COMPARISON OF COGNITIVE STIMULATION THERAPY AND MONTESSORI-BASED DEMENTIA ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, it is a chronic and progressive
degenerative disorder and affects cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate and
compare the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy and Montessori-based dementia
programming on cognitive function on people with Alzheimer's disease.
Materials & Methods: The research method was a semi-experimental pre-test and post-test with control
group. 34 Alzheimer's patients were selected as available sampling. They were randomly assigned into
three groups: the first experimental group (interventional technique: cognitive stimulation therapy), the
second experimental group (interventional technique: Montessori-based dementia programming) and
control group. The measurement tools consisted of MMSE cognitive test questionnaire, the mini-cog
test, CDR memory test, and quality of life questionnaire.
Results: Multivariate covariance analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the
cognitive stimulation therapy group and Montessori based dementia programming group in MMSE test,
CDR test and the mini-cog test scores. Calculating the effect size among subjects showed that the CST
is more effective.
Conclusion: Although cognitive stimulation therapy is more effective than Montessori based Dementia
programming, but both protocols can be used as effective non-pharmacological interventions to improve
the cognitive functions in Alzheimer's patients