About the program
What is CST?
The Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) program is a unique solution for the support of mental health, the prevention of cognitive impairment and the stimulation of cognitive processes in the older adults and seniors. The effectiveness of the program has been proven for patients with mild cognitive impairment, a mild to moderate degree of dementia.
Program history
The program is based on a short-term group intervention with proven effectiveness of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), developed by the International Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Centre at University College London (UK). The program is successfully used in more than 38 countries around the world.
The Russian adaptation of the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy program, including the translation into Russian of the manual for professionals delivering the program, was carried out as part of the research project “Prevention of Cognitive Deficits in Older Adults” at Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE).
The project was headed by Irina Roshchina, and the project team included Anton Khromov, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Anna Shvedovskaya, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Associate Professor, and Marina Kalantarova.
In 2024, the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy program won the XXV National Contest "Golden Psyche" in 2023 (St. Petersburg, Russian Federation) in the nomination "Master Class of the Year for Psychologists" - master class "Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) in working with mnestic-intellectual deficit in late age".
The advanced training program “Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Basic Principles and Practical Application in Gerontology and Geriatrics” (16 hours) was launched in early 2025 at the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education. The first cohort of the program started on February 24, 2025, with 93 participants enrolled. Enrollment in new groups of the “Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)” program is currently ongoing.
Practical implementation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) groups in Russia has been carried out systematically since 2024. To support the organization of CST groups at different venues, trainees are regularly recruited among specialists who have successfully completed the MSUPE advanced training program “Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Basic Principles and Practical Application in Gerontology and Geriatrics.”
In early 2026, the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Club began its work. The Club provides regular supervision and mentoring support for specialists who have completed the advanced training course “Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Basic Principles and Practical Application in Gerontology and Geriatrics” and apply the program in their professional work with older adults. The meetings are conducted by members of the CST team.
In the first half of 2026, the Scientific and Practical Center for Gerontopsychology was established at MSUPE. The Center is a specialized unit focused on implementing research and practical activities related to later stages of life.
One of the current priorities for the development of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) in Russia is the expansion of the approach’s partner network. At present, MSUPE’s CST partners include social and educational institutions in Moscow, as well as non-profit organizations.
The Team
Project Lead of “Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Various Contexts of Providing Psychological Support to Older Adults” – Anna A. Shvedovskaya, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Professor, Department of Developmental Psychology named after Professor L.F. Obukhova, Faculty of Psychology of Education; Deputy Head for the Scientific and Practical Center for Gerontopsychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education.
Participants:
- Marina V. Kalantarova, Senior Lecturer, Department of Neuro- and Pathopsychology of Development, Faculty of Special and Clinical Psychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education.
- Elza F. Shakirova, Candidate of Science (Education), Head of the Scientific and Practical Center for Gerontopsychology; Associate Professor, Department of Social Communication and Organization of Work with Youth, Faculty of Social Communication, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education.
- Elena N. Zadorina, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Deputy Head for Practice, Scientific and Practical Center for Gerontopsychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education.
- Lyubov S. Kushmyleva, Lead Analyst, Scientific and Practical Center for Gerontopsychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education.