Open Access

ARTICLE

Effects of Cognitive Stimulation Intervention on Cognitive Function and Depression in Older Adults with Mild Dementia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Ya-Wen Chang^1,2, Hsiu-Chuan Chen³, Shih-Chi Chung⁴, Wai-Lam Lao⁵, Ching-Pyng Kuo^2,4,6,*, Shu-Hsin Lee^2,4,6,7,*

1 Department of Nursing, Yuanlin Christian Hospital, Yuanlin City, 51052, Taiwan
2 Institute of Long Term Care, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, 402306, Taiwan
3 Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung City, 40343, Taiwan
4 Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, 402306, Taiwan
5 Department of Medical Administration, The Islands Healthcare Complex-Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Taipa, Macao, 999078, China
6 Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, 402306, Taiwan
7 Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, 402306, Taiwan

* Corresponding Authors: Ching-Pyng Kuo. Email: ; Shu-Hsin Lee. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social and Behavioral Determinants of Mental Health: From Theory to Practice)

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2025, 27(7), 979-994. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2025.066026

Received 27 March 2025; Accepted 30 June 2025; Issue published 31 July 2025

Abstract

Background: Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a non-pharmacological intervention designed to improve cognitive function and emotional well-being in individuals with dementia. However, limited studies have evaluated its efficacy in Chinese-speaking populations. This study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week cognitive stimulation intervention on cognitive function and depression in older adults with mild dementia. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a repeated measures design with a non-randomized experimental and control group. Participants (N = 40) 65 years and older with mild dementia (clinical dementia rating (CDR) = 0.5–1) were recruited from a regional hospital and dementia care center in Taiwan. The experimental group (n = 20) received a structured CST intervention for 12 weeks (two sessions per week, 120 min per session), while the control group (n = 20) received routine care. Cognitive function was assessed using the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) exam, and depression was measured using the Chinese version of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD-C). Data were collected at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the control group (SLUMS score: baseline 16.1 ± 4.8 to 12th week 19.3 ± 5.0, p < 0.001). Depression levels decreased significantly in the experimental group but not in the control group (p < 0.05). The GEE analysis showed that the improvement in cognitive function was positively associated with education level and duration, but declined with increasing age. Similarly, depression was lower in participants with higher educational levels and in men. Conclusions: The findings support the efficacy of CST in improving cognitive function and reducing depression in older adults with mild dementia. The results highlight the importance of the duration of the intervention and individual cognitive reserve in modulating treatment outcomes.

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