Some medical conditions, like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and strokes, can affect how the brain works. These changes can lead to impaired cognitive functioning, mental health symptoms, and other effects that impact daily functioning.
People who sustain a brain injury or other condition that affects the brain may participate in cognitive remediation therapy to improve functioning. Cognitive remediation therapy is a combination of treatments that aims to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and other areas of cognition.
Cognitive remediation therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment process. Medical and mental health experts develop personalized treatment plans for each client. These treatment plans address people’s specific symptoms and goals, which can lead to better outcomes.
This article will explore cognitive remediation therapy and its benefits. You will learn about the potential outcomes and benefits of participating in remediation therapy.
If you or someone you know lives with cognitive symptoms related to a brain injury or other health conditions, effective treatment is available at The Hartman Center. Reach out to our specialists now to learn how cognitive remediation therapy can help you restore functioning and feel more like yourself again.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy: An Overview
Cognitive remediation therapy programs are designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Each client follows a personalized treatment plan that can address their physical and cognitive symptoms and allows them to work toward their personal goals.
Cognitive remediation therapy relies on the brain’s ability to change and adapt over a lifetime. This concept is called “neuroplasticity.” This means the brain can create new connections or improve existing ones through new challenges and exercises.
There are two types of cognitive remediation therapy.
Restorative therapy
Restorative therapy focuses on restoring functioning. People may participate in exercises designed to improve attention, memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive processes.
Compensatory therapy
Compensatory therapy aims to help people adapt to deficits. People may use tools to compensate for cognitive impairments, such as assistive devices, calendars, and other memory tools.
While each person follows their own treatment plan, cognitive remediation therapy has several core components. Here is an overview of some of the techniques used in CRT.
Strategy coaching
Strategy coaching involves using new methods to improve performance in cognitive tasks. This may include providing instructions in a narrative form or reading aloud to help people process information more efficiently.
Restorative task practice
Restorative task practice exercises can address specific areas of cognition, including:
- Memory
- Learning
- Attention
- Problem-solving
These exercises can improve people’s ability to process complex thoughts and other areas of cognition related to general functioning.
Metacognitive training
Metacognitive training exercises can increase a person’s awareness of their thought processes. Participants are asked to pay attention to their thought processes as they perform tasks and exercises, which can increase attention and cognitive performance.
Compensatory skills practice
In some cases, people may need to learn new skills to compensate for injuries or deficits. Compensatory skills practice gives people practical tools to manage deficits and improve functioning. Examples of compensatory skills include:
- Repeating names or other information to improve memory
- Minimizing environmental distractions while performing tasks, talking to others, or other activities that require focus and attention
- Recording important information, such as important dates, instead of relying on memory alone
Learning practical skills can improve functioning and increase independence after brain injury.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy: Exercises and Benefits
People recovering from a brain injury or other conditions may benefit from cognitive remediation exercises. Here is an overview of the exercises involved in CRT and the benefits they may provide.
Cognitive training
The Hartman Center offers a proprietary program that includes a range of specific cognitive exercises. Our clients engage in online sessions that include exercises related to:
- Non-verbal thinking
- Symbol relations
- Predictive speech
- Symbolic thinking
These exercises can improve several areas of cognitive functioning, including:
- Self-awareness
- Organization
- Goal setting
- Reasoning
- Verbal memory
After engaging in these exercises, people may notice improvements in their language skills and other areas of daily functioning.
Aerobic exercise
The Hartman Center’s CRT programs include regular aerobic exercise. Increasing physical activity can support cognitive recovery and improve mood. Regular exercise has also been proven to reduce overall stress levels and lower anxiety.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness skills are an essential aspect of our Brain Training program. People with brain injuries may experience fatigue, depression, and other mental health symptoms. During our CRT programs, people spend time each day following guided meditation and other mindfulness exercises. Developing mindfulness skills can improve mood and reduce fatigue, which can improve functioning.
Cognitive remediation therapy is a highly personal process. At The Hartman Center, our goal is to provide the most effective, personalized treatment possible. As people move through a Brain Training program, our team of specialists will evaluate their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.
Potential Outcomes of Cognitive Remediation
At The Hartman Center, we aim to help people improve their quality of life by supporting better functioning and independence. Our cognitive remediation therapy exercises are designed to help people restore cognitive functioning and reduce disruptive symptoms of TBI or other conditions.
Here is an overview of the potential outcomes of cognitive remediation therapy.
Better relationships
Improved cognitive functioning, including better memory and attention, can help people have better relationships with others. Participating in CRT exercises may also help people gain more independence and self-esteem, which can improve their ability to develop and retain relationships with others.
More independence
During CRT sessions, you will develop practical skills to boost or maintain independence. You will also work through exercises that target your memory, problem-solving, and motor skills.
Better memory, improved processing, and other cognitive improvements can have a profound impact on your ability to maintain independence. Better day-to-day functioning
Improved work performance
People with traumatic brain injury, stroke, long COVID, and other conditions may experience physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that impact their work performance. Participating in CRT can help with symptoms like depression, fatigue, brain fog, and memory issues. Improvements in these and other symptoms may lead to better work performance and independence.
Better problem-solving
Cognitive remediation exercises can help people think more creatively to solve everyday problems. Improvements in memory, information processing, and other areas can result in a greater ability to focus on tasks and manage them independently.
Improved organization
Organization is key to completing essential, everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, work, and more. Organization requires memory, information processing, and problem-solving. Brain injuries and other conditions can impact these areas of cognition.
Cognitive rehabilitation therapy provides structured exercises designed to improve mental processing. Participating in these exercises can help people improve their ability to organize information and complete tasks.
Better communication
Participating in cognitive training exercises can improve speech, memory, and functioning. These can help people communicate more effectively and understand the information provided to them.
Improved self-esteem
Improvements in memory, organization, problem-solving, and other areas of cognition can lead to better functioning and more independence. People who have noticeable improvements in functioning may experience better self-esteem and more optimism about the future.
Supporting Healing During CRT
In addition to participating in a cognitive remediation therapy program, there are some steps people can take to enhance their overall health and well-being while healing from a brain injury.
Here are some lifestyle changes people can make to improve outcomes after a TBI.
Stay active
Physical and social activities can help people feel and function better as they heal from concussions, strokes, or other conditions. Regular exercise is a core component of The Hartman Center’s Brain Training program because it has been shown to improve outcomes.
Staying socially active is essential, too. Connecting with supportive friends and family members can help you improve or maintain cognitive functioning.
Eating well
Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet during recovery can help people have the best possible outcomes during TBI recovery. Focus on foods that contain high levels of flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids, like:
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Berries
- Kale, spinach, chard, and other leafy greens
- Turmeric
- Fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, herring, and sardines
Avoid fried and highly processed foods. Consult with a medical professional about adding supplements, such as fish oil or other omega-3 fatty acids.
Develop a routine
Recovering from a brain injury or another medical condition may involve many appointments, exercises, and other activities. Memory issues can make it difficult to remain organized or accomplish daily chores.
Developing a routine can be very helpful. People must identify which tasks must be done each day or week and create a plan to accomplish them.
Sticking to a schedule can prevent important things from slipping through the cracks. It also ensures people have enough time for rest, socializing, meals, and hobbies in addition to treatment-related activities.
Find Cognitive Remediation Therapy Now
If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury or another condition that affects cognition, cognitive remediation therapy may help you restore your functioning. Contact The Hartman Center specialists now to explore your treatment options.