When caring for a brain injured patient, the term "cognition" is frequently used. Cognition simply means "understanding" or "knowing". It is the process by which we acquire knowledge. At BAPTIST HEALTH Rehabilitation Institute all members of the team work together to improve the patient's cognitive skills. These skill levels include:

Attention - Being alert and aware.
Selective Attention - Being able to tune out distractions and background noises.
Discrimination - Knowing how items are the same or different.
Sequencing - Putting thoughts and activities in their proper order.
Memory - A complex area involving various types of memory. The patient may be instructed in the use of a memory notebook to assist with memory problems.
Categorization - Being able to sort information correctly.
Thought Organization - Being able to add newly learned information to old information.
Reasoning, Problem Solving, and Judgement - Being able to think through and make decisions in a difficult or abstract situation.

It is very important for the patient's family and friends to be involved with cognitive rehabilitation along with the rehab team. Some helpful activities include: bringing pictures of family, friends, pets, etc.; making sure the memory notebook is filled out with night and weekend activities; orienting the patient to time, place and situation; playing games with the patient that involve attention and "thinking", such as cards, concentration, checkers, puzzles, etc.