the brain, an experience can be recorded, stored like a biological file stuffed with emotions and sensory legacies and thus, recalled at will (Alzheimer's Research Foundation [ARF], 2011). However, growing old can never be denied. All aging humans will develop some degree of decline in cognitive capacity as the time progresses (Gossard, 2012). Perhaps the most widely acknowledged psychological change with age is the decline in memory (Mather & Carstensen, 2005).
One of the common signs of this debility is forgetfulness where most people experience occasional lapses in memory. Such alteration might be frustrating to some older adults but this tends not to be disabling (Smith, Robinson & Segal, 2012). However, some would go through the irreversible deterioration of intellectual abilities which is not anymore claimed to be a normal part of aging. This refers to the so-called dementia.
Dementia is a group of symptoms where there is a loss of brain function that affects most of its critical functions --- memory, thinking, language, judgment, reasoning, and behavior. The decline in these areas would eventually impair one's functional abilities to carry out everyday activities even to the simpliest ones. Recalling and retrieving of words, attention, and orientation can also become common problems with dementia.
The Dementia Society of the Philippines (DSP) in 2006 reported that dementia has been a public health emergency and a scientific challenge in developed and developing countries. both of its incidence and prevalence are rising, escalating exponentially with the increasing age. It affects about one percent of people aging 60 - 64 years and as many as thirty to fifty percent of people older than 85 years. It is the leading reason for placing elderly people in institutions such as nursing homes (Hale & Frank, 2012). It is associated with higher mortality of 2.3 cases per 100 people, and is a major cause of functional dependence (DSP, 2006). It has also been reported that over twenty-six million people worldwide have dementia, and over fifteen million individuals will be affected by the year 2050.
Dementia has been overlooked even by skilled clinicians. A lot of these incidents have led to the worsening progression of the disease which some would manifest vague signs and symptoms that may cause unnecessary medical work-ups and even costly utilization of hospital care. with the rising number of people diagnosed with such syndrome, the need to develop stimulating interventions that may assist in slowing down its progression is very necessary.
One of the most notable treatment methods is the utilization of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) designed by Aimee Spector (2003) where psychological activities are incorporated in the therapy to enhance not only the mental functioning but also the quality of life of people with mild to moderate dementia. CST is a brief group therapy which is based on the theoretical concepts of reality orientation training and cognitive stimulation. In 2006, the National Institute for Health and clinical Experience (NIH-CE) advocated that the people with mild to moderate dementia of all types should be given the opportunity to participate in a structured group cognitive stimulation programme which would be commissioned and provided by a range of health and social workers with training and supervision. NIH-CE also added that this should be delivered irrespective of any anti-dementia drug received by the person with dementia.
As being studied by the researchers, dementia has been faced with a lot of misunderstandings that it is a natural part of aging, that it only affects older people and that nothing can be done to help people live well with it. It has also been attached with a stigma that has caused discrimination in people affected with the disease (Alzheimer's Society, 2011). People with dementia should be given with the most appropriate treatment and management through clear understanding of what dementia really is and how important the early diagnosis would be. The research significantly aims to enhance the awareness of the people, most especially the caregivers and the other healthcare team members, that it is not a normal part of aging and that it can be advocated through a lot of therapeutic intercessions that would include cognitive stimulation. The study also aspires to eradicate or at least reduce the people's discernment.about dementia. Enhancing the people's ability to recognize dementia is the key first step toward improving the widespread situation.
