Carers’ experience of everyday life impacted by people with dementia who attended a cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group intervention: a qualitative systematic review

Objectives To explore carers’ experiences of everyday life impacted by people with dementia who attended a seven-week cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) group intervention. Methods A systematic review of qualitative studies and qualitative mixed method studies was conducted. Eight databases were searched. The selected studies were screened and assessed for methodological quality using the Rayyan Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist (CASP-QC). Three studies were included following an inductive content analysis. Results Two themes were identified: ‘Enrichment by enhanced communication’ and ‘Growth through positive emotional interaction’. Conclusion Qualitative research on the impact of the CST group intervention on carers’ everyday life with a person with dementia is scarce. Carers experienced feelings of enrichment due to improvement and equality in communication and a possible source of happiness. There was a sense of togetherness and reconnection through music and singing together as well as a sense of mutual growth, increased positive interaction, increased ability to socialize, and feelings of fondness when experiencing glimpses of the previous personality of the person with dementia. Nevertheless, knowledge about the impact of the CST group intervention on carers’ personal everyday life is lacking and requires further research.