Feasibility of cognitive stimulation therapy in normative ageing: A pilot study

Context and relevance. In the context of global population ageing, increasing attention is being paid to the development and evaluation of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at maintaining cognitive functioning and quality of life in older adults with normative ageing. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), which has demonstrated established effectiveness in clinical populations, is increasingly considered a potentially applicable model of structured cognitive and social activity in non-clinical populations. However, evidence regarding its feasibility and effects in normative ageing remains limited. Objective: to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in older adults with normative ageing, and to obtain preliminary data on its effects on cognitive functioning and quality of life. Research questions. (RQ1) Assessment of participants’ evaluation of the effectiveness of CST and their level of satisfaction with the sessions among older adults with normative ageing. (RQ2) Assessment of the effects of CST on cognitive functioning and quality of life in older adults with normative ageing. (RQ3) Identification of potential modifications to the CST programme to optimise its implementation for older adults with normative ageing. Methods. A pilot pre–post study design was employed. The sample included 10 participants aged 59–81 years (M = 70.2 ± 6), of whom 5 took part in the CST programme. The intervention consisted of 14 sessions conducted twice weekly. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III), and quality of life was measured using the SF-36 Health Survey. Feasibility indicators (recruitment, retention, attendance), subjective acceptability (session feedback questionnaires), and qualitative data from interviews with both participants and non-participants were also analysed. Results. High acceptability and engagement were observed among participants: retention reached 100%, and mean satisfaction was 3.93 out of 4. At the same time, selective recruitment feasibility was identified, with a 50% refusal rate attributable to mismatched expectations, logistical constraints, and lack of perceived need. No statistically significant changes were found in overall ACE-III scores; however, trend-level improvements in associative processing speed and moderate effect sizes were observed. In terms of quality of life, significant improvements were found in social functioning and the mental health component. Individual profiles demonstrated heterogeneous cognitive trajectories alongside a consistent increase in indicators of psychological well-being. Conclusions. The pilot implementation of CST demonstrated that the programme is a feasible and acceptable intervention for normative ageing. Further studies with larger samples are required to confirm its efficacy.

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