The Role of Autonomic Assessment in Diagnosing Chronic Conditions
Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls many critical bodily functions. It is responsible for blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, digestion, and other functions. Autonomic system dysregulation can cause a condition called autonomic neuropathy. When autonomic neuropathy damages nerves, it can have systemwide effects.
Many chronic conditions can cause autonomic neuropathy. Correctly identifying autonomic neuropathy through an autonomic assessment can help medical professionals determine the source of the nerve damage. It can help members of a treatment team find the location of the damage, assess its severity, and develop an effective treatment plan.
This article will explore how an autonomic assessment can lead to better treatment outcomes for those living with chronic health conditions. You will learn:
- What happens during an autonomic assessment
- The role an autonomic assessment may play in diagnosing chronic conditions
- What to expect after undergoing an autonomic assessment
- Where to find an autonomic assessment and holistic health support
If you live with symptoms that disrupt your functioning, an autonomic assessment may help you get to the root of the problem and find effective treatment. Contact The Hartman Center specialists to learn more about autonomic assessment or to schedule an appointment.
What is Autonomic Assessment?
Autonomic assessment is a series of tests used to identify a condition called autonomic neuropathy. The symptoms of autonomic neuropathy can present in different ways depending on what part of the nervous system is damaged.
Here are some of the symptoms associated with autonomic neuropathy.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
People may experience GI and digestive symptoms related to autonomic neuropathy, including:
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeling too full after eating small amounts of food
- Frequent bloating in the abdomen
Damaged nerves affecting the stomach and gut can lead to symptoms that significantly affect a person’s daily life.
Urinary symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy in the nerves controlling the bladder may result in urinary issues, including:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty with urination
- Leaking urine
An autonomic assessment can identify the damage and guide the treatment team’s approach to treating these symptoms.
Sexual symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy may cause sexual symptoms, including:
- Vaginal dryness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Changes in libido
An autonomic assessment can determine if autonomic neuropathy is contributing to these symptoms.
Respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms
Damage to the nerves related to the cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms may cause symptoms like:
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Weakness
- Elevated heart rate
- Dizziness
An autonomic assessment can help to determine the cause of these symptoms and guide treatment.
Other symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy can affect many areas of the body. Other disruptive symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include:
- Dizziness upon standing
- Fainting because of low blood pressure
- Exercise intolerance (heart rate remains stable instead of rising during physical activity)
- Delayed pupil reactions (the pupil does not adjust quickly to changes in light)
- Lack of physical cues related to low blood sugar
- Excessive or insufficient sweating
There are several tests a practitioner may use to assess people for autonomic neuropathy. It is critical to talk to a medical professional about new or worsening symptoms you are experiencing.
The Role of Autonomic Assessment in Diagnosing Chronic Conditions
Several chronic conditions can cause autonomic neuropathy. Some of these include:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Other infections
Some people may experience symptoms of autonomic neuropathy without knowing what causes them. Symptoms may be vague, widespread, or varying.
Clinicians can sometimes struggle to determine the cause of symptoms from history or general physical examinations. In many cases, additional testing is required to rule out conditions and pinpoint the source of the person’s symptoms.
Autonomic assessment can help to identify the affected area of the body, allowing medical practitioners to gain a holistic view of a person’s condition. Practitioners can examine many aspects of a person’s health, including:
- How posture changes affect heart rate and blood pressure
- The function of nerves related to sweating
- How breathing affects blood pressure and heart rate
- Bladder function
Research suggests that performing an autonomic assessment can help medical professionals determine if a person’s symptoms are related to a life-threatening or benign condition. It may help practitioners make an earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
Medical practitioners may use autonomic assessment to develop more effective treatments for chronic conditions and to monitor progress throughout treatment.
What Happens During an Autonomic Assessment?
If you have new symptoms or symptoms that seem to be getting worse over time, consult with your medical practitioner right away. Your practitioner may suggest an autonomic assessment to help identify the root of your symptoms.
Your practitioner may ask you to refrain from consuming alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco products before undergoing an autonomic assessment. They may advise you to drink plenty of noncaffeinated beverages to ensure you are well-hydrated before the testing begins.
There are several tests that may be used to identify autonomic neuropathy. Here is an overview of what to expect during several of these tests.
Tilt table test
The tilt table test examines how changes in posture affect a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. During the test:
- The participant lies on an adjustable table with a footrest.
- The practitioner uses soft safety straps to secure the participant.
- The practitioner attaches electrodes to the participant’s chest. They attach a blood pressure cuff to the participant’s arm and finger.
- The participant lies in a flat position for about 7 minutes.
- After this, the practitioner raises the table so the participant is in a near-standing position. The participant remains in this position for up to 10 minutes.
