The syndromic approach to the rehabilitation of the higher mental functions (HMF) of patients with progressive cognitive disorders in L.S. Vygotsky–A.R. Luria School

Abstract

Background

The method of “rehabilitation training”, developed in the Soviet psychology, based on the idea that the human HMF are realized in complex functional systems, developed during cultural- and ontogenesis.

Aims

To show the importance of the development of approaches to the rehabilitation of HMF in Luria's neuropsychology.

Methods

The disturbances in brain activity leads to the neuropsychological syndrome appearance that could be called self-developing system. According to the systemic principles, each neuropsychological syndrome HMF disorders in accordance with brain injury localisation has the common “cause” – destroyed neuropsychological factor. In the case of patients with dementia several neuropsychological factors are usually included. So the rehabilitation processes should be aimed at the maximum preserved and strengthened stereotypes and behavior strategies in past experiences.

Results

The binary syndrome structure (set of symptoms of destroyed neuropsychological HMF and abnormal neuropsychological factor itself) allows us to define two strategies of neuropsychological rehabilitation programs. The first strategy involves choice as a “target” of the most destroyed mental function. The second strategy could be directed to the rehabilitation of abnormal neuropsychological factor that should be accompanied by the rehabilitation of several systemic interrelated mental functions. Recourse to past knowledge, interests and emotionally important topics is assisting and supporting the rehabilitation processes.

Conclusions

Use of both strategies ensures targeted restoration of cognitive functions within Vygotsky-Luria approach.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.