The aim of the project is to pilot and evaluate a new model of delivery for Cognitive Rehabilitation for dementia, with a view to increasing the availability of evidence-based early interventions in memory services in Ireland.

Objectives: 

1. To establish a clinical pilot site at Tallaght University Hospital and to recruit, train, and supervise up to 14 trainee psychologists to complete supervised placements at this site. The supervised placement will involve delivery of Cognitive Rehabilitation to people with dementia in the community.
2. To recruit 36 people with dementia, who attend the memory service at TUH, as participants in the Cognitive Rehabilitation Study, and to deliver and evaluate the CR intervention with these participants.
3. To evaluate the effects of Cognitive Rehabilitation on goal attainment, cognitive function, and quality of life by analysing quantitative data collected from research participants (n = 36) before, during, and after their Cognitive Rehabilitation intervention. An embedded randomised N-of-1 sub-study will evaluate objective behavioural outcome data.
4. To evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of this new model for Cognitive Rehabilitation intervention delivery, through qualitative interviews with key stakeholders including: research participants (people with dementia who receive CR as part of this project) and their family members/caregivers; placement students (who take part in the pilot project); placement supervisors; clinical and managerial staff at the pilot clinical site.
5. To develop guidelines for the delivery of Cognitive Rehabilitation through a clinical placement model, to facilitate and promote the scaling up of this new service model across the country.