AFRICAN AMERICAN ELDERS RESPOND POSITIVELY TO COMMUNITY‐BASED COGNITIVE STIMULATION THERAPY GROUP FOR DEMENTIA

Background: Population trends indicate that low-income African American elders experience greater prevalence but inadequate detection of dementia, increased numbers of preventable hospitalizations, and higher healthcare cost burden. A well-researched, evidence-based group intervention for elderly people living with mild to moderate dementia is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). CST has been endorsed as an effective non-pharmacological dementia treatment resulting in significant improvements in quality of life and cognitive-communicative functioning without any adverse side-effects. This study is the first to investigate CST in medically underserved and economically disadvantaged African American elders. Methods: In partnership with Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers (MHD), we have established a CST group of 12 elderly African American clients with cognitive-communicative decline as measured by our standardized assessments (e.g., Saint Louis University Mental Status exam). During our weekly group sessions at MHD, we conduct culturally and linguistically appropriate activities chosen with input from group members to stimulate social interaction and cognition. To illustrate, each session is initiated with a prayer improvised by a group member. Discussions emphasize health topics relevant to dementia risk in African Americans such as care for chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension); prevention of hearing loss with provision of free services such as hearing screenings and, if needed, hearing aids; nutrition; stress management; and special topics covered by guest lecturers (e.g., Alzheimer's Association care consultant, Figures 1,2). Results: Participant Satisfaction Questionnaires reveal that all participants expressed appreciation for the fostering of respectful and responsive interactions within group sessions that generalized to improved socialization between group sessions. They report implementation of actionable new knowledge relevant to healthy aging presented in our activities and discussions (e.g., increased daily cardiovascular exercise). Moreover, they report experiencing decreased stigma surrounding their perceived disabilities— an expected outcome given the goal of CST to reduce negative self-stereotyping. Conclusions: Further outcome measures (e.g., caregiver reports) of changes in participants’ home and community environments are being collected. Current findings suggest that the standard CST protocol can be adapted to the specific needs of African American elders at risk for dementia. [Figure presented] [Figure presented]