The Outcome Of Using The Cognitive Stimulation Therapy On Demented Elderly In Malaysia

Abstract

The Malaysian government estimated that in 2013, 5.5% of the Malaysian population comprises of senior citizens aged 60 years old and above. Recent research had revealed that 14.3% of the older Malaysians are at risk of Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND; also known as dementia). As the elderly population increases gradually in the country, the chances of them suffering from MND are also expected to increase. MND is often associated with a decline in memory or thinking skills which are severe enough to affect the ability to perform everyday activities among those who are diagnosed with these symptoms. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a brief treatment for those suffering from mild to moderate MND. However, the efficacy of this treatment has not been evident in Malaysia.The aim of the present study is to identify the effectiveness of CST in stabilizing the declination of cognitive functions, as well as improving the quality of life among elderly suffering from mild to moderate MND. Thirty elderly diagnosed with mild and moderate MND will be invited to participate in a single group pre-post trial, involving a 45 minute CST treatment to be administered for 14 weeks on a regular weekly basis. The participants will be selected from residents of care centers elderly at Klang Valley area. The outcomes and effectiveness of the CST will be determined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease (QOL-AD). The former instrument will be used to examine the cognitive abilities of the elderly, while the latter will be used to determine issues related to the quality of life based on the participant and caregivers rating report. As the CST efficacies has been proven in several countries such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan, the present study anticipates that it will also be effective in the Malaysia context and helps in treating MND.