Abstract
Background and aims
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults, significantly affecting both patients and their families. Beyond motor impairments, it causes cognitive and perceptual deficits that, combined with physical limitations, negatively impact activities of daily living (ADLs). This study aims to examine whether training cognitive functions—primarily memory, perception, attention, and decision-making—improves performance in basic ADLs.
Methods
A total of 127 patients with stroke admitted to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of our Hospital between 2017 and 2025 participated in the study. All patients received occupational therapy for up to four months. Cognitive status and ADLs were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Barthel Index at baseline, during rehabilitation, and before discharge. Patients followed a computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program consisting of 22 activities, delivered five times per week, targeting specific cognitive and perceptual deficits with individualized difficulty levels. Additionally, they received ADL training twice weekly, focusing on feeding, dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, bathing, and mobility to enhance independence.
Results
Post-intervention assessments showed improvement in cognitive function and increased independent participation in basic ADLs.
Conclusions
Enhancing cognitive and perceptual abilities appears to support patients’ use of effective strategies for daily functioning, facilitating greater independence, smoother reintegration into the community, and reduced caregiver burden.
Conflict of interest
Name of author: nothing to disclose