Cognitive & Memory Therapy
Thinking, also known as cognition, involves the "software" that directs our perceptions, behavior, feelings, language, and even self-awareness. Cognitive functions can change over the course of our lives depending on our physiological, emotional, and environmental conditions. "Cognition" encompasses some of the following processes:
PERCEPTION & ATTENTION
ORGANIZATION
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
MEMORY
REASONING/JUDGEMENT
Our ability to think, remember, and make good decisions is something we often take for granted until something doesn't seem right. Cognitive changes can arise from many sources including neuromuscular diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, head trauma, depression, tumors and even reversible conditions such as metabolic/nutritional factors and medications. Below is a non-exhaustive list of diseases and conditions that can lead to cognitive changes and which may benefit from cognitive therapy:
What Can Cause Cognitive Problems?
Brain Injury/Trauma Brain Tumor
Concussion Whiplash
What Can Be Done To Help?
The good news is that science and experience have shown that our brains can grow new networks of neurons and are "neuroplastic." This means that with practice and faithful exercise we can change our brains and improve their function, even in the face of major injury or illness. Contact us to find out more about how you might benefit from an individualized therapy program.
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Dementia/Alzheimer's
Huntington's Disease
Stroke
Psychiatric Conditions
ADHD/ADD Encephalopathy
How long will treatment take?
Treatment recommendations are made following an evaluation that includes a comprehensive review of medical history and provides a cognitive profile of strengths and weakness based on test results. Your personal goals and priorities are an essential component of treatment planning, alongside the comprehensive evaluation. Although there will be natural variation in treatment duration, the goal is to make maximal improvements efficiently, leading to functional changes in everyday life. Therapy will always incorporate instruction in self-led or family-supported home exercise programs, and also often incorporate family teaching to facilitate progress to long after formal therapy has ended.