- The practitioner monitors the participant’s blood pressure, heart rate, SoO2 oxygen saturation, and ETCO2 End Tidal Carbon Dioxide throughout the procedure.
The tilt table test provides a safe, non-invasive way to assess how posture changes impact a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, a practitioner may need to administer fluids through an IV during the test.
Bladder ultrasound
This testing assesses nerve damage related to the bladder or urinary tract. The participant empties their bladder. Then, a practitioner uses an ultrasound transducer to evaluate the bladder. This test can help to determine how accurately someone can assess bladder fullness. It can also help practitioners assess and treat uncomfortable or disruptive urinary symptoms.
Thermoregulatory sweat test (TST)
The TST assesses the functioning of nerves responsible for the sweat response. During the test:
- The practitioner applies a special powder to the participant’s skin
- The participant spends time in a room that becomes more warm and humid as time goes on
- The practitioner examines the powder, which changes color in response to sweat exposure
This test can determine if a person’s sweat response is within the expected range. It is a safe and non-invasive way to assess this autonomic function.
Deep breathing test and Valsalva maneuver
A deep breathing test and Valsalva maneuver test explore how a person’s blood pressure and heart rate respond to different breathing patterns.
In a deep breathing test, the participant breathes deeply for a minute while the practitioner measures heart rate and blood pressure.
During the Valsalva maneuver, participants breathe through a mouthpiece while the practitioner measures blood pressure and heart rate.
Both tests can provide insights into potential nerve damage related to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Quantitative sudomotor axon relex test (QSART)
The QSART test explores nerve function related to sweating. Practitioners use electrodes and monitoring systems to evaluate how sweat glands respond to electrical stimulation.
The QSART may take up to an hour to complete. Participants typically tolerate this test well but may experience mild tingling or warmth in areas being examined.
A holistic health practitioner can accurately perform these and other types of tests to identify autonomic neuropathy. They will assess the data and explain the results to you. Understanding the roots of your symptoms can help you develop an effective treatment program and track your progress as time goes on.
What to Expect After an Autonomic Assessment
Your health practitioner will recommend the proper tests to assess your unique symptoms. Once testing is concluded, your practitioner will review the results with you. Then, you can work together to create a practical, effective treatment plan.
Your treatment plan may include holistic therapies, lifestyle changes, and medications. Your treatment team will guide you on how to manage your symptoms and address any conditions that may be causing them.
In the case your symptoms are part of a chronic health condition, your practitioner will recommend treatment or refer you to specialists to help you manage it.
Get an Autonomic Assessment
An autonomic assessment can provide information about what may be causing your disruptive symptoms. Identifying the cause of your symptoms may lead to effective, comprehensive treatment.
If you are interested in scheduling an autonomic assessment, reach out to the specialists at The Hartman Center. Contact our team to learn about our holistic approach to wellness or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to supporting your wellness journey.
What Techniques or Exercises Are Involved in CRT Sessions?
People recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, long COVID-19, and certain mental health conditions may experience cognitive and emotional challenges that may impair their functioning to some degree. The changes caused by a brain injury can impact a person’s memory, attention, ability to process information, and other aspects of cognition.
Living with a brain injury or mental health condition can make it hard to complete everyday tasks. People may struggle with seemingly simple tasks, such as getting dressed, preparing meals, or doing other chores. These challenges can make everyday life feel frustrating and prevent people from living fulfilling, independent lives.
Cognitive remediation therapy is a valuable tool that can help people regain and maintain functioning. This specialized therapy uses specific exercises and techniques to help improve cognition and manage other symptoms related to a brain injury, stroke, or other mental health condition.
This article will detail some of the techniques and exercises utilized in cognitive remediation therapy sessions. Reach out to the team at The Hartman Center now to learn more about cognitive remediation therapy or to schedule an intake assessment.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy: Understanding the Basics
Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is a specific type of therapy designed to help improve cognitive function in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI), ADHD, certain mental health conditions, and after a stroke. Cognitive remediation therapy can be used in an in-person setting, or treatment sessions may be offered in a convenient online format.
Cognitive remediation therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. People who participate in CRT sessions follow a specialized treatment plan that can help them meet their unique goals. Before beginning a CRT program, people will undergo an assessment to determine which therapies would be most beneficial to them.
During CRT sessions, people perform exercises that can improve a range of cognitive abilities. At the Hartman Center, we offer convenient, online cognitive remediation therapy sessions.
The exercises implemented during CRT sessions target specific areas of cognition, including:
- Memory
- Problem-solving
- Executive Functioning
- Attention
Cognitive remediation therapy exercises can also give people new tools to manage cognitive symptoms that occur after a stroke, TBI, or as a result of a mental health condition. For example, people with memory impairments may learn to use a notebook to record important information so that they can refer to it as needed.
The exercises and tools used during CRT sessions can help people improve areas of cognition that directly impact their functioning and quality of life. People who participate in cognitive remediation therapy often have noticeable improvement in their ability to function and overall well-being.
