Cognitive Rehab Strategies for the Adult Population (Ensslen-Boggs - Online)

Course overview

Cognitive-communication disorders are defined as problems with communication that have an underlying cause in a cognitive deficit rather than a language or speech deficit. Acquired cognitive-communication deficits may occur after a stroke, tumor, traumatic brain injury, progressive degenerative brain disorder, or other neurological damage. A cognitive-communication disorder results from impaired functioning of one or more cognitive processes. Cognitive processes include attention, orientation, memory, judgment, thought organization, problem-solving, reasoning, language processing, executive functioning, and metacognition. These cognitive processes are not isolated abilities; they are constantly working together as a person performs activities of daily living (ADLs), solves problems, sequences important tasks, and communicates complex information. A problem with one or more cognitive functions can cause difficulty performing activities of daily living safely and efficiently as well as communicating effectively. A person with a cognitive-communication disorder may have difficulty paying attention to a conversation, staying on topic, recalling important information, responding accurately, understanding complex language, or following directions. While a speech-language pathologist may be the primary provider of cognitive rehab services, it is crucial that other therapists and rehab professionals are aware of cognitive rehab strategies and how they can be employed and utilized in their patients' treatment plans.