The impact of Virtual Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (V‐iCST) on cognition, quality of life, mood, and communication in dementia: a feasibility randomized controlled trial

Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to the suspension of community‐based dementia services worldwide, where evidence‐based interventions for dementia, like Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), were delivered. Treatment access is paramount during the pandemic and beyond for people with dementia to maintain functioning and well‐being. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual, 14‐session program of Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (V‐iCST) in the UK. Method A single‐blind feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in the UK. Thirty‐four people with mild to moderate dementia were recruited from dementia organizations and networks. Seventeen were randomly assigned to receive V‐iCST (14, 45‐min sessions) and 17 to treatment as usual (TAU) over seven weeks. Feasibility and acceptability data, for example, recruitment, attrition, attendance, adverse effects, and fidelity, were collected. Outcome measures on cognitive function, quality of life (QoL), mood, and communication were collected pre and post‐test. Analysis of covariance was used to compare changes in V‐iCST and TAU. Result We have successfully completed recruitment. Results on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy will be available at the conference. Conclusion We hypothesize that V‐iCST is feasible and acceptable and will have positive effects on cognitive, QoL, mood, and communication. Findings will be available at the conference.