Cognitive Rehabilitation

Our Services

What is cognitive rehabilitation / remediation?

Cognitive rehabilitation is a psychological intervention designed to facilitate improvement of thinking skills (e.g. memory, attention, executive functions) that have been disrupted by brain injury or other disorders that have an impact on the brain. Examples of such injury or disorders include: stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative conditions (e.g. dementia, Parkinson’s disease, etc.), multiple sclerosis, depression and anxiety. Such interventions aim to improve not only specific cognitive skills but also to improve general day-to-day functioning, self-efficacy, engagement and quality of life.

ReNeuro’s approach to rehabilitation is informed by a wealth of scientific research, including the Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation (NEAR, Medalia et al. 2008).

The aim of the assessment is to objectively measure your thinking functions and to determine your cognitive strengths and weaknesses with respect to everyday functioning.

What is involved in cognitive rehabilitation?

Typically, an intervention program involves a series of weekly sessions, usually of 1-hour duration. Each session includes individually tailored psychoeducation, as well as targeted exercises and activities which may be computer-based and/or practical strategy-based. We adapt each session according to the patient’s goals, cognitive profile, rate of cognitive improvement as well as level of motivation. We work with the patient to facilitate generalisation of these techniques to everyday tasks. This often involves the use of ‘homework’ to trial or practice various techniques in between sessions.

*Cognitive rehabilitation does not include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or psychotherapy. In cases where these services are required, we may recommend an appropriate specialist, in consultation with your referrer.

How will I benefit from attending cognitive rehabilitation sessions?

Overall, the aim of the rehabilitation sessions is to improve the patient’s functioning by helping them to cope with and adapt to cognitive (i.e. thinking) changes, as well as to provide them with appropriate educational information regarding prevention of further cognitive decline.

However, it is difficult to predict exactly how much an individual patient will benefit, as this will also depend on the patient’s goals, motivation and engagement with the strategies, as well as the nature of any underlying conditions.

Your clinician can discuss these factors with you at the initial consultation, to help you determine whether and how a cognitive rehabilitation program may benefit or assist you.

How many sessions would I need to attend?

The rehabilitation program usually includes an initial course of six sessions. Further sessions may be warranted.

This will be discussed with you and your referrer during the course of the program.

Will my family be involved in the rehabilitation process?

Family members are not expected to attend the rehabilitation sessions; however in some cases this may be beneficial to facilitating your progress.

This option can be discussed with you during the course of their treatment.