cognitive rehabilitation
A structured therapeutic approach to restoring or compensating for cognitive deficits—such as memory, attention, and executive function—following neurological injury or illness.
Full Definition
Cognitive rehabilitation encompasses evidence-based interventions designed to improve or compensate for impairments in cognitive domains including memory, attention, processing speed, language, and executive function. It is applied most commonly following acquired brain injury, stroke, or in progressive neurological conditions. Editors should note that 'cognitive rehabilitation' is distinct from psychological or psychiatric treatment, though overlap exists. Documentation includes neuropsychological assessment reports, treatment plans, and progress notes that reference specific cognitive domains. Programs may be restorative (aiming to rebuild function) or compensatory (teaching strategies to work around deficits).
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a psychological treatment and not specifically directed at neurological cognitive deficits.
In Context
- "Cognitive rehabilitation was initiated to address prospective memory deficits identified following the patient's traumatic brain injury." — Acquired brain injury program report
- "The study examined the effectiveness of computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation in post-stroke populations." — Systematic review abstract