Reference no: EM133244511

Question - Background - Addiction can damage the brain in different ways, including neurotoxicity, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. One part of the brain particularly vulnerable to damage is the frontal lobe, which is involved in executive functions (EFs). There are three 'core' executive functions; inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility (also referred to as set shifting and/or switching) and these are vital for everyday behaviours such as reasoning, problem solving, and planning. EFs impact upon all aspects of human life, including communication. Executive functions that support social communication are often impaired in individuals with damage to the frontal lobes. Much of our knowledge about the role of the frontal lobe is based on research in those with frontal lobe damage, such as those with aphasia related to a stroke.

Suggested Readings - Diamond (2013), Rende (2000), Purdy and Koch (2006), Purdy (2002), Chiou and Kennedy (2009).

Question a: What is cognitive flexibility and what role does it play in successful communication?

Question b: Imagine you are talking to a client who has frontal lobe damage and impaired cognitive flexibility. Describe two strategies you might employ to facilitate communication with them.