Samuel
Samuel
- Name: Samuel
- Age: 59
ABI
A 59-year-old doctor, Samuel suffered a stroke that resulted in severe cognitive decline. Specifically, memory and processing abilities were most symptomatic. Samuel began training with cognitive skills between the .01th percentile and 5th percentile.
Samuel was referred to COGx after years of computer-based cognitive remediation therapy that had failed to show any improvement in his cognitive skills or ability.
At the beginning of training, Samuel would consistently say “I don’t know” to just about anything he was asked. His injury had robbed him of a hard-earned medical pedigree and a fulfilling life he cherished, and Samuel was understandably discouraged, having spent several years attempting to recover his skills in vain.
Samuel’s program initially involved drill and practice of exercises to build his attention and processing speed. He was instructed to complete simple or rote tasks as quickly as he can, and as his speed improved the tasks became more complex.
As Samuel’s cognitive stamina improved, he was taught evidence-based memory techniques for storing information and strategies for retrieving information. Samuel practiced applying these using a variety of exercises. Samuel was motivated and his improved focus allowed him to better learn the rules of applying each of the different techniques and strategies, such as visualization, association-making, linking, chunking, self-testing and elaboration.
With practice, Samuel’s long-term memory considerably improved, and he then began using the techniques and strategies he had learned to memorize information at home for his daily activities, and in preparation to take an exam that would qualify him to retain his medical licensure.
Samuel now rarely says, “I don’t know” to whether he remembers something or not. If he really doesn’t know or is confused, Samuel typically defaults to humor rather than frustration, which is a testament to the confidence he has restored in his intellectual ability as well as the social growth he has made.
Increased interpersonal confidence has been a definite byproduct of training. Samuel’s wife reports that this has tremendously improved at home and in social interactions. As reported by those close to Samuel, this is the improvement they value most.