Neurology

Hello fellow neuro-enthusiasts! I recently came across an article on one of my favourite topics - neuroplasticity - by neuroscientist Dr Dominic Ng. It's very accessibly written and is applicable to us all, so I thought it was worth signposting to you!

www.brainhealthdecoded.com

A neuroscientist explains what neuroplasticity is - and how to unlock it at any age.

Dr. Ng outlines six 'evidence-based ways to keep your brain young, adaptable and primed for growth'. You can read all about them via the link above; I've picked my highlights from each below:

1. Stay Connected 'A 2023 Nature Aging study found that older adults with regular weekly social contact had 30-50% lower dementia risk compared to isolated peers.'

Hi all. I found this presentation really informative and comprehensive! I'll likely review the video when treating patients with more marked cognitive deficits. The occupational therapist covers:

• Cognitive and perceptual changes following stroke

• The role of the OT in assessing and treating these problems

• Strategies to help manage them

I hope you find it useful. Feel free to comment with other clips that have aided your practice! 🤓

Hi everyone. I've been meaning to put thoughts down on paper (well, keyboard!) for some time... As an OT working in neuro-rehab, two words arise frequently with other clinicians and patients: 'Neuroplasticity' and the concept of the recovery 'plateau'. As therapists, we are passionately driven by the former. Whereas the latter concept - that progress tails off after a period of time - is arguable, usually unhelpful and very often not due to the patient themselves. My new article explains why we 'love and loathe' these two words respectively. Take a read here (open access on the Hub):

Rehabilitation: Neuroplasticity and challenging the Recovery 'Plateau'

Hi all. I came across this external article about cog rehab and thought it'd be worth sharing. From Everyday Health, it's a broad overview and highlights MDT input. It could be shared with your patients as general education, before they engage in cog rehab with you or your team...

www.everydayhealth.com

Discover cognitive rehabilitation: targeted exercises guided by professionals to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Learn about types, conditions treated, and how to get started.

A few excerpts:

'Whether through restorative therapies aimed at enhancing cognitive abilities or compensatory strategies designed to make daily tasks more manageable, cognitive rehabilitation can significantly boost one’s quality of life. Research consistently shows that cognitive rehabilitation not only helps in managing symptoms but also enhances overall functional independence.'

'Grabbing a cup of coffee, hailing a bus, using a computer, holding a phone to your ear, or simply scratching your head... Most of our daily actions involve our arms. When living with muscular weakness, moving the arm can be challenging, or even impossible. This significantly impacts our ability to engage in meaningful self-care, productivity or leisure. Occupational Therapists benefit from a deeper understanding of assistive technology, to maximise potential for occupational engagement.'

As practising occupational therapists, we'd like to understand how the wider OT workforce feels it could better deliver for those it supports. Select one or more options below, to cast your vote!

Signposting: Assistive tech guide

I recently came across the following freely-available document from an organisation called Orthopus, who provide 'Handitech solutions for everyone' (N.B. I have no affiliation with them). It's called Assistive Technology for Arm Mobility in Europe. It looks very comprehensive and could be of interest to fellow neuro OTs working with technology in their practice. Has anyone else come across it before? If not, take a look below...

Hi there! For any OT podcast enthusiasts here, you might like to check out the Hub's Podcast Portal - to listen to 'The NOGGINS AND NEURONS Podcast':

I don't know of any other neuro-specific occupational therapy series - and this one's full of insights worth absorbing! Enjoy 🙂🎧

Hi All. Just signposting another neurology-related resource on the Hub:

OT + Neurological Rehabilitation is a past Therapy Forum I have created. Whilst this OT Circle is where efforts will be focused going forwards, the forum is also home to useful insights and links. Take a look: