Cognitive Rehabilitation

Cognitive rehabilitation is the evidenced-based process of treating injury-related difficulties and individuals with Dementia Syndromes in cognition in order to improve an individual’s overall functioning.

The goals of cognitive rehabilitation include:

- Maximizing safety

- Increasing independence

- Improving overall quality of life

 

Cognitive rehabilitation focuses on directly improving aspects of cognition, as well as providing individuals with the tools and strategies to become more aware of their challenges, to set appropriate and meaningful short and long-term goals, and to optimally compensate for remaining difficulties.

 

Research supports the value of a comprehensive-holistic approach to cognitive rehabilitation that considers each individual’s cognitive, psychological, and interpersonal functioning, as well as their engagement with their larger community.

 

Cognitive rehabilitation focuses on directly improving aspects of cognition, as well as providing individuals with the tools and strategies to become more aware of their challenges, to set appropriate and meaningful short and long-term goals, and to optimally compensate for remaining difficulties.

 

The use of cognitive rehabilitation to address the cognitive difficulties of individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, is a growing area of research and emphasis.

 

Recent findings suggest that cognitive interventions have value in improving cognition in individuals with mild-moderate dementia, as well as improving quality of life, communication, and social functioning.

 

As the evidence base for the use of cognitive rehabilitation continues to emerge and develop, it is becoming increasingly clear that comprehensive cognitive rehabilitation is a promising intervention for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders.