Recovery after Stroke: Evidence-Based Treatment to Improve Functional Cognition Through Neuroplasticity

• •Identify various etiologies of cognitive deficits as they relate to the neuroanatomy of strokes


• •Define experience–dependent neuroplasticity and its impact on rehabilitation


• •Select appropriate assessments for the evaluation of cognitive deficits following stroke


• •Explain how cognitive impairments impact feeding, swallowing, and ability to improve overall swallow function


• •Implement treatment techniques for stroke, cognition, and falls prevention for functional improvement in ADLs


• •Discuss with other rehabilitation disciplines how cognitive deficits may be impacting a patient's recovery after stroke (completion of ADL's, falls prevention, carry–over of therapeutic strategies, discharge planning)
• •Compose measureable goals that allow for documentation of patient outcomes

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of adult disability. Cognitive deficits as a result of stroke may have a permanent impact on all activities carried out during a patient's daily life, and lead to accelerated physical decline as well as increased falls risks. These include difficulties with attention, orientation, memory, thought organization, reasoning, and functional problem solving. Cognitive deficits significantly affect a patient's ability to successfully and independently complete ADL's, including feeding and swallowing. Often the patient has limited or no awareness of these deficits and the complications associated with them. Therefore, it is imperative for the rehab professional to be able to recognize these deficits, and to understand how these deficits will affect a patient's overall function, completion of ADL's, and discharge plans.

This seminar will provide you with the latest evidence–based knowledge related to cognitive deficits and their impact on stroke recovery. You will learn how to apply principles of experience–dependent neuroplasticity to select and implement functional treatment objectives that help your patients to maintain and improve their current levels of function. This workshop will increase your ability to apply patient–focused interventions that facilitate more independent completion of language–based ADL's. You will learn about proper documentation of patient goals and outcomes to optimize reimbursement for skilled services provided.