After a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), rest is often recommended in the early stages. However, some individuals continue to experience challenges with memory, attention, processing speed, and mental clarity over time. In many cases, these ongoing difficulties may reflect underlying cognitive skills that are not functioning as efficiently as before.
Why Progress Can Plateau
Time supports initial healing, but it does not always address underlying thinking skills such as:
- Memory
- Processing speed
- Reasoning
- Auditory and visual processing
Without targeted training, individuals may rely on coping strategies rather than strengthening these core skills.
The Role of Neuroplasticity
The brain has the ability to adapt and form new neural connections, a concept known as neuroplasticity. Research suggests that this process is most effective when the brain is actively engaged through structured, challenging, and progressive exercises.
Brain Training Builds Cognitive Skills
Research on structured cognitive training programs has shown improvements in areas such as:
- Memory
- Processing speed
- Reasoning
- Auditory processing
Some studies have also reported increases in IQ scores for children and adolescents following intensive cognitive training. These findings suggest that cognitive skills can be strengthened with the right type of training.
What This Means
Rather than relying on time alone, individuals can take an active approach by working to strengthen the underlying skills that support thinking and learning.
At LearningRx, we train cognitive skills such as memory, attention, processing speed, and reasoning through one-on-one brain training programs.
The Bottom Line
Time may support initial recovery, but targeted cognitive training can help improve the efficiency of core thinking skills. In a research study, young adults with mild traumatic brain injury who completed LearningRx training reported improvements in
- Cognitive skills
- Mood & outlook on life
- Greater confidence in daily thinking tasks
Every brain is unique so your results may differ from these, but we’d love the chance to share more about our programs and how they could support you or a loved one.
Citations
Moore, A. L., Carpenter, D., James, R., Miller, T., Moore, J., Disbrow, E., & Ledbetter, C. (2020). Neuroimaging and neuropsychological outcomes following clinician-delivered cognitive training for six patients with mild brain injury. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14, 229.
Ledbetter, C., & Moore, A. (2018). Neuroimaging outcomes of a cognitive rehabilitation training
program. Journal of Neuroimaging, 28(2), 225–233.
Ledbetter, C., Moore, A. L., Mitchell, T. (2017). Cognitive effects of ThinkRx cognitive
rehabilitation training for eleven soldiers with brain injury. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 825.