Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions for Post-Stroke Populations
Meghan Mulhern
Abstract
As of 2023, stroke continues to be one of leading causes of significant long-term disability in the United States. 1 Cognitive deficits are a common component of post-stroke sequala, limiting or impacting participation in functional activities of daily living.In addition to having substantial impacts on the individual diagnosed with stroke, family members, caregivers, and society also absorb the impacts of post stroke cognitive impairment in acute and chronic phases of recovery.It is estimated that approximately 60% of individuals have cognitive impairments as a result of stroke in the acute stages of recovery (within one year of their stroke) and those who experience mild severity deficits have the highest occurrence of recovery. 2,3ven the high incidence of stroke and resultant significant impacts of cognitive impairment, there is a substantial need for evidence-based interventions and multidisciplinary efforts to facilitate return to independence, work, and participation in functional aspects of daily living. 4ognitive rehabilitation addresses skills in the cognitive domains of attention, memory, and executive functioning and how they impact functionality and safety.In a course of cognitive rehabilitation, rehabilitative therapists commonly refer to more advanced activities of daily living that require increased cognitive demands as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).Examples of IADLs may include meal preparation, managing medications, housekeeping, managing financial responsibilities, time management for appointments, and self-care. How Does Cognitive Rehabilitation Start?Cognitive assessments and interventions that comprise cognitive rehabilitation are within the scope of practice of speech-language pathologists (SLP), occupational therapists, and neuropsychologists.In this review, assessment and intervention facilitated by SLPs in cognitive rehabilitation will be explained to inform members of interdisciplinary teams, patients, families, and communities of the beneficial impacts of cognitive rehabilitation for stroke.