Improving treatment response of cognitively impaired veterans with neuropsychological rehabilitation

This pilot study examined the effect of computerized neuropsychological rehabilitation (NR) on cognitively impaired veterans' behavior while in treatment for polysubstance abuse. A group of 10 veterans participated in a 10-session adjunctive program of NR. This group was rated for length of stay in treatment and behavioral change and participation in treatment. Comparisons were made with a group of nine veterans who were in the standard substance abuse treatment with no adjunctive NR. Mild to moderate neuropsychological impairments were present in both groups in the areas of immediate and delayed memory, prospective memory, problem solving, and visual scanning and tracking. Relative to controls, the group that participated in NR was found to remain in treatment significantly longer and rated as having a better overall attitude in the general treatment program. These data suggest that NR may have positive treatment implications in patients with mild to moderate neuropsychological impairment.