Cognitive Rehabilitation

CLI NP630 - Cognitive Rehabilitation

Credits: 2

This course introduces students to the theoretical and practical issues of cognitive rehabilitation - the systematic service of therapeutic cognitive activities based on an assessment and understanding of the person’s brain-behavior. These types of services are typically directed to achieve functional changes by either reinforcing, strengthening, or reestablishing previously learned patterns of behavior or establishing new patterns of cognitive activity or compensatory mechanisms for impaired neurological systems. Students will review the basic structure and function of the central nervous system in preparation for a discussion of cognitive rehabilitation. The empirical evidence for cognitive rehabilitation of memory, attention, executive function, and visual neglect will be presented. Rehabilitation of impairments of social communication will also be reviewed. Students will learn to identify neurobehavioral and psychosocial factors that influence treatment process and outcomes. Students will become familiar with treatment planning and tactical formulation of treatment goals and will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to case vignettes, followed by classroom discussion. Focused readings and audiovisual assignments will be used to help students understand how cognitive rehabilitation can be applied to specific populations.