Clinical presentation of cognitive disorders Flashcards
When and why was neuropsychology used more extensively?
Pre-imaging, to pin-point pathology based on cognitive, behavioural and emotional signs
What is included in the diagnostic assessment of cognition?
Assess cognitive complaints and time frames
Assess key cognitive domains, and what is relevant to patient
Incorporate knowledge acquired by other medical professionals
What is cognitive rehabilitation?
The application of techniques and procedures and the implementation of supports to allow individuals with cognitive impairment to function as safely, productively and independently as possible in their environment
What is the goal of cognitive rehabilitation?
To enable people to do what they would like and need to do to be successful, but what they find difficult because of their cognitive disability
Describe the compensation vs restoration debate in cognitive rehabilitation?
Specific strategies to work around deficit (compensation) vs fix-it approaches and improving cognitive domains (restoration)
Describe the present day model of cognitive rehabilitation?
Active participation model
Rehab takes place in real world contexts, where people will need skills
Focus on enhancing participation and reducing functional limitations
When are interventions in cognitive rehabilitation most successful?
When the interventions are tailored to the patient
When there is collaboration between the patient, family and treatment team
When there is a good quality relationship between patient and treatment team
Briefly describe the two categories of cognitive interventions?
Environmental modifications: changing the physical and social environment to facilitate greater independence
Compensatory strategies: training patients to use behaviours or strategies to circumvent difficulties
Give examples of environmental modifications used in cognitive rehabilitation?
Reduced stimulation
Declutter
Set routines
Left neglect - place items in right visual field
When are environmental modifications useful in cognitive rehabilitation?
When patients have reduced insight, reduced self monitoring and regulation or significant attentional, memory and executive deficits
Describe the two types of strategies used in compensatory cognitive interventions?
Internal strategies: improve skill set/learn to use other skills
External strategies: use cues ands aids to assist compensation
What are brain training and mental workout programs based on?
Neuronal plasticity
Are brain training and mental workout programs useful?
No
Good face validity
But no evidence of transference of skills from training
However, being mentally active is important
