Language and cognitive rehabilitation after stroke

Marian C. Brady*, Jonathan J. Evans

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

Language and cognitive impairments are common consequences of stroke. These difficulties persist with 60% of stroke survivors continuing to experience memory problems, 50% attention deficits and 61% communication problems long after the onset of the stroke-related impairments. Such deficits are ‘invisible’ – evident only through patient report, behavioural observation or formal assessment. The impacts of such deficits are considerable and can include prolonged hospital stays, poorer functional recovery and reduced quality of life. Effective and timely rehabilitation of language (auditory comprehension, expressive language, reading and writing) and cognitive abilities (memory, attention, spatial awareness, perception and executive function) are crucial to optimise recovery after stroke. In this chapter we review the current evidence base, relevant clinical guidelines relating to language and cognitive impairments and consider the implications for stroke rehabilitation practice and future research. Speech and language therapy offers benefit to people with aphasia after stroke; intensive intervention, if tolerated, likely augments the benefits. Interventions for deficits in all non-language cognitive domains exist, but need refining and evaluating more thoroughly with a wider range of methodologies.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationStroke Prevention and Treatment: An Evidence-based Approach
EditorsJeffrey L. Saver, Graeme J. Hankey
PublisherCambridge University Press
Chapter24
Pages501-516
Number of pages16
Edition2nd
ISBN (Electronic)9781316286234
ISBN (Print)9781107113145
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2020

Keywords

  • aphasia
  • language rehabilitation
  • treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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