iCST is a one-on-one intervention that uses theme-based sessions to actively stimulate and engage an individual living with dementia. Adapted from Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), a group intervention for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia, iCST focuses on exercising the brain by stimulating thinking and new ideas.
With generous funding from the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation, Alzheimer’s San Diego is thrilled to be offering activity kits equipped with all the materials needed to facilitate activities to care partners. These structured, themed activities have been shown to help improve memory, attention, reasoning, language, and cognitive skills while being used.
The kits include a workbook with activity sheets that range in themes from childhood reminiscence to music to world travel. It will also have accessories such as colored pencils, whiteboard, items for physical activity, and more.
Using the kits, care partners can guide their person living with dementia through activities designed to prompt memories and thoughts, thereby stimulating their working memory. The dynamic mental exercises can engage the person with dementia to think new thoughts, tell stories, and work other latent socialization skills. These meaningful and proven activities will activate their minds while also enhancing the bonds with their care partner. Research of CST has shown a positive impact on concentration, memory, mood, socialization skills, quality of life, self-esteem, confidence, and language skills.
The kits are designed for individuals living in the early to middle stages of the disease, but they are available for everyone. People with advanced dementia symptoms may not receive all the above benefits, but they may still get a lot of enjoyment from the activities.
Benefits of this program may include:
- Decreased feelings of depression and isolation due to dementia, which have been heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Increased mental stimulation and clearer thinking abilities for a short time.
- Enhanced ability of care partners to engage their person in cognitively stimulating activities, and to boost their physical activity and mood.
- Strengthened communication and connection between care partners and people living with dementia.
- Improved self-esteem and confidence through mental stimulation of the person living with dementia.
If you are interested in receiving a free kit or have questions, please email us at info@alzsd.org. We also welcome anyone interested to attend our free social activities and connections outings. Activities range from movement to music to reminiscence therapy.
This program and its activity kits were made possible through generous funding from the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation.
