Adapting Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) to a tablet system
 University of Nottingham |
United Kingdom |
| Early Stage Researcher (ESR5)
Harleen Rai
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Supervisor(s)
Prof. Martin Orrell
Prof. Justine Schneider
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| I have completed a BSc. in Psychology and a MSc. in Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology at the VU University in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
During my studies I have performed clinical research among older people with dementia as part of my thesis. In addition, I have interned at and worked for the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland to support the development of an online, worldwide tool geared towards caregivers of people with dementia. I am looking forward to being part of the INDUCT team as an Early Stage Researcher working on the project ‘Adapting Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) to a tablet system’.
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| Start date | September 2016 |
| Duration | 36 months |
Objectives
The objectives are to develop an interactive touch screen tablet version of CST which can be used for people with dementia and their carers, adapt it for Spain and the Netherlands, and evaluate the potential benefits. CST is a brief manualised evidence based psychological treatment for people with mild to moderate dementia which has been shown to improve cognition and quality of life. It is recommended by the 2011 (Alzheimer Disease International) World Alzheimer Report and is now in 25 countries and several languages. It is delivered with the aid of a training manual and a DVD in either a group or carer delivered format. Sessions aim to actively stimulate and engage people with dementia through game like activities, whilst providing an optimal learning environment and the social benefits of communication and interaction.
Expected Results
The ESR will develop methods for adapting CST to a computer interface and work with users and carers in Spain and the Netherlands to produce translated versions which are adapted to their cultural contexts. The evaluation will provide evidence for the effectiveness in terms of cognition and quality of life. The CST app can be produced and implemented in a variety of settings in the 3 countries lending itself to wider translations/adaptations across Europe and beyond.
Planned secondment(s)
Two 3 month secondments with (1) IDES a technology and service provision organisation in Spain to learn skills on computer interfaces and implementation in practice. (2) With the ADI in Indonesia (where group CST is already practiced successfully) learning about how best to work with people with dementia and their carers across cultures to ensure that the application is easy to use and feasible.
Dissemination
Publications
Rai, H., Orrel, M., Yates, L. (2018). Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine,34, pp 653-665. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749069018310036?dgcid=author
Conferences
Rai, H (2017, April) – INDUCT: Interdisciplinary Network for Dementia Using Current Technology. In WYLD Network Symposium – Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Young Investigators on the Road to a Holistic Approach to Dementia Prevention and Care. Symposium conducted at the 32nd International Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International, Kyoto, JP – http://www.adi2017.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/adi_kyoto2017_english_programmebook_online984553d4c06a60e6a166ff0000b1ca20.pdf?sfvrsn=0 – page 42
Blog
Dementia Day-to-Day blogs – Using technology for meaningful activities in dementia care – https://idea.nottingham.ac.uk/blogs/posts/using-technology-meaningful-activities-dementia-care
IMH Blog – First INDUCT School was a success! – https://imhblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/10/first-induct-school-was-a-success/
News
Alzheimer Europe newsletter September 2016 INDUCT is developing a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) – http://www.alzheimer-europe.org/News/EU-projects/Thursday-01-September-2016-INDUCT-is-developing-a-Cognitive-Stimulation-Therapy-CST
IMH Newsletter April /May 2017 – INDUCT (Interdisciplinary Network for Dementia using Current Technology)- http://www.institutemh.org.uk/images/IMH_Newsletter_-_April-May_2017_v1.0.pdf – page 5
INDUCT newsletter Spring 2017 – ‘Breadcrumbs, burgers and bugs’ – https://www.dementiainduct.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/INDUCT-newsletter-Spring-2017.pdf – page 3
As training manager of INDUCT, I am responsible for the overall coordination and organization of the individual and network-wide training of our 15 ESRs. My main task is the organization of five INDUCT Summer and Winter Schools. Together with the local and management team, we identify needs and interests among the ESRs, compose a varied program for the week including training sessions, project meetings and social and networking events, invite academic and non-academic expert speakers, organize practical matters, and afterwards we evaluate the event, write a report, and try to incorporate all suggestions in our future training events.