Cognitive stimulation is a non-pharmacological approach to support cognitive and social functioning in people with dementia. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence for the feasibility of cognitive stimulation in people with non-memory led dementias, and whether adaptations may accommodate individuals’ primary symptoms.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review, searching five databases (PsycINFO, MedLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cinhal Plus) for cognitive stimulation studies in people with non-memory led dementias specifically.
Results
Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on Parkinson’s related dementia (N = 7), and posterior cortical atrophy (N = 1). The studies included, five quantitative and three mixed-methods designs. Six studies reported on the effects of cognitive stimulation interventions on domains such as cognition and mood. The findings on cognitive stimulation for non-memory led dementias were generally mixed and were limited by studies with small sample sizes.
Conclusions
This review indicated the limited research on cognitive stimulation interventions for non-memory led dementias, with adaptations primarily focussed on just Parkinson’s related dementia. Future research could expand on existing adaptations for Parkinson’s related dementia by gathering additional insights from individuals with other non-memory led dementias, for example, posterior cortical atrophy, frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia, along with input from their caregivers and dementia care professionals. This approach may help adapt cognitive stimulation interventions to meet the unique cognitive needs associated with diverse dementia profiles.
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