What Exercises Are Involved in CRT Sessions?
Cognitive remediation therapy can help restore and maintain cognitive and emotional functioning in people in recovery from a brain injury or other mental health condition. This type of therapy focuses on many areas of cognition and functioning that can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life.
Here are some areas CRT aims to improve and some exercises involved in online therapy sessions.
Attention
Attention training is a core aspect of CRT sessions. People work through exercises designed to improve attention. Attention training exercises may include:
- Following a moving object with your eyes
- Completing a task while blocking out distractions
- Identifying a specific stimulus in a larger group of stimuli
These exercises help increase the ability to maintain attention and focus on a task, even when other external stimuli are present.
Working memory
People with TBI, stroke, or other conditions causing cognitive deficits may have difficulties holding information in their minds or using it to perform tasks. Some CRT exercises that can improve working memory include:
- Following a set of instructions to complete a task
- Hearing and remembering a list of numbers
- Completing tasks involving matching
These tasks can help to improve working memory, which may result in improved functioning and more confidence.
Executive functioning
Executive functioning impairments can keep people from effectively planning or organizing. Cognitive remediation therapy sessions often focus on improving executive functioning through exercises like:
- Identifying the steps of a task
- Setting goals
- Practicing time-management
When executive functioning is improved, people are better able to accomplish tasks and work toward larger goals.
Problem-solving
The problem-solving challenges people with TBI, long COVID-19, stroke, and other mental health conditions face can make it difficult to complete tasks, navigate the environment, or complete novel tasks. Some of the tasks used in CRT sessions to boost problem-solving skills include:
- Determining how to navigate from one place to another
- Working out how to put together a puzzle
- Determining the shortest route in a maze
Improved problem-solving can help people feel more confident when approaching a new task or adapting to changes in routines and processes.
Language
Language deficits can be common after stroke or TBI and can have a dramatic impact on a person’s quality of life. During CRT sessions, people work on exercises to improve their ability to use and understand language, including:
- Grammar drills
- Sentence completion games
Improvements in language skills allow people to be more independent, express their needs and thoughts, and communicate more effectively in all areas.
This list is not exhaustive. There are many different areas of focus during cognitive remediation to help people improve functioning and overall well-being. Reach out to the specialists at The Hartman Center for more information about how cognitive remediation therapy works and how it can help you or someone you love.
Learn More About Cognitive Remediation Therapy
If you or someone you love is living with the effects of a brain injury, stroke, long COVID-19, or other mental health conditions, cognitive remediation therapy can help you restore functioning and well-being. Contact the specialists at The Hartman Center to learn about how CRT can help you live a more independent and fulfilling life.
Can cognitive remediation therapy be done remotely or online?
A brain injury, illness, or other medical condition can have a profound impact on many aspects of your life, including your cognitive health. Cognitive remediation therapy is an innovative, evidence-based therapeutic approach that can improve memory, speech, and overall cognition when there has been a deficit. People who use cognitive remediation therapy often experience significant improvements in critical areas of cognition and functioning that can lead to improved relationships, communication, and quality of life.
In some cases, people may hesitate to explore an intensive course of treatment because they cannot commit to attending in-person treatment sessions several times per week. However, the Hartman Center offers remote cognitive remediation therapy programs that can help people regain their functioning and improve their lives in the comfort of their own homes.
In this article, we will explore what cognitive remediation therapy is and how to access this type of care online. Contact the Hartman Center specialists to learn more about cognitive remediation therapy and schedule an intake appointment.
What is Cognitive Remediation Therapy?
Cognitive remediation therapy is an evidence-based form of treatment that addresses the underlying causes of symptoms like poor memory, brain fog, and more. This therapeutic approach uses specific, tailored exercises, functional medicine, exercise, and other holistic therapies that can help people feel and function better in their daily lives.
Cognitive remediation therapy is based on four pillars of brain training. These four aspects work together to improve cognitive deficits that may develop after an injury or illness.
Cognitive training
During cognitive remediation therapy, people work through a series of exercises that can help them rebuild and restore their cognitive functioning. Throughout treatment, these exercises help people create new pathways in their brain, allowing them to improve in critical aspects of their functioning. People who undergo cognitive training typically experience:
- Improved verbal reasoning and memory
- Better organization
- Increase self-awareness
- Improved ability to make new goals and work toward them
- Better verbal retrieval skills
Progress tracking
Cognitive remediation therapy is not a one-size-fits-all program. Each person will move through the exercises and therapies at their own rate and experience varying levels of improvement throughout the process. Progress tracking allows practitioners to monitor each participant's advancements and adjust their treatment plan as the recovery progresses.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a critical aspect of cognitive remediation therapy. Participants learn how to center themselves in the present moment and tap into inner resources and strength. Regularly practicing mindfulness can reduce fatigue, anxiety, perceived pain, and depression.
