Landmarks and Future Perspectives in Neurorehabilitation: Conference Abstracts
Abstracts
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Thursday, Aug 21st: Cross-disciplinary plenaries.
10.45 Holistic Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Artificial Intelligence and Human Experiences: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective
Speaker: George P. Prigatano Ph.D. Emeritus Chairman of Clinical Neuropsychology. Barrow Neurological Institute
Abstract:
Holistic Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Programs began to develop in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and continue to have a positive influence on brain injury rehabilitation programs throughout the world. These programs address the complexity of human experiences and their clinical management following an insult to the human brain. The recently developing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is starting to infiltrate many different types of services that we enjoy and is rapidly developing into the field of both physical and cognitive rehabilitation. AI encompasses many different computer-generated services including machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics and brain-machine interfaces. How AI will impact holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation programs remains unclear, but the impact will surely be felt.
On this Anniversary Celebration of the Center for Hijerneskade, I will briefly review the theoretical foundations and methodologies of holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation programs in the context of the history of cognitive recovery and rehabilitation. I will emphasize that the patient’s subjective experience (which is determined by their cognitive and affective status) has always influenced the outcome of rehabilitation treatments. I will then briefly discuss selected brain-machine interface studies on motor control and cognitive functions that have relevance to the future of holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation. I will attempt to demonstrate how the patient’s experience may modulate the outcome of some forms of AI based interventions. My knowledge of brain-computer interface technology is limited, but I will draw on the historical insights of Herbert Simon and recent papers on AI to illustrate points that seem reasonable given my experiences in the psychological care of persons with brain disorders.
13.00 Improving Outcome After TBI with Evidence-Based Rehabilitation
Speaker: Jennie Ponsford, Ph.d. Professor of Neuropsychology. Director, Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre
Abstract:
This lecture will provide an overview of findings from a 35-year longitudinal head injury outcome study involving over 3400 people with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). It will highlight the long-term significance of fatigue and sleep disturbance, and cognitive, behavioural and psychiatric sequelae of TBI. This work has underpinned several clinical trials of interventions to address problems with memory and attention, fatigue and sleep disturbance, challenging behaviour, anxiety and depression and sexuality as well as a trial of early intervention for return to employment.
Findings from these trials and the translation of findings into clinical practice will be presented.
Friday, Aug 22nd: Parallel Workshops
III. Workshop for Speech- and Language Therapists
Title: Adaptation of Aphasia Rehabilitation to New Technological Possibilities
9.30 PHOLEXSEM training-program
Speaker: Professor Elisabetta Banco (ITA), Neuropsychologist and Speech and Language Therapist.
Abstract:
Aphasia rehabilitation is a challenging issue, which must adapt to new technological possibilities while also taking into account the limitations of the context. Rehabilitation goals are multifaceted and we need time and tools to achieve every aspect of the puzzle that makes up a better quality of life. Pholexem is a programmed treatment that aims to be applicable in any severity and free of contextual barriers, suitable in presence or telematically, relegated to caregivers if hospitalization is not an option. Time is a crucial issue in rehabilitation. So many interventions need to be planned, so limited is the energy of the person with aphasia particularly in the post acute phase. Therefore, we devised a half-hour daily rehabilitation program related to phonological, lexical and semantic stimulation, in which the use of repetition plays a central role in reducing fatigue, especially in patients with attention or executive functions deficit.