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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Addressing Cognitive Problems

Dr. Gail Eskes a neuropsychologist from Dalhousie University, Halifax is the lead of multidisciplinary project for development of treatments for cognitive problems after brain problems.

Cognitive problems are things that you can't see....attention, memory, language, problem solving and reasoning.

The project is developing a "cognitive repair kit" that you can put on your computer. A therapist would assess your needs and see where you should work on. The "kit" has games to work on. You need time and intensity to improve your cognitive skills. So, be patient to see your improvements!

Step by Step

I used to be a multi-tasker before my stroke. Now, I suck as a multi-tasker. I seem to need to focus on ONE task. And, I have to do a step at a time...step by step.

I have difficulties with singing...I can put all of the words in the song. The music starts and I get the first word and after then, the words seem like a jumble. If I practice, practice, practice one song first reading the words out aloud without music. Then, add the music and for slow songs and practice, practice, practice. I get much better and singing.

If I try to MAKE the music...I play sloppy guitar..that is another task, so I have to practice, practice, practice to do the two tasks together. AND, if I have to read the notes that is another task. It's hard!

Last night, I went to my sailing class (this year) and I realized (again) how difficult for me to multi-task. First, there is the tiller that moves opposite to the direction that I want to move the boat. Second,knowing the wind direction. Then, making sure you're going to your target. Then, knowing the sails' trimming. All at the same time!

THEN, add the instructor orders and you have a very stressful situation!

BUT, I won't quit!

AND, step by step, I WILL learn to have fun sailing...