Aerobic exercise
Cognitive remediation therapy includes regular aerobic exercise that can improve blood flow throughout the brain and body. Research shows that people who exercise regularly have lower levels of depression and anxiety and have better self-esteem. Exercise can help with mood regulation throughout the treatment process and may aid in cognitive recovery.
Each participant receives an individualized treatment plan to help them reach their unique goals. Personalized treatment plans help people stay engaged throughout the process and have better outcomes.
Who Benefits From Cognitive Remediation Therapy?
Cognitive remediation therapy benefits people with conditions that may affect their cognitive processes. This includes:
- People who have sustained a concussion
- Those with mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
- People living with cerebral palsy
- Those with anorexia
- People living with long COVID symptoms
- People who have had a stroke or heart attack
These and other conditions can impact a person's cognitive functioning, making it hard to work, sustain healthy relationships, care for themselves or family members, and do other essential daily activities.
Can Cognitive Remediation Therapy Be Done Remotely or Online?
The Hartman Center leads the way in remote cognitive remediation therapy by offering treatments through the Brain Enhance and Recovery System (BEARS). This evidence-based cognitive remediation platform provides accessible treatment that leads to measurable outcomes in cognitive functioning for people with brain injuries.
Online cognitive remediation therapy is a highly personalized form of care. Each participant receives an individualized treatment plan and ongoing progress tracking as they move through the process. Participants typically spend between two and five hours a day, three to four days per week, engaging in treatment activities.
Cognitive remediation therapy programs typically require a two-month commitment with the opportunity to extend treatment longer as needed.
Participants in online cognitive remediation therapy programs experience noticeable improvements in their clarity of thought, communication, memory, and other areas that directly affect their quality of life.
What Types of Cognitive Remediation Therapies Are Available?
No two people have identical experiences or symptoms after sustaining a brain injury, concussion, or other conditions that affect cognition. People have different needs in cognitive remediation therapy, and each participant must receive tailored care that can be adjusted as needed.
The Hartman Center offers three distinct levels of life-changing cognitive mediation therapy programs.
Essential
This level of cognitive remediation therapy is designed to meet the needs of people with mild to moderate cognitive symptoms. This level of treatment is often ideal for people who have sustained a concussion or have a mild to moderate brain injury.
In the essential level of care, participants spend about two hours per day, three days per week, engaging in cognitive exercises, mindfulness, exercise, and other types of treatment.
Integrative
The integrative cognitive remediation program offers highly specialized care for various brain injuries and conditions. Participants engage in treatment activities two hours per day, three days per week.
Intensive
The Intensive cognitive remediation program is best suited for people with moderate to severe cognitive deficits. In this level of treatment, participants spend five hours per day engaging in treatment, four days per week.
Participating in cognitive remediation therapy is an investment in your health and overall well-being. Having the option to engage in online, remote cognitive remediation therapy allows more people access to this life-changing type of care.
Start Cognitive Remediation Therapy
If you or someone you love struggles with cognitive deficits, comprehensive treatment is just a phone call away. Cognitive remediation therapy can help you regain your functioning by improving your memory, information processing, comprehension, speech, and more.
Don't wait for another day to go by without getting the help you need. Reach out to the Hartman Center specialists now to learn more about our online cognitive remediation therapy programs.
How Long Does Cognitive Remediation Therapy Typically Last?
Cognitive remediation therapy is a behavioral intervention that targets problems with processing and understanding information and other essential cognitive functions. While each person in a cognitive remediation therapy program works towards their own specific goals, the ultimate goal of this type of therapy is to improve daily functioning.
Cognitive remediation therapy is proven effective at helping people with a range of conditions restore and maintain cognitive function. People with brain injury, long COVID symptoms, and mental illness can improve their focus, attention, interpersonal functioning, memory, and other areas of cognition, leading to better outcomes in their daily lives.
Reach out to the dedicated specialists at The Hartman Center today to learn more about cognitive remediation therapy or other supportive programs.
What Happens During Cognitive Remediation Therapy?
Different cognitive remediation therapy programs use varying methods and techniques to help people improve and maintain cognitive functioning. However, there are some core components of this type of therapy.
Here are some of the most commonly used methods in cognitive remediation therapy.
Restorative task practice
People work through a series of exercises designed to target specific areas of cognitive functioning, such as learning, memory, problem-solving, and attention. These exercises enhance many aspects of thinking and functioning and can improve people's ability to work through complex thoughts quickly.
Strategy coaching
Strategy coaching involves adapting cognitive exercises to increase participants’ performance. This may include reading directions aloud or integrating information into a narrative to help improve understanding.
