25 July 2025

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an approach to help people with dementia improve memory, cognition and quality of life. It's widely used in the UK and backed by national health guidelines.

Although many services offer CST, it tends to be delivered in English, and when the therapy doesn’t reflect a person’s culture or language, it becomes harder to engage with.

In Brent, Gujarati is the second most spoken language after English. Recognising a gap in access, CNWL colleagues from the Brent Memory Service set out to make the therapy programme more inclusive by adapting it for Gujarati speakers.

The project was led by Dementia Specialist, Lynde Booth Collard and a multidisciplinary team including Cultural Consultant, Sonia Davda, Lead Clinical Psychologist for Brent Older Adults, Dr Navi Nagra, as well as Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Abhishek Shastri. They worked together with family carers, community members, interpreters, and spiritual organisations to tailor the therapy content, language, and delivery to the Gujarati community.

The results were published in the Journal of Dementia Care. Read the article here (see pages 28 to 31). 

More than just translation

The adapted programme included:

  • Culturally relevant activities
  • Use of Gujarati language throughout, including session handouts
  • Invitations sent for a welcoming “chai afternoon” to introduce the programme
  • Staff wore traditional Indian clothing to help participants feel at home

Each session included familiar elements such as a group song, discussion of current events, and sensory-based tasks using smells, sounds, and objects rooted in Gujarati culture. Activities like guessing famous Indian figures and places; sorting spices, herbs, and household items; playing carrom board and seated cricket as well as tasting and smelling traditional foods.

Carers were invited to attend two of the sessions and had a separate online meeting beforehand, where they received dementia-friendly resources and tips on local support. Family carers were also involved in the adaptation process, providing feedback to refine the programme further.

Participants and carers have shared lots of positive feedback:

“We like the adaptations made by you"

“I liked that everything was explained in Gujarati"

“Whatever staff are doing, they are doing well"

“We think everything has been relevant"

“My father has been enjoying the group and would speak about the group at home"

What’s next

This adaptation in Brent is a strong example of how dementia care can be more equitable and effective when it centres on people’s identities and lived experiences.

Some key lessons from the project include:

  • Translating therapy is not enough. It must be culturally co-created.
  • Regular feedback and reflection are essential.
  • What works for one group won’t always work for another, even within the same community.
  • A warm welcome can make a huge difference in engagement.

The success in Brent has sparked interest from neighbouring boroughs. The team is now working to expand access and inspire similar projects for other language groups.