Overview

• “Functional cognition” refers to how thinking skills affect real-life task performance.

• Many OTPs learn basics like SLUMS/MMSE and memory strategies—but often stop there.

• Cognitive rehab isn't just compensation—it can also include restoration and remediation.

• OTPs are fully within scope to address cognitive and executive dysfunction.

• Common conditions: ADRD, early memory loss, PNDs, and age-related decline.

• If cognition is limiting function, it belongs in your plan of care.

💡 Claim your role in cognitive rehab—it’s not only appropriate, it’s necessary.

Memory and Attention Learning Pathway

Memory and Attention Learning Pathway

This self-paced, 5-hour video series introduces occupational therapy practitioners to foundational and advanced concepts in cognition, memory, attention, and executive functioning. You’ll explore cognitive remediation mindsets, learn to integrate cognitive-based approaches into daily OT practice, and gain practical tools for screening, intervention, and client education.

📌 What’s Included:

• Overview of memory types, working memory, attention, and cognitive processes

• Training on executive function components relevant to functional performance

• Guidance for OT’s role in Alzheimer’s Disease & related dementias

• Sample client education strategies and real clinical conversations

• Tools like driving readiness screens, visual perception tasks, and app-based interventions

• Hands-on fine and gross motor activities for dual-task training

• Worksheets and demo sessions for cognitive screening & engagement

Printable Cognitive Resources

Information & Videos

Causes of Cognitive Decline

1. Traumatic Brain Injury

2. Acquired Brain Injury

3. Cerebrovascular accident

4. Aneurysm rupture

5. Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) Bleed

6. Parkinsons

7. Multiple Sclerosis

8. Dementia (ADRD)

9. Huntington’s disease

10. Brain Tumors

11. Autisms 

12. Specific genetic and chromosomal abnormalities 

13. Developmental impairments

14. Temporary conditions  [delirium]

    • Debility 

      • UTI

      • Anesthesia 

      • Dehydration

      • Medication Management 

      • insomnia/sleep issues

      • Cancer/chemotherapy

      • NEW Environment [hospital delirium]

Occupational Therapy Approach to Executive Dysfunction:

• Executive function is the brain's management system
  It helps individuals start tasks, stay focused, manage emotions, shift thinking, organize information, and access memory efficiently.

• Memory issues are often rooted in executive dysfunction
  What looks like poor memory may actually be impaired attention, planning, or inhibition preventing encoding or retrieval.

• Key components include:

  • Initiation & Inhibition

  • Cognitive Flexibility

  • Working Memory & Attention

  • Emotional Regulation

  • Organization, Planning, and Self-Monitoring

• Occupational therapy addresses executive function through real-life tasks
  Lifestyle interventions like cooking, dual tasking, sequencing routines, and reframing thoughts activate and strengthen executive networks.

• Intervention must be meaningful and task-oriented
  Executive skills improve best when practiced in personally relevant, cognitively demanding, and structured everyday activities.

• Executive dysfunction often goes unseen—observe behavior, not just test scores
  Many individuals with executive challenges can “pass” cognitive screens but still struggle with real-world function. Clinical interviews, performance-based tasks, and environmental context are essential for accurate assessment.

We have a great handout entitled, "What is Executive Function" to help you explain these concepts to your patients. 

Dual Tasking 

What is Dual Tasking?

• Dual tasking = movement + cognition

• Movement requires executive function (attention, memory, planning)

• Brain + body = one system—healing happens through integrated engagement

💡Why It Matters After Trauma or Neurological Injury

• Many clients don’t notice dual tasking challenges until they’re impaired

• Cognitive demands increase when combined with mobility or self-care tasks

• OT’s role is not just adaptation—it's also restoration and remediation

🧰 The OT Practitioner’s Role

• Use movement-based cognitive tasks to rebuild function

• Include dual-task training in your plan of care for 9–12+ weeks

• Treat executive dysfunction as a key barrier to daily participation

• Apply evidence-based, non-drug interventions even in progressive diseases

• Focus on maintaining cognitive reserve and slowing decline

⚠️ How Dual Tasking Deficits Show Up

• Putting an item down and forgetting where

• Entering a room and forgetting why

• Leaving a store without the item they went for

• Struggling to cook while holding a conversation

• Missing what someone says while walking or cleaning

• Getting disoriented while driving and following directions

• Tripping or missing obstacles while walking and thinking

🔑 Bottom Line:
You’re not just adapting. You’re restoring.
Dual tasking training is essential for cognitive recovery and long-term independence.

Would you like this formatted as a printable handout for clinicians?