Compensatory skills practice
This aspect of cognitive remediation therapy involves teaching people practical ways to work around cognitive limitations and improve their ability to function in daily life. Some examples of this might include:
- Writing down important dates and appointments instead of relying on memory alone
- Limiting distractions while working, communicating with others, or other tasks that require attention
- Repeating back names and other information to help with memory
Metacognitive training
Metacognitive training involves raising awareness of thought processes with the goal of enhancing attention and cognitive performance. This aspect of the therapy asks participants to track and consider their thought processes as they perform exercises and tasks.
How Long Does Cognitive Remediation Therapy Last?
Cognitive remediation therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. Programs vary in length, approach, and frequency to accommodate all patients’ unique needs and goals.
Typically, cognitive remediation therapy programs last for 3 to 6 months. Before beginning therapy, participants will engage in standardized testing that provides a current baseline for their cognitive functioning. This testing will be repeated after completing the therapy program, providing quantitative information about their improvements.
Patients can expect to notice improvements in many areas of their lives, including communicating, performing tasks, remembering information, and understanding new ideas. The benefits of cognitive remediation therapy can make it easier to maintain relationships, return to work, and reduce depression and anxiety.
Start Cognitive Remediation Therapy
If you or someone you love would benefit from cognitive remediation therapy, contact the Hartman Center team to explore our programs. We offer evidence-based brain training and therapies designed to help people overcome challenges and improve their cognitive functioning. Contact us now to get started toward a better quality of life.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks Associated with Cognitive Remediation Therapy?
Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) has gained recognition as an effective intervention for individuals experiencing cognitive impairments. This therapy focuses on improving cognitive functions such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and executive functions. While CRT offers promising results, it is important to explore the potential side effects or risks associated with this treatment. In this article, we will dive into the topic and address concerns related to cognitive remediation therapy.
Understanding Cognitive Remediation Therapy
Cognitive remediation therapy is a structured and individualized approach that aims to enhance cognitive abilities in individuals with cognitive deficits. It employs a wide variety of techniques, including computer-based exercises, group activities, and psychoeducation. The therapy is typically delivered by mental health professionals such as chiropractic functional neurologists who specialize in brain injury.
The Benefits of Cognitive Remediation Therapy
Before delving into potential side effects, it is important to recognize the benefits of cognitive remediation therapy. Numerous studies have highlighted its positive impact on cognitive functioning, psychosocial functioning, and overall quality of life for individuals with conditions such as schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and mild cognitive impairment.
Potential Side Effects of Cognitive Remediation Therapy
Frustration and Emotional Discomfort
Engaging in cognitive exercises that challenge one's cognitive abilities may lead to frustration and emotional discomfort. The process of working through cognitive deficits can be demanding, requiring persistence and resilience. However, these emotional responses are typically short term and are outweighed by the potential long term benefits that CRT offers.
Transient Cognitive Fatigue
During cognitive remediation therapy, individuals may experience temporary cognitive fatigue due to the intensive nature of the exercises. This can result in mental exhaustion, decreased concentration, and reduced performance in other daily activities. However, rest and proper pacing can help manage this fatigue, and the benefits of CRT often outweigh this temporary inconvenience.
Generalization Challenges
Some individuals may find it difficult to generalize the skills learned in therapy to their everyday lives. While they may show improvement during therapy sessions, transferring those gains to real world situations can be a challenge. This limitation can be addressed through ongoing support, practice, and the integration of strategies learned in therapy into daily routines. Experienced therapists at The Hartman Center specialize in CRT and have the expertise to help you overcome any issues like this you may face.
Worsening of Existing Psychological Symptoms
In certain cases, individuals undergoing cognitive remediation therapy may experience a temporary exacerbation of existing psychological symptoms. For instance, individuals with anxiety disorders may feel increased anxiety when facing challenging cognitive tasks. This can also be caused by self-actualization. The patient is finally becoming aware of the impacts that the brain injury has had on them, which can cause overwhelming anxiety or depression. It is crucial to monitor these symptoms and ensure appropriate support is provided throughout the therapy process by an experienced CRT therapist.
Mitigating Risks and Maximizing Benefits
To minimize the potential side effects of cognitive remediation therapy and maximize its benefits, several strategies can be implemented:
Tailored Approach
Individualized treatment plans that consider the unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals of each individual can enhance the effectiveness of CRT and reduce the risk of negative emotional responses.
Therapist Support
Regular sessions with an experienced therapist can provide guidance, encouragement, and emotional support throughout the therapy process, helping individuals cope with any difficulties that arise.
Comprehensive Assessment
A thorough assessment before initiating cognitive remediation therapy can identify any pre-existing psychological conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment plans are designed to address both cognitive impairments and mental health concerns.
Skill Generalization
Incorporating opportunities to practice learned skills in real life situations can aid in the generalization of cognitive gains, allowing individuals to apply their improved abilities in everyday life.
