‘Cutting Edge’ Developments in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation and Possible Future Directions

Abstract

This article considers 10 of the most important developments in neuropsychological rehabilitation over the past 5 years. While several leaders in the field were contacted to discover what they considered to be the most important developments, the selection discussed here is the author's alone and is, therefore, a personal view. Included are: computational models; support for people with dementia; new assessment procedures; new treatment strategies for cognitive, emotional and psychosocial problems; new theoretical models to improve our understanding of the consequences of brain injury; and recognition of the need to find new ways to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitation. The final section of the article considers possible future developments in rehabilitation, including stronger links with basic neuro-science; better use of imaging procedures; collaboration with pharmaceutical companies; better evaluation of our programs; and the need to educate researchers and practitioners as to the meaning of rehabilitation.