Laughter, memory games and group discussions might not sound like medicine, but for people living with dementia, they can be powerful tools.
At the heart of this idea is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, a programme that turns simple, everyday activities into meaningful exercises for the brain.
Structured and evidence-based, CST helps participants maintain thinking skills, stay engaged and improve quality of life.
Dementia Bermuda has made CST a cornerstone of its community-based support. The charity runs weekly group sessions over 10 to 12 weeks, with up to 15 participants at a time.
Its goal “is to maintain a person’s level of cognitive function (as much as possible) and to assist them in coping with memory loss”.
“Sessions cover a range of activities to stimulate thinking, memory and social skills i.e. discussing current news stories, activities that facilitate creative expression and practical tasks required for independent living,” the organisation’s website states.
“CST provides an opportunity for participants to challenge themselves in a safe space and to connect with others experiencing memory issues.”
Each session is carefully structured to feel more like a social gathering than a medical appointment. Participants might debate a light-hearted topic, work together on a puzzle or share personal stories. Beyond the cognitive benefits, the chance to laugh, connect and form friendships often proves just as valuable.
Gold standard
Developed in the UK, CST is endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, an independent public body that provides guidance to improve health and social care. In England, it is regarded as the gold standard non-drug treatment for mild to moderate dementia. Research shows that participants often experience improvements in memory, language and overall quality of life that can match — and sometimes surpass — the benefits of dementia medication.
In Bermuda, CST meets a vital need. Dementia Bermuda, the island’s only nonprofit devoted entirely to dementia care and advocacy, provides the therapy alongside caregiver training, occupational therapy and public awareness campaigns. All these services are designed to support both individuals and families.
The organisation was founded in 2012 in response to the growing number of people living with dementia and the lack of dedicated resources to meet their needs.
Adapting CST to the Bermuda context has been an important part of its success. While the core structure of the programme is based on international models, the sessions often incorporate local touches — whether that’s recalling traditional foods, singing familiar songs or discussing events from the island’s history. These details help anchor participants in a shared cultural experience, strengthening both memory and identity.
Ripple effects of support
For many families, CST provides more than just an activity for their loved one. It can be a first step into the wider network of support that Dementia Bermuda offers. Caregivers often report that their relative seems happier or more talkative after attending, and that the ripple effects of the sessions continue at home – even in small ways like remembering the words to a song or taking part in a conversation around the dinner table.
The organisation stresses that CST is not a cure, but it can make a meaningful difference in the years a person lives with dementia. With medical treatments still limited, non-drug approaches like CST are more important than ever as dementia may change a person’s brain, but it doesn’t take away their need for connection, purpose or moments of joy.
In Bermuda, the need for such services is only expected to increase. With an ageing population, the prevalence of dementia is rising. According to Marie Fay, the charity’s clinical director, around 3,000 people currently live with dementia on the island — a number expected to double by 2030.
Families are already grappling with the emotional and financial toll of care, and many are searching for resources that will help them navigate the journey. Dementia Bermuda’s work ensures that people are not left to face these challenges alone.
Beyond CST, the charity offers educational workshops to help caregivers understand the progression of dementia and develop practical strategies for daily life. Occupational therapy assessments can identify ways to make a home safer and easier to manage. Public lectures and awareness campaigns aim to reduce the stigma still associated with memory loss and cognitive decline. The charity’s outreach is built around one principle: that those affected by dementia deserve dignity, respect, and support.
Stay engaged
The success of CST in Bermuda also speaks to the importance of community-led initiatives. By offering the programme locally, Dementia Bermuda has made it accessible to those who might otherwise have no opportunity to participate.
For those interested in enrolling, CST runs in cycles throughout the year, with up to 15 participants in each group. The programme is designed for people experiencing a decline in memory or thinking skills, or those who have received a diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia.
Participants should be able to attend independently, commit to the regular two-hour group sessions, and be willing to challenge themselves and try new activities. Families are encouraged to contact Dementia Bermuda directly to learn more and see if CST might be a good fit for their loved one.
Ultimately, CST represents a simple but powerful idea: that even in the face of memory loss, people can continue to learn, connect, and enjoy life. Laughter, conversation and shared activities may not cure dementia, but they can give people a sense of connection and the opportunity to stay engaged in daily life.
- For more information, call Dementia Bermuda on 707-0600.
- Sources for this article included Dementia Bermuda, Sciencedirect.com, nice.org.uk and slu.edu
