On October 5, 2026, a meeting of the “Co-Author Reading” Readers’ Club, part of the “Science in Publications at MSUPE” series, was held. The meeting focused on a pilot study of the use of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) in people over the age of 60 without dementia. About 100 people from 32 regions of Russia registered for the meeting.
The discussion was attended by the authors of the study: Anna A. Shvedovskaya, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Associate Professor, Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology of Education, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Deputy Head for Research at the Research and Practice Center for Gerontopsychology; Marina V. Kalantarova, Senior Lecturer, Department of Neuro- and Pathopsychology of Development, Faculty of Clinical and Special Psychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Senior Medical Psychologist at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine; and Alexey A. Korneev, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University.
Anna Shvedovskaya explained that CST is a group-based non-pharmacological intervention aimed at stimulating cognitive functions in a social environment. The approach is based on the biopsychosocial model and combines multisensory stimulation, cognitive activity, communication, and personal meaning. CST is not limited to memory or attention exercises. It is a form of group work in which cognitive activity is supported through communication, discussion, emotional engagement, and solving tasks related to real life. CST was originally developed as an intervention for people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. However, the authors of the study asked whether this comprehensive, evidence-based approach could also benefit people experiencing normal aging who have no diagnosed cognitive impairment but wish to maintain intellectual activity, interest in life, and social connections.
Marina Kalantarova provided more detail on the principles underlying the CST program. She emphasized that the program focuses not on an abstract function that needs to be “trained”, but on the person — their interests, experience, and engagement in what is happening.
Alexey Korneev presented in detail the results of the pilot study, which involved people aged 59 to 81.
After each session, participants rated how interesting and satisfying they found it, as well as their mood and the quality of interaction. In most cases, the ratings were high. After the first session, some participants gave more reserved ratings, but they subsequently became more engaged and demonstrated high levels of satisfaction with the program.
The authors noted that the group atmosphere, joint discussions, humor, and tea gatherings contributed to building trust among the participants.
Pre- and post-program assessments revealed positive trends in several cognitive indicators, particularly in associative and verbal responses. These were the very functions actively engaged during the sessions.
The most consistent result was an improvement in indicators related to the mental health component and quality of life. At the same time, no noticeable changes were found in the physical health component, which is to be expected: the program primarily targets cognitive and emotional functioning and social activity rather than physical health conditions.
The speakers answered a number of questions submitted by participants before the meeting. In particular, they discussed in detail the possibility of using CST with older adults with intellectual disabilities. The authors presented findings from studies of both group and individual CST for people with pre-existing intellectual disabilities.
The relationship between physical activity and cognitive health was also discussed. Marina Kalantarova noted that numerous studies confirm a positive association between movement and cognitive activity, attention, mood, and overall well-being. Therefore, even in a program focused on cognitive stimulation, it is important to provide opportunities for movement. Participants may be invited to stand up, walk around, pass an object, or perform an action while simultaneously completing a cognitive task.
At the end of the meeting, participants discussed the possibility of expanding the project and invited colleagues to collaborate. The Research and Practice Center for Gerontopsychology is already operating at MSUPE, along with a professional development program for specialists in group Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, with opportunities for supervision and practical training.
Video Recording of the Meeting
A video recording of the meeting has also been published on VKontakte, Zen, and Rutube.
2026 Calendar of Webinars and Meetings of the “Science in Publications” Project