Cognitive Rehabilitation
A systematic, goal-oriented intervention aimed at restoring or compensating for deficits in attention, memory, executive function, and other cognitive domains following brain injury or neurological illness.
Full Definition
Cognitive rehabilitation encompasses a range of structured therapeutic techniques—including attention retraining, memory compensatory strategies, executive function coaching, and metacognitive strategy training—delivered by neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists within the rehabilitation team. It is a core component of brain injury and stroke rehabilitation programs and is documented in neuropsychological assessment reports, rehabilitation progress notes, and insurance prior authorization requests. Editors must not equate cognitive rehabilitation with psychological counselling or mental health therapy, as the focus is specifically on functional cognitive performance rather than emotional well-being.
Usage
Usage note: Not synonymous with psychotherapy or counselling. When referring to the field, do not hyphenate.
In Context
- "Cognitive rehabilitation sessions focused on prospective memory strategies were provided five days per week during the inpatient stay." — Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation progress note
- "Authors should not use cognitive rehabilitation as a synonym for psychological support; the former addresses functional cognitive performance specifically." — Editorial comment on a review article