How to Regain Cognitive Function After a Stroke

A stroke can occur when there is either too little or too much blood in the brain. Complications vary depending on the extent of the damage caused by the stroke, but can include paralysis, difficulty talking, memory loss and difficulty understanding. People who survive a stroke may never regain all their cognitive functioning. However, with effort, some cognitive functioning can be regained.

Instructions

• 1

  Begin treatment early. A study published in Stroke, a medical journal published by the American Heart Association, examined 151 stroke survivors and concluded that while some cognitive functioning can be recovered following long-term therapy, most cognitive functioning that can be recovered will be recovered within the first three months following a stroke. Therefore, it is important to begin treatment immediately following a stroke.

• 2

  Focus your treatment on specific cognitive skills. According to a comprehensive study conducted by researchers at the University of South Alabama and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, treatments that directly targeted specific cognitive skills were more effective than holistic, nontargeted treatments. An example of a treatment that targets a specific cognitive skills is attention process training (ATP). ATP requires the patient to listen for a specific stimulus (usually a letter or a word) and perform a specific instruction.

• 3

  Consider taking antidepressants. According to a study conducted by Dr. Sergio Paradiso and associates at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, antidepressants may help stroke survivors recover brain function and improve psychological and social capabilities.The study, which looked at 47 stroke survivors, found that those who were given an antidepressant showed significant improvements in function, whereas all but one of the survivors who took the placebo showed deteriorated functioning two years following the study.

• 4

  Lean on a loved one. According to the Mayo Clinic, stroke survivors who return to a supportive spouse or other companion are more likely to become independent and productive again. Moreover, your our own motivation and ability to maintain optimism are key contributing factors to regaining cognitive functioning. Consider joining a support group or encouraging your family members to do so. You can find a stroke support group near you by visiting the American Stroke Association website (see Resources).