Cognitive neurorehabilitation

Abstract:

Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a large group of conditions which, depending on the type of pathomorphological substrates, localization, mode and degree of affection of each neurotransmitter pathway, otherwise known as the brain circuit, can affect the incidence and course of progression of cognitive impairment in different ways and in varying degrees. Cognitive dysfunction is in correlation with white matter lesions (connections) as well as brain parenchyma and grey matter atrophy (bodies of neurons and functional centers). Today, new concept of cognitive neurorehabilitation is based on opinion that there are no fixed connections in the brain, that the brain cells and their connections are stimulated by function and they change during life, that there is no age limit for changes in the brain function and organization, and that new targeted, intensive and demanding tasks are the best stimulant for the brain. In addition to the previously mentioned methods, pharmacological and physical methods as well as non-specific methods in terms of lifestyle changes are used in cognitive rehabilitation. 

Key words:
cognitive neurorehabilitation; mental stimulation; neuroplasticity