Cognitive therapy

At Edward-Elmhurst Health, we have occupational and speech therapists who can address cognitive difficulties to help you regain independence with self-care and improve quality of life.

The ability to acquire knowledge, understand spoken or written language, plan out daily activities, and remember important details are fundamental components of independent living. Unfortunately, through a brain injury (stroke, TBI, or concussion), brain tumor, or degenerative neurological condition (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.) these activities can become increasingly difficult.

  • Aphasia is a language disorder where a person experiences difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding language. Aphasia can be caused by stroke or traumatic injury to the brain and includes a variety of types based on the where the injury occurred.

  • Traumatic brain injuries occur when someone experiences either a blow or penetrating injury to the head. TBI can result in cognitive deficits affecting concentration, memory, and problem-solving, which in turn can negatively impact participation in daily routines.

  • Dementia is a group of symptoms related to memory loss and overall cognitive impairment. Most types of dementias continue to worsen and are usually irreversible. Alzheimer's disease is the most common and well-studied cause of dementia, affecting up to 70 percent of those diagnosed with dementia. People with dementia often need help taking care of themselves and many have difficulty communicating with others. Everyday activities such as grooming, preparing meals, and driving, may become difficult.

Neurological occupational therapy

A brain injury, tumor, or degenerative neurological condition can significantly impact the ability to plan and perform activities of daily living (i.e. dressing, feeding, bathing, etc.). Occupational therapists use repetitive task training and integration of adaptive techniques to allow for success during daily activities at home and in the community. They perform cognitive re-training in relation to home management activities, driving, and returning to work safely.

Occupational therapy treatments include:

  • Functional task training
  • Improving ability to effectively perform self-care and home management activities
  • Improving ability to return to driving
  • Improving ability to return to work
  • Implementation of strategies to assist with cognition during daily activities
  • Improving ability to return to leisure activities

Neurological speech therapy

Speech therapists can assist with difficulties in attention, awareness, orientation, memory, problem solving, and reasoning skills resulting from a brain injury, brain tumor, or degenerative neurological condition.

Speech therapy treatments include:

  • Improving communication
  • Improving the ability to process information
  • Improving reading skills
  • Improving writing skills
  • Training conversational partners
  • Introducing strategies to improve memory