Group cognitive stimulation for care-home residents with dementia or mild cognitive impairment
Effectiveness of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Group for Residential Home Residents With Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment-- A Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will test whether a 14‑session group cognitive stimulation therapy helps older care‑home residents with dementia or mild cognitive impairment improve thinking, mood, activity, social engagement, and quality of life compared with a calligraphy activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | City University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07372066 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This multicenter, cluster‑randomized trial enrolls about 110 residents from SAGE old age homes in Hong Kong and randomizes activity groups to either a 14‑session Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group or a calligraphy control group. Outcomes including standardized measures of cognitive function, depressive symptoms, activity engagement, social functioning, and quality of life will be measured before, after, and at 3‑month follow‑up by blinded research staff. The study also tests whether increases in engagement during groups predict cognitive improvement. Groups are allocated 1:1 and assessments use validated instruments such as the MoCA‑5 minute screening for undiagnosed participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are residents aged 60 or older with a DSM‑5‑TR diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia who can participate independently in group activities and live in participating SAGE residential homes.
Not a fit: People with severe sensory impairments, disruptive behavior, major physical illnesses that require frequent hospitalization, or who cannot participate independently in group activities are unlikely to benefit and are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a low‑cost, group‑based way for care homes to improve residents' cognition, mood, engagement, social interaction, and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Prior randomized trials of group Cognitive Stimulation Therapy have reported modest, reproducible improvements in cognition and quality of life for people with dementia, though direct comparisons with activity controls in residential‑home settings are less frequently reported.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. age 60 years or older; 2. diagnosis of MCI or dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (Fifth edition, Text Revision). Remark: Participants who do not receive a diagnosis of MCI or dementia will undergo a screening assessment by a researcher using the Chinese Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-5 minutes. Exclusion Criteria: Those who are unable to participate independently in group activities, who exhibit disruptive behavior and/or are severely impaired by physical disabilities (e.g. severe hearing and visual impairment) and physical illnesses (e.g. frequent hospital stays) are excluded.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- SAGE Old Age Homes — Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kim-wan Daniel Young, PhD
- Email: dkwyoung@cityu.edu.hk
- Phone: +85234428954
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.