TITLE:
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation of Executive Functions: Challenges and Perspectives
AUTHORS:
Priscila Dib Gonçalves, Mariella Ometto, Gabriela Sendoya, Cristine Lacet, Luciana Monteiro, Paulo Jannuzzi Cunha
KEYWORDS:
Rehabilitation; Neuropsychology; Executive Functions; Board Games
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science,
Vol.4 No.1,
January
13,
2014
ABSTRACT: Introduction:
Executive Dysfunction (ED) is associated with difficulties in daily life and poor treatment adherence in individuals with neurological
and psychiatric disorders. The aim of this paper is to present an update of
Executive Function (EF) Rehabilitation Techniques. Methods: We performed a
comprehensive literature review using the following keywords: executive function, mental disorders and rehabilitation in the PubMed, specific
journals and books. Results: There is evidence of improvement of EF using some
rehabilitation techniques, such as goal planning, goal management training,
problem solving training, verbalization,
drill and practice approach, metacognitive strategy instruction,
computer-assisted training and neurofeedback. However, impact of rehabilitation
on daily life remains poorly understood. Conclusion: Executive Dysfunction (ED)
may be remediated and/or compensated at a certain degree by neuropsychological
rehabilitation, but there is still a great challenge in this area based on how
to measure effectiveness of EF interventions on daily life. There is a need for
the development of new and/or combined techniques (i.e., pharmacological treatment, deep-brain stimulation) for a
broader impact on quality of life for patients.