Helping the Neurologically Impaired Patient

Attention, memory and learning are the most commonly reported problems associated with neurological insults whether the impairment is secondary to injury, disease or a disorder. Neurological impairments decrease one's ability to assimilate information needed for learning; can isolate and/or limit social interactions; and significantly decrease one's overall quality of life. The full spectrum of neurological impairments affects a person cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially, and functionally. Since patients are diverse in etiology, pathology and functional abilities, understanding the processes underlying cognitive-communication impairments is absolutely crucial. Choosing relevant assessment instruments and learning to critically think when developing effective intervention techniques is foremost for successful outcomes.

In this one-day, dynamic program rich with case studies and interactive learning, Jane Yakel, M.S., CCC-SLP, reveals the essence of cognitive-communication disorders and offers a neuroscience model used to guide intervention. Relating this model to frequently used assessment measures/instruments, Jane will provide you with innovative and evidence-based approaches to therapy and intervention techniques focusing on the three key domains of cognitive-communication: attention, memory and executive function. The "stage" and the "systems" models of memory will also be discussed in relation to areas of cognitive breakdown. Don't miss this unique opportunity to enhance your practice with intervention strategies that can be applied immediately to your current caseload.

Course Content

Cognitive Communication Disorders: The Archives of the Brain

• Developing a critical thinking approach to therapeutic intervention
• Full spectrum of neurological disorders

Comprehensive Patient Assessments

• Philosophy
• Approaches
• Principles
• Model
• Procedures

Attention Domain: The Heart of it All

• Types of attention and attention deficits
• Processing speed: The root of intelligence
• Assessments/tests for attention deficits

·         Treatment of attention deficits

• specific therapeutic interventions
• medical management
• Case studies: Learning assessments

Memory Domain: Mirrors of the Mind

• Normal vs. Pathological memory loss

• Reversible vs. Non-reversible memory loss
• “Stage” memory vs. “Systems” memory
• stage memory processes
• encoding, storing, retrieval
• systems memory theoretically based
• Declarative/Explicit vs. Non-Declarative/Implicit memory
• Assessments/tests for memory deficits

• models of therapeutic intervention
• Traditional / Cognitive didactic approach
• compensatory strategies
• Functional-Experiential approach
• adaptation
• Treatment of memory deficits

• specific therapeutic interventions
• medical management
• Case studies: Learning assessments

Executive Functions Domain: The Monitor       

• Definition, development, importance: High level cognitive abilities
• Responsibilities of executive functions/frontal lobe
• Behaviors associated with frontal lobe impairments
• Assessments/Tests for executive function deficits
• Treatment of targeted executive function behaviors
• Environmental interventions and strategies
• Case studies: Learning assessment

Maximize Brain Function/Health Management

• Memories: Worst enemies
• Prevention of normal memory loss
• Depression with neuropathology

Strategies for Successful Therapeutic Intervention

• Assessment of unawareness of impairments
  • matching compensatory strategies to levels of awareness
  • principles/treatment of generalization and transfer of learning
  • gender differences in memory

Clinical Documentation

• Components of substantiated goal writing
• Cognitive communication goals: Samples
• Specific goal development