Neuropsychological therapy: what does it consist of?

Psychology is a broad science and not all its branches are equally known. The figure of the neuropsychologist is unfamiliar to those who have not seen the need to work with one. However, its functions are of great relevance, since it is neuropsychological therapy that makes possible the recovery of those who have suffered a brain disorder.

These professionals usually work in hospitals, nursing homes or private offices and treat a wide variety of disorders and pathologies. However, in all cases, The priority objective is to optimize the patient’s quality of life. And, to do this, they use completely personalized interventions.

What is neuropsychological therapy?

Neuropsychological therapy could be considered a kind of brain rehabilitation. It is aimed at preserving and enhancing mental functions that have not been damaged. However, it also helps to alleviate the deficits that the injury or disorder may have caused. Thus, its main functions are:

Work and stimulate cognitive functions after a brain injury or alteration. Action must be taken quickly so that the recovery of abilities and skills is as complete as possible. Thus, areas such as attention, memory, learning, language and problem-solving abilities are addressed. It is about enhancing preserved capacities and stimulating those that show lower performance than expected.Plan and implement strategies that help compensate for damages caused in certain brain functions. For example, if the patient has memory problems, they are taught to use resources such as agendas or reminders that allow them to function in the best way.Make the patient aware, as far as possible, of the consequences that have been generated after the injury or disorder. Explain to them what implications they have and what the consequences are, so that they can anticipate possible problems and cognitive failures and have tools to confront them.Work on emotional management associated with the situation in which the patient finds himself. Help you cushion the emotional impact of your condition.

Who can benefit from neuropsychological therapy?

There are many conditions that may require neuropsychological therapy. This discipline works mainly with disorders and injuries produced in the central nervous system or the brain. And, in each case, the intervention will be different:

Head trauma. When this occurs, the consequences are due to both the initial contusion and the edema or hemorrhage that develops secondarily during the following days. This can affect both basic mental processes and behavior and emotions. Therefore, they will have to be worked on as soon as possible.stroke. In these cases, the blood flow that irrigates a part of the brain stops, causing oxygen and nutrients to not reach it. The consequences can be very varied, so the therapy will have to be personalized.Neurodegenerative diseases, Like Parkinson’s, they affect the central nervous system in a progressive and irreversible manner. It is important to address the mild cognitive impairment that occurs since this constitutes a risk factor for the subsequent development of dementia.Dementia usually mainly affects areas such as orientation and memory., as well as behavior and emotions. The therapy will be aimed at achieving the greatest possible autonomy in the patient. In this way, the work and emotional burden on the family is also reduced.

Looking for quality of life

Facing a brain disorder and its consequences is not easy, neither for the patient nor for those closest to them. The stimulation and rehabilitation work is usually long and can be exhausting; However, the results are worth the effort.

Definitely, The aim is to ensure that the patient can enjoy the highest quality of life possible.. Something that is achieved by promoting their autonomy with help, strategies and resources of all kinds and helping them to accept and deal with their new reality. This is a comprehensive and much-needed job that addresses all areas that may have been affected by the injury or disorder.

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