Authors:

Patterson, K.

Reference:

Year of publication:

1994

CBU number:

2536

Abstract:

Is cognitive neuropsychology having a significant impact on rehabilitation for acquired cognitive disorders? One view suggests that it is not and could not, because cognitive theories address only the structure of the system, not the mechanisms by which it can be modified (Caramazza, 1989). A contrasting view is taken by Mitchum and Berndt (1989): "To the extent that a model of the processes normally involved in a particular language behaviour can be defined, therapies can be developed that focus on individual components that are believed to give rise to a pattern of symptoms...". Treatment programmes based on detailed, theoretically structured cognitive assessments are a relatively recent phenomenon; therefore it is not possible at this stage to adjudicate firmly between these views. However, if the number of books, journals and conferences on a topic can serve as a rough measure of activity in a research area, then rehabilitation for cognitive disorders is a very lively topic indeed. Thus it seems an appropriate time for a reckoning of any contribution from cognitive neuropsychology. The chapter reviews several single-case rehabilitation programmes for pure, surface, and deep dyslexia, and also for several patterns of acquired dysgraphia. Caramazza, A. (1989). Cognitive neuropsychology and rehabilitation: An unfulfilled promise? In X. Seron and G. Deloche (Eds.), Cognitive Approaches in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. Hillsdale, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Mitchum, C.C. & Berndt, R.S. (1989). Aphasia rehabilitation: An approach to diagnosis and treatment of disorders of language production. In M.G. Eisenberg (Ed.), Advances in Clinical Rehabilitation. New York: Springer.