Cognitive stimulation in activities of daily living for individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia (CS-ADL): Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background Multi-component CS programs incorporating practice of activities of daily living (ADL) into intervention have reported benefits for ADL outcomes in individuals living with mild-to-moderate dementia. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) within community occupational therapy services in Ireland, is planned to evaluate the effects of CS-ADL, an ADL-focused, multi-component CS program, on ADL outcomes for individuals living with mild-to-moderate dementia. Method A single-blind RCT with a calculated sample size of 34 participants has been planned to compare the effects of CS-ADL versus treatment as usual on the outcomes of basic ADLs and instrumental ADLs. Cognition, mood, communication, and quality of life will also be evaluated as secondary outcomes. CS-ADL sessions will run once weekly for a total of seven weeks, lasting approximately two hours each. Outcome data will be collected at baseline, within sessions and post-intervention at week eight. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse the data. This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06147479). Discussion CS programs are commonly conducted by occupational therapists working with individuals living with mild-to-moderate dementia. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a multi-component CS program delivered through an occupational therapy lens, potentially influencing the approach to CS and ADL interventions undertaken by occupational therapists.