In conclusion, cognitive remediation therapy has emerged as a promising intervention for individuals with cognitive impairments. While there are potential side effects and risks associated with this therapy, such as frustration, cognitive fatigue, and challenges in generalization, these are generally manageable and transient. The benefits of CRT, including improved cognitive functioning and overall quality of life, often outweigh the potential risks. By implementing a tailored approach, providing therapist support, and promoting skill generalization, the potential side effects of cognitive remediation therapy can be minimized, allowing individuals to reap the rewards of improved cognitive functioning and enhanced psychosocial well-being.
If you are looking for experienced professionals who specialize in CRT, look no further than The Hartman Center. Visit our website to schedule a consultation.
What is Cognitive Remediation?
Cognitive remediation is a type of rehabilitation treatment that decreases cognitive deficits using exercises that enhance memory, attention, language, and executive functioning.
Cognitive remediation is focused rehabilitation for an individual’s cognition. This rehabilitation starts with a cognitive assessment by an experienced professional like a psychologist. The evaluation will shed light on what facets of cognition need improvement and help the treatment team develop an effective therapy program. People who practice remediation therapy may experience enhanced cognition that translates to improved daily living and an enriched social, work, or school life.
Types of Cognitive Remediation
There are two types of cognitive remediation: compensatory and restorative.
Compensatory remediation functions mainly on reducing stress in a person’s environment. This sort of remediation is primarily used with individuals with brain damage.
The primary goal is to simplify daily living activities, reducing their cognitive load. An example of this could be using a pillbox to help people remember when to take daily medications instead of relying on memory. The therapy also aims to strengthen other functions when one area of cognition is too compromised to recover.
Restorative remediation lets the individual improve their cognitive functions by practicing exercises to enhance them. This training improves cognitive functions and can aid in recovering lost functions.
Who Benefits from Cognitive Remediation?
Cognitive remediation is used to remedy cognitive disorders. It is commonly used to help individuals with schizophrenia, anorexia, bipolar disorder, depression, cerebral palsy, and other conditions that affect cognition. Cognitive remediation therapy can also be used to help children with autism or attention deficit disorders.
Cognitive remediation therapy aims to teach people strategies they can apply to their daily lives. Cognitive remediation therapy aims to help people perform everyday tasks with more ease and confidence, which promotes autonomy and independence. This type of therapy can also positively affect a person’s mood and may reduce stress.
During therapy sessions, people work on exercises to improve the areas of cognition where they experience deficits. This may include tasks related to planning, improving mental flexibility, or enhancing memory and attention. Ultimately, cognitive remediation therapy can help anyone struggling with cognitive declines that affect their daily lives.
Benefits of Cognitive Remediation
Cognitive remediation allows your brain to build new connections and repair previous pathways related to thinking, memory, and other essential functions. People who participate in this form of therapy may experience easier learning, better executive functioning, and more confidence in performing everyday tasks.
Effective Cognitive Remediation Therapy
The Hartman Center provides effective cognitive remediation therapy for a range of conditions that cause cognitive deficits. Our team is experienced in various treatments, and we look forward to developing a personalized plan to help you recover. Call us to speak with a coordinator or ask any questions that you might have about our services.
Cognitive Therapy for Brain Injury
A brain injury can affect every aspect of your life, from your relationships and ability to work to your memory and speech. The effects of a brain injury may seem impossible to overcome–but there is hope.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy is a new, evidence-based form of therapy that can significantly improve brain injury symptoms. People who use Cognitive Remediation Therapy see significant improvements in critical areas that can lead to better outcomes and quality of life.
If you or someone you love live with a TBI, learning more about the benefits of Cognitive Remediation Therapy can help you make informed choices about your care.
What is Cognitive Remediation Therapy?
Cognitive Remediation Therapy is an evidence-based approach to improving the lives of people who live with a brain injury. This therapeutic approach uses practices proven to improve cognitive functioning by helping people overcome cognitive challenges.
In Cognitive Remediation Therapy, practitioners develop an individualized plan to help people meet their unique goals. Treatment plans incorporate cognitive training, mindfulness, aerobic exercise, and progress tracking.
Exploring the Four Pillars of Cognitive Remediation Therapy
Four pillars of cognitive brain training work together to improve various aspects of a person’s life after brain injury.
Cognitive training
People in Cognitive Remediation Therapy work through a series of exercises designed to help people improve their cognitive functioning. These cognitive programs help create new pathways in the brain and build cognitive capacities. People often experience:
- Better organization
- Improved ability to set and work toward goals
- Better verbal reasoning and memory
- Improved verbal retrieval
- Increased self-awareness
Progress tracking
Progress tracking allows facilitators to monitor a patient’s progress, adjust a treatment plan as needed, and provide more personalized patient care.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices help to reduce the fatigue that is common with brain injury. It can also reduce anxiety, depression, and perceived pain.
