Cognitive Rehabilitation is a critical field that aims to restore, compensate and/or develop cognitive functions in individuals with cognitive impairments. These cognitive impairments can arise due to several factors such as neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injuries), psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia), and aging. The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation has been demonstrated in several studies, yet there is still much to be learned about the optimal design and application of interventions to achieve better long-term outcomes for individuals. Therefore, this research topic aims to provide an overview of the past, present, and future of cognitive rehabilitation, with a particular focus on the following:

-Current State of Cognitive Rehabilitation: This section will accept manuscripts on the current state of cognitive rehabilitation in terms of its practical use in clinical practice and the diversity of approaches used in research. The applications of cognitive rehabilitation are multifaceted and range from working memory training to the use of digital health technologies such as mobile apps and telemedicine.

-Evidence Base for Cognitive Rehabilitation: This part of the research topic will accept manuscripts focusing on the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation interventions and its outcomes in several domains. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews of cognitive rehabilitation studies will provide an up to date and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence base. Specific domains may include, among others, executive function, memory, attention, language, and social cognition.

Challenges in Cognitive Rehabilitation: This section will publish manuscripts that address the challenges experienced in the practice of cognitive rehabilitation concerning intervention design and implementation, trial methodology, and outcome assessment. The individualized approach versus standardized protocols, the specificity of the rehabilitation procedures versus generalization to daily activities and the active versus passive nature of the interventions are examples of key topics to be addressed.

-Emerging Technologies and Future Directions: Manuscripts in this area will discuss how new technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, neurofeedback, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offer promising approaches to cognitive rehabilitation. The utilization of mobile technology and digital health interventions is providing cost-effective and easily accessible platforms for cognitive rehabilitation. Moreover, this section will consider key issues underpinning the future direction of cognitive rehabilitation research, including the need for new outcome measures, study design, funding, and intervention implementation practices.

The proposed cognitive rehabilitation research topic intends to benefit researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, who seek to learn about the current state of cognitive rehabilitation, the challenges involved in effective application of interventions, and the potential of emerging technologies in shaping the future direction of cognitive rehabilitation practice and research.

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Cognitive rehabilitation: An overview of the past, present, and future