Neurorehabilitation for Brain Health

What is neurorehabilitation for brain health?

Neurorehabilitation is a program for people with diseases affecting the brain. Some examples of these conditions include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Huntington’s disease

What are the goals of neurorehabilitation?

The goals of neurorehabilitation are to improve / maintain function, decrease the impact of symptoms, and improve the quality of life of the patient and caregiver.

What types of healthcare professionals are on a neurorehabilitation brain health team?

Members of a neurorehabilitation brain health team may include:

• Neurologist/Neurosurgeon
• Other specialty physicians
• Internist
• Nurses
• Nurse practitioners/Physician assistants
• Registered dietitian
• Social worker
• Psychologist/psychiatrist
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Speech and language therapist
• Others based on patient-specific needs or requests

What should a patient and his or her family look for in a quality neurorehabilitation brain health program?

An excellent neurorehabilitation brain health program provides an expert team-approach to the care of its patients and his or her caregivers, is involved with groundbreaking clinical trials that can provide hope for its patients with brain health conditions, and empowers patients to live as independently as possible.

Quality programs develop an individualized care plan tailored to each patient’s needs that address such issues as medications, physical exercise, activities of daily living, diet, cognitive rehabilitation, psychiatric treatment (if needed) and involvement in clinical trials (if applicable).

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists who receive additional training in the area of neurology and geriatrics are especially well suited to improving the lives of patients with brain health issues. These healthcare professionals are knowledgeable on cutting-edge technology, custom exercise programs, and daily life skill building and maintenance. To learn more about the care and services provided by these therapists, click on each specialty: physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists.