Geriatric Cognitive Rehabilitation Course

Lesson 1 • Cognitive Domains and Their Functions

Defines the major cognitive domains targeted in rehabilitation. Builds the domain-specific vocabulary essential for assessment and intervention planning.

Lesson 2 • Normal Cognitive Changes in Ageing

Covers age-related shifts in processing speed, memory, and attention. Provides the biological baseline needed to identify deviation from normal ageing.

Lesson 3 • Neurobiology of the Ageing Brain

Examines structural and neurochemical changes underlying cognitive ageing. Links brain-level changes to observable functional outcomes in older adult patients.

Lesson 4 • Psychosocial Factors in Cognitive Ageing

Addresses how depression, social isolation, and stress accelerate cognitive decline. Contextualises biological findings within the patient's lived environment.

Lesson 1 • Comprehensive Neuropsychological Batteries

Covers domain-specific batteries that yield detailed cognitive profiles. Prepares practitioners to interpret multidomain reports from neuropsychologists.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Cognitive Assessment

Introduces psychometric concepts underpinning valid cognitive measurement. Ensures practitioners interpret scores within appropriate normative and clinical contexts.

Lesson 3 • Screening Tools for Cognitive Impairment

Reviews brief standardised screening instruments used in clinical and community settings. Connects screening results to referral and intervention decision-making.

Lesson 4 • Functional and Everyday Cognition Measures

Examines tools measuring real-world cognitive performance in daily tasks. Bridges standardised scores to functional independence and rehabilitation goals.

Lesson 1 • Multimodal and Integrated Intervention Frameworks

Presents models combining cognitive, physical, and psychosocial components. Prepares practitioners to design comprehensive programmes exceeding single-domain approaches.

Lesson 2 • Restorative Versus Compensatory Approaches

Contrasts approaches that rebuild impaired functions with those that bypass deficits. Establishes the conceptual framework for all subsequent intervention decisions.

Lesson 3 • Goal-Oriented and Person-Centred Models

Introduces frameworks prioritising patient-defined meaningful goals over deficit reduction. Aligns rehabilitation with individual values, roles, and daily life priorities.

Lesson 4 • Neuroplasticity-Based Rehabilitation Models

Examines how experience-dependent plasticity principles inform intervention design. Links training intensity, specificity, and timing to neuroplastic outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Prospective Memory Interventions

Addresses training for future-oriented memory failures common in daily life. Connects prospective memory deficits to medication adherence and appointment keeping.

Lesson 2 • Mnemonic Strategies and Encoding Techniques

Covers internal memory strategies that enhance encoding and retrieval. Equips practitioners to teach patients self-applicable techniques for everyday memory tasks.

Lesson 3 • Group-Based Memory Training Programmes

Presents structured group formats for delivering memory rehabilitation efficiently. Addresses facilitation skills, peer learning dynamics, and programme fidelity.

Lesson 4 • Errorless Learning and Spaced Retrieval

Teaches acquisition techniques that minimise error during new learning. Demonstrates application to name-face associations, medication routines, and daily procedures.

Lesson 1 • Self-Regulation and Metacognitive Training

Develops patient awareness of cognitive limitations and self-monitoring strategies. Metacognitive skills underpin the effective use of all compensatory techniques.

Lesson 2 • Cognitive Training Software for Executive Skills

Reviews computerised platforms targeting executive function and attention. Guides practitioners in selecting, prescribing, and monitoring digital training tools.

Lesson 3 • Attention Process Training Methods

Introduces hierarchical attention training targeting sustained, selective, and divided attention. Connects attention capacity to performance across all other cognitive domains.

Lesson 4 • Understanding Executive Dysfunction in Ageing

Profiles the executive deficits most prevalent in older adult populations. Establishes the clinical rationale for prioritising executive function in rehabilitation.

Lesson 1 • Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Plans

Establishes systematic methods for tracking patient response to intervention. Develops clinical reasoning for modifying programmes based on outcome data.

Lesson 2 • From Assessment to Goal Formulation

Bridges cognitive profile data to meaningful, measurable rehabilitation goals. Ensures goals reflect patient priorities, functional needs, and realistic prognosis.

Lesson 3 • Selecting and Sequencing Interventions

Guides evidence-based selection and ordering of techniques within a programme. Prevents intervention overload by matching complexity to patient capacity and stage.

Lesson 4 • Adapting Programmes for Dementia Severity

Modifies programme design principles for mild, moderate, and severe dementia stages. Ensures interventions remain meaningful and achievable as cognition declines.

Lesson 1 • Managing Caregiver Stress and Burnout

Addresses the psychological burden caregivers carry and its effect on care quality. Equips practitioners to identify burnout and connect caregivers to support resources.

Lesson 2 • Training Caregivers in Rehabilitation Techniques

Teaches practitioners to coach caregivers in applying specific rehabilitation strategies at home. Extends therapeutic reach beyond formal sessions into daily routines.

Lesson 3 • Educating Families About Cognitive Impairment

Provides frameworks for delivering accurate, compassionate psychoeducation to families. Reduces caregiver misconceptions that undermine consistent patient support.

Lesson 4 • Communication Strategies for Cognitive Decline

Trains caregivers in adaptive communication techniques matched to cognitive stage. Reduces frustration and behavioural disturbance through effective interaction methods.

Lesson 1 • Quality Improvement in Rehabilitation Programmes

Applies continuous improvement cycles to cognitive rehabilitation service delivery. Builds organisational capacity for sustained, data-driven programme enhancement.

Lesson 2 • Single-Subject and Group Research Designs

Introduces research designs applicable to clinical practice evaluation. Enables practitioners to generate and interpret practice-based evidence systematically.

Lesson 3 • Critically Appraising Rehabilitation Research

Develops skills for evaluating study quality, bias, and clinical applicability. Prevents adoption of ineffective or harmful practices based on weak evidence.

Lesson 4 • Implementing Evidence-Based Protocols

Guides translation of research findings into standardised clinical protocols. Addresses fidelity monitoring, adaptation, and contextual implementation barriers.