Aerobic exercise
Research suggests that exercise can positively impact people’s mood and self-esteem. Cognitive Remediation Therapy uses regular aerobic exercise to reduce depressive symptoms, regulate anxiety, and improve cognitive recovery.
How Long is a Cognitive Remediation Therapy Program?
The Hartman Center offers three levels of transformative Cognitive Remediation Therapy programs.
Essential: Designed to address the needs of people with a concussion and mild to moderate brain injury. Patients commit to treatment 2 hours per day, three days a week, for two months. Patients have the option to extend treatment for an additional 2-3 months.
Integrative: Customized care for a range of brain injuries, including concussion, ABI, and TBI. Patients commit to treatment 2 hours per day, three days a week, for two months with the option to extend care for an additional 2-3 months.
Intensive: Comprehensive care for people with moderate to severe TBI and ABI. People engage in 5 hours of treatment per day, four days per week, for two months with the option to extend treatment for an additional 2-3 months.
What are the Benefits of Using Cognitive Remediation Therapy After a Brain Injury?
Cognitive Remediation Therapy can help people recover more of their cognitive functioning and improve critical aspects of their overall functioning and well-being.
The combination of evidence-based therapies can lead to the following:
- Improved speech
- Better information processing
- Improved executive function
- Better comprehension
- Improved memory
- Enhanced learning
These improvements can help people maintain better interpersonal relationships, return to work, experience less depression and anxiety, and have a better overall quality of life.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Long-COVID
The impact that Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) has had on millions of people around the world is constantly developing. More commonly known to the general populace as “Long-COVID”, Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) features a range of mild to debilitating symptoms. This has not only made it difficult for many patients to return to daily activities post-COVID, but has impacted their overall quality of life.
The intense impact and prolonged suffering of Long-COVID patients deserves accessible and comprehensive remediation. With options like Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Long-COVID, patients can find answers to this healthcare emergency. Learn more about how PACS is impacting individuals — including possible side effects and symptoms of Long-COVID — and how Cognitive Remediation Therapy can help.
PACS Overview and Impact
Recent studies of Long-COVID symptoms indicate that it affects both physical and cognitive functionality. Reports of PACS symptoms impact the entire body, persisting for six months or more.
Patients most commonly report pain in their chest and feelings of breathlessness, including frequent headaches and abdominal issues. Some even experience an increase in mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Others have sudden bouts of myalgia, fatigue, or cognitive dysfunction. These types of cognitive difficulties include executive dysfunction, memory issues, slowdown of processing speeds, and brain fog.
Newly developed cognitive difficulties can have a great impact on a patient's daily life. Work, education, family life, and relationships can all be negatively impacted. With over 60% of patients experiencing mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction due to PACS, it’s essential to help patients regain their cognitive capacities.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy is one treatment option that can help. Keep reading to learn more about this evidence-based remediation method.
How Cognitive Remediation Therapy Can Help
With functional neurology models centered on neuroplasticity, Cognitive Remediation Therapy provides a cutting-edge approach to cognitive remediation. Backed by thorough neurological research by cognitive health professionals, this patient-centered therapy has shown consistent results long after acute recovery periods for cognitive functions.
This is because the cognitive brain training model focuses on a four-pillar approach to addressing cognitive dysfunction found in Long-COVID patients, as well as those suffering from brain injury or other cognitive difficulties. Cognitive dysfunction shared by patients with mild traumatic brain injury and Long-COVID symptoms include brain fog, attention deficit, executive functioning, processing speeds, and memory loss. Reasoning and communication are also often impacted.
Cognitive Brain Training’s four-pillar approach to wellness helps address these important cognitive difficulties and restore them to former capacity. Through cognitive rehabilitation tools, a specialized exercise plan, tailored mindfulness routine, and holistic, one-on-one health check-ins with a Functional Neurologist, PACS symptoms can be fully addressed.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS), contact The Hartman Center for more information on Cognitive Remediation Therapy.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy for TBI
Limited studies and understanding of brain function previously detailed that patients suffering from traumatic or acquired brain injuries would experience minor improvements to post injury deficits. Recently, however, greater strides in the understanding of neuroplasticity have shown promising results in the way the brain both matures and develops.
Through effective treatment methods like Cognitive Remediation Therapy, traumatic or acquired brain injury patients can experience improvement in brain function, leading to a more independent and sustainable life. Find out more about Cognitive Remediation Therapy and whether this treatment option for traumatic and acquired brain injuries is right for you.
An evidence-based therapy program
Brain injury and concussions cause debilitating, long-term cognitive challenges that impact executive function, learning, memory, information processing, speech, comprehension, and more. At The Hartman Center, patients can see a full transformation after suffering from traumatic or acute brain injury with assistance from Cognitive Remediation Therapy.
