What Is Cognition & How Does It Affect Communication?

Cognition refers to the mental processes we use every day to think, learn, remember, organize information, solve problems, and make decisions. These skills are closely connected to our ability to communicate effectively.

When cognitive skills are affected, a person may have difficulty following conversations, remembering important information, finding the right words, staying focused, organizing thoughts, or completing everyday tasks. These challenges are often referred to as cognitive-communication difficulties.

Speech-language pathologists can evaluate and treat cognitive-communication skills involving areas such as attention, memory, problem-solving, reasoning, organization, and executive functioning. Difficulties may occur following a stroke, brain injury, neurological condition, illness, or other changes affecting the brain.

Therapy is individualized to the needs and everyday goals of each person. Treatment may include strategies to improve memory and attention, organize information more effectively, communicate thoughts clearly, and increase independence with daily activities.

At Pam Manser & Associates, we recognize that successful communication involves much more than speech and language alone. Cognitive skills play an important role in how we connect with others, manage our responsibilities, and participate in everyday life.

We’ll be adding more information about cognition and cognitive-communication therapy soon.