04. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy & Living Well with Dementia

What if one of the most effective tools for supporting someone living with dementia wasn't a medication, but a conversation?In this episode, Lyndal introduces Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) - an evidence-based program that improves thinking skills, boosts confidence, and reduces isolation for people living with mild to moderate dementia. And the best part? Participants describe it as genuinely fun.Lyndal shares what happens in a session, what the research actually says, and why this is the work that she loves.In this episode:What if the most effective dementia support also happened to be enjoyableWhere CST came from and the scale of its reach around the worldThe research finding that puts CST in the same conversation as dementia medicationWhy social isolation is one of the biggest concerns for people living with dementiaWhat actually happens in a CST sessionThe surprising thing about childhood memories and why they're so powerful in dementia supportThe physical activity, and why it's in every single sessionCan CST work one-to-one? Lyndal shares a story that says it allWhat happens after the 14 sessions are doneWhat families notice, and the feedback that makes this work so rewarding.Links & ResourcesDementia Wellness CST groups - in-person and virtualCST Australia websiteProfessor Aimee Spector / UCL CST researchCompassionate Transitions website This podcast is for educational purposes only and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.