This evidence-based therapy program utilizes an accessible, online proprietary platform. It focuses on remediating and rebuilding key links in the brain, as well as connecting the bridge between the mind and body. Cognitive Remediation Therapy increases the functionality of both the brain and body so patients can return to the life they remember living prior to injury.
There are three program platforms available depending on the severity of your brain injury. Speak to our specialist at The Hartman Center to learn which platform is the right fit for cognitive remediation for brain injury.
Cognitive Brain Training Pillars
How does Cognitive Remediation Therapy help reconnect the brain and the body? This therapy utilizes four pillars within each platform. No matter which platform you choose, these pillars lay the foundation for growth, healing, and neural recovery following traumatic brain injury.
Cognitive Training
Focusing on areas of the brain that are the most impacted after traumatic brain injury — like the executive processing, working memory, and mental flexibility centers — helps restore cognitive capabilities. Cognitive brain training utilizes specifically-targeted brain exercises that engage the brain’s neural pathways through predictive speech, non-verbal thinking, and symbol relation that aids in organization, memory, and reasoning.
Mindfulness Curriculum
Concussion and traumatic brain injury patients often experience high levels of brain fog, fatigue, low moods, and anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation are some of the longest-standing holistic techniques that improve brain function, decrease stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve fatigue. This professionally-guided curriculum helps patients regain energy while finding relief from emotional and physical pain.
Aerobic Exercise
Research-based exercise programs increase brain function and promote cognitive recovery. Traumatic brain injury patients also experience elevated moods and improved executive functioning with the implementation of effective aerobic exercise.
Progress Tracking
The final pillar of Cognitive Remediation Therapy helps patients see their full progress towards recovery. With a comprehensive online tracking system, even the smallest changes can be monitored throughout treatment. This not only increases the quality of care for each patient, but supplies substantial evidence of improvement throughout the Cognitive Brain Training program.
If you or a loved one’s life has been seriously impacted by a traumatic brain injury, contact The Hartman Center to learn more about Cognitive Remediation Therapy for TBI.
Cognitive Remediation for Depression
One of the most common mental health disorders, depression can impact your life, relationships, career, hobbies, and even your cognitive function. Depression is a common comorbidity of other mental health disorders, diseases, and injuries. Patients with mild to acute traumatic brain injuries often experience depression or depressive episodes, leading to further cognitive decline.
Luckily, there are plenty of options for care and recovery when it comes to treating depression and other symptoms of cognitive impairment caused by traumatic brain injury. Keep reading to learn more about depression as a side effect of brain injury and concussions, how it impacts cognitive function, and how Cognitive Remediation Therapy can help.
How Depression Impacts Your Life
It is common for patients who have suffered from concussions or acute traumatic brain injuries to develop depression. Though it often leads to feelings of loneliness, depression affects millions of people all over the world. Those diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) may experience a variety of symptoms that impact daily and cognitive function.
Among these symptoms, the most persistent include being anxious, sad, irritable, or angry. Feelings of intense loneliness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness are also typically present. Those who suffer from this disorder may also experience a sudden loss of interest in their favorite hobbies, find themselves oversleeping often, or experience thoughts of death and suicide.
While not everyone experiences the symptoms of depression in the same way, the above are the typical “warning signs” that a depressive episode is approaching. When these symptoms become even more severe, cognitive functioning like concentration, memory, and decision making can be impacted, as well.
Depression and Cognitive Function
Recent studies regarding major depressive disorder (MDD) and how it coincides with cognitive functioning reveal worsening impairments during the acute, remitted, and repeated episodes of the disorder. Since cognitive impairment is present within these cycles of depression and depressive episodes, it can cause additional reduced daily functioning and may worsen the presence of other symptoms. The following cognitive functions are often the most impacted by depression:
- Decision-making skills
- Long-term memory
- Attention, both selective and sustained
- Spatial working memory
- Visual information processing
- Processing speed
- Other executive functions
Treating Brain Injury Symptoms with CRT
If you or a loved one are experiencing cognitive impairment due to depression as a side effect of concussion or acute traumatic brain injury, Cognitive Remediation can help address these issues. Through Cognitive Remediation Therapy, the brain’s neuroplasticity is improved through specialized individual therapies, brain training, wellness techniques, and professional guidance.
Cognitive Remediation not only helps improve mental clarity and brain fog associated with cognitive deficits, but helps patients get back to daily functioning. Customized online and in-person cognitive training programs help remediate brain function while addressing the core issues related to depression, brain injury, or Long COVID-19 symptoms.
Cognitive functions like comprehension, learning, memory, information processing, speech, and reasoning are all improved with the help of Cognitive Remediation Therapy. Know someone who could benefit from this type of therapy? Contact The Hartman Center to learn more about CRT and how the many benefits of cognitive remediation for the brain and body.