Does Cognitive Stimulation Therapy show similar efficacy in individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia from varying etiologies? An examination comparing its effectiveness in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia

Meta-analysis of the effect of cognitive stimulation therapy on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

There is no effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and pharmacological treatment of AD in clinical settings is expensive and prolonged, resulting in a huge psychological and economic burden on the patient's family and caregivers and society as a whole, AD is characterized by progressive, worsening cognitive impairment, and there are currently no drugs that can effectively reverse cognitive impairment. However, it is important to intervene early or delay cognitive impairment so that the condition can be delayed and, ultimately, the burden on patients and families can be reduced through maintenance treatment. It may be that non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) can help with cognitive dysfunction.

AIM

To provide a better treatment plan for AD patients and delay the deterioration of cognitive function, the effect of CST on cognitive function in AD was studied by Meta-analysis.

METHODS

Comprehensive search the Chinese and English databases were comprehensively searched by computer. Chinese databases: China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Periodicals Full-text Database (CNKI). The collection time limit is from July 21, 2010 to July 21, 2022 randomized controlled trials literature on the effects of CST on cognitive function in patients with AD. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation were performed. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95%CI were used as evaluation criteria to evaluate the cognitive function of CST in AD patients. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias detection were performed on the results. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, and funnel plot symmetry was assessed with Eggr's test.

RESULTS

CST can not improve Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) scores in AD patients. Meta-analysis of CST on MMSE scores showed that the heterogeneity was P = 0.14, I 2 = 35%. I 2 = 35% < 50%, and the Q test P > 0.1, choose the random effect model to integrate statistics, get SMD = 0.02, 95%CI: -0.37, 0.42, P > 0.05. Meta-analysis of CST on AD Cognitive Functioning Assessment Scale scores showed that the heterogeneity was P = 0.13, I 2 = 36%. I 2 = 36% < 50 choose a fixed effect model to integrate statistics, get SMD = -0.01, 95%CI: -0.40, 0.39, P > 0.05, the difference is not statistically significant. Meta-analysis of CST on the cognitive function indicators of patients showed that the heterogeneity was P = 0.17, I 2 = 31%. I 2 = 31% < 50%, the fixed effect model showed SMD = 0.01, 95%CI: -0.37, 0.38, P > 0.05, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

CST may not improve the cognitive function of AD patients, not improve the cognitive function of AD patients, not improve the ability of daily living, and not reduce mental behavior can improve the cognitive function of AD patients.