Cognitive Rehabilitation
A structured, goal-oriented therapeutic process aimed at restoring or compensating for cognitive deficits arising from neurological injury or disease in older adults.
Full Definition
Cognitive rehabilitation encompasses a range of strategies delivered by neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists to address impairments in memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. In geriatric rehabilitation contexts, it most commonly follows stroke, traumatic brain injury, or post-intensive-care syndrome. Approaches are classified as restorative (aiming to improve underlying function) or compensatory (teaching strategies or using aids to work around deficits). Editors should note this is distinct from cognitive stimulation therapy, which is an evidence-based group intervention primarily used in dementia. Documentation of cognitive rehabilitation often appears in neuropsychological reports, occupational therapy goal plans, and discharge summaries.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), which is a group-based dementia intervention, not individual goal-directed rehabilitation.
In Context
- "Cognitive rehabilitation was initiated to address deficits in prospective memory following the patient's right hemisphere stroke." — Occupational therapy initial assessment
- "The cognitive rehabilitation program included compensatory strategy training using a memory notebook and structured daily routine." — Neuropsychological report