Nevada residents who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are experiencing the symptoms of depression may want to look into cognitive training. A recent study, the results of which were published in Human Brain Mapping, shows that group cognitive training can help reduce those symptoms.
During the study, 79 participants with a chronic TBI underwent either strategy- or information-based cognitive training in a group setting. Of these, 53 were classified as depressed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Strategy-based training strove to improve participants’ selective attention and abstract reasoning, among other thinking strategies, while the other educated participants on brain anatomy, brain performance, the effects of a TBI and so on.
The depressed participants reported a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and an improvement in daily life functioning. MRI scans showed corresponding changes to cortical thickness and resting brain state conditions.
Researchers state that the way people use their brain actually leads to physical changes in the brain and that cognitive training can help not only people dealing with TBIs and depression but also healthy people. However, none of the participants had clinical-level depression, so researchers admit that a similar study must be made with individuals exhibiting more severe symptoms.
Those who suffer a brain injury through another’s negligence may be able to file a personal injury claim. There can be complications, however, such as the fact that many brain injuries are hard to diagnose. With a lawyer, victims might have access to a third-party medical expert to measure the extent of the injuries; this may make it easier to calculate a fair amount for a settlement. The lawyer may then negotiate for it; if the other side is unwilling to pay or offers only a low amount, the lawyer may prepare the case for court.
