Term 3 – Fully Booked. Now taking waitlist enquiries for Term 4
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
"Our CST Programs are like a workout for the brain - designed to keep it active and strong™"
What is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy?
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a gentle yet powerful, evidence-based approach designed to support people living with dementia to stay confident, connected, and cognitively active.
Designed to stimulate healthy areas of the brain and encourage new neural connections (a process known as neuroplasticity), CST enhance thinking skills, communication, and wellbeing. It’s most effective when started early, as it supports ongoing brain activity and strengthens areas responsible for memory, language, and attention.
For many people with dementia, it can become difficult to find opportunities for meaningful conversation, connection, and engaging activities. CST fills this gap in a purposeful and enjoyable way.
Through carefully personalised activities - like memory games, conversations, creative tasks, and physical movement -our CST sessions go beyond simple stimulation. They actively challenge thinking, encourage the sharing of experiences and opinions, and foster genuine connection.
Led by a neuro physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience and advanced dementia training, Absolute Care Therapy proudly offers CST through small group programs, as well as one-on-one home-based programs - all thoughtfully designed to help you reach your potential.
"Just like going to the gym keeps your muscles strong, CST does the same for your brain™"
Benefits of CST
For individuals: Build confidence by sharing life experiences, knowledge, and opinions in a supportive, welcoming environment. Evidence has also shown CST can help slow cognitive decline.
For family/carers: Feel confident knowing your loved one is participating in evidence-based therapy designed to enhance their thinking, language skills and mood. You can also gain free time to relax, run errands, or enjoy a well-deserved break.
How Does it Work?
CST gently activates healthy areas of the brain and promotes neuroplasticity — the brain’s natural ability to form new connections. Each session is carefully structured by a neuro physiotherapist to stimulate key brain functions and help participants reach their full potential.
Our intentionally small group sizes are a key point of difference. With fewer distractions and more personalised support, participants are supported to stay engaged, feel safe, and get the most out of every session.
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Evidence for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
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Leung, P., Orrell, M., Yates, L., & Orgeta, V. (2023). A predictive model of carer resilience in dementia family caregiving: A structural equation modelling approach. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 38(7), e5945.
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Vernon, E. K., Cooley, B., Rozum, W., Rattinger, G. B., Behrens, S., Matyi, J., ... & Tschanz, J. T. (2019). Caregiver-care recipient relationship closeness is associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(4), 349-359.
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Yates LA, Leung P, Orgeta V, Spector A, Orrell M. The development of individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) for dementia. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Dec 30;10:95-104. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S73844. PMID: 25565792; PMCID: PMC4283984.
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Desai, R., Leung, W. G., Fearn, C., John, A., Stott, J., & Spector, A. (2024). Effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for mild to moderate dementia: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials using the original CST protocol. Ageing Research Reviews, 102312.