Cognitive rehabilitation for attention deficits following stroke

Cognitive training can improve alertness and sustained attention but there is no evidence that it helps people to do daily activities without help after stroke. Attention problems can occur following stroke (a sudden catastrophe in the brain either because an artery to the brain blocks, or because an artery in or on the brain ruptures and bleeds). They are common in people with damage to the right side of their brain. Although there is some spontaneous recovery, some symptoms may persist for years. Cognitive rehabilitation training aims to improve attention, memory and perception. The review found that training improves alertness and sustained attention. The review found no evidence to show that cognitive rehabilitation can improve people's ability to do daily activities without help after a stroke (for example, getting dressed).