The effects of cognitive stimulation therapy on cognitive functions and quality of life in individuals with Down syndrome diagnosed with Dementia

In this study, it was aimed to adapt and apply Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (BUT) in individuals with Down syndrome diagnosed with dementia in Turkish society and to evaluate its results in terms of cognitive function and quality of life. In the study, adaptive behavior levels, mental well-being and quality of life in dementia before BUT were measured in individuals with Down syndrome who were diagnosed with widespread severe dementia (as a criterion, having previously been diagnosed with dementia) for at least one year. examined. A questionnaire form including personal information form, Adaptive Behavior Scale in Dementia (ADDS), Alzheimer's Disease-Related Quality of Life (AHYKS) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMIOS) was applied to the participants. First of all, the Turkish pilot study and validity-reliability study of the ASSQ scale was conducted. Afterwards, levels of adaptive behavior, mental well-being and quality of life in dementia before and after BUT were compared. According to the results obtained, the value range of the factor loadings of the Principal Components Analysis of ATL was between 0.819 and 0.429, and it was seen that all items were valid in the medium and high level range. Accordingly, the scale is suitable for use in Turkish in its original form. Although there was no significant difference between the first and last measurement in BPRS values (p>0.05), a statistically significant increase was observed in the APSS score after BUT (p<0.05) in the experimental group. Although there was no significant difference between the first and last measurement in the AHPLC values of the control group (p>0.05), an increase was observed in the AHPLC score after BUT, which was at the limit of statistical significance in the experimental group (p<0.05). A significant difference was found between the first and last measurement in WEMİOÖ values of the control and experimental groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, BUT has a significant and positive effect on adaptive behavior levels, mental well-being and quality of life in dementia patients with Down syndrome.