Adding creativity to Cognitive Remediation to improve Quality of Life

by Natalia Ojeda del Pozo, Past president of the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), Full professor of Neuropsychology at University of Deusto, Spain

Living with schizophrenia is a journey that goes far beyond managing clinical symptoms. For many, the real challenge lies in the "invisible" side of the illness: cognitive fog (difficulty concentrating or remembering) and apathy (a profound lack of motivation). These hurdles can make everyday tasks, like following a conversation or planning a meal, feel like an uphill battle, deeply affecting the quality of life of both patients and their families.

At the Neuropsychology of Severe Mental Disorders Lab in Spain, we believe that everyone has an incredible capacity to adapt. That’s why we developed REHACOP and REHACOG, two evidence-based programs designed to "re-train" the mind and provide practical tools for real-world success.

What does the science say?

We use a "combined" approach that acts like a specialized toolkit, in line with the scientific findings that combined approaches that integrate multiple strategies are more efficient and boost benefit. Integrative approaches can include not only rehabilitation of cognitive processes but also behavioural psychotherapy, psychoeducation, family therapy, orientation to employment, and more. Here is what we have discovered through years of clinical trials:

• A "Gym": Through cognitive remediation, patients improve their attention, memory, and executive functions. This isn't just about doing puzzles; it’s about rebuilding the mental stamina needed for daily life.

  
  

• The Multiplier Effect: We found that when we combine cognitive remediation with psychoeducation (understanding the illness) and social cognition (learning to read social cues), the benefits don’t just add up—they multiply! This holistic approach significantly reduces apathy and helps people reconnect with their goals.

  
  

• The Power of Creativity: In our latest studies, we’ve introduced techniques to spark creativity. These include new problem-solving methods and even non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like tDCS-tRNS. By fostering creative and divergent thinking, we help patients improve their "cognitive flexibility." This means they become better at finding new solutions to everyday problems, increasing their ability to generate multiple solutions, and helping them to navigate complex daily tasks, making them more resilient and independent in daily life.

Science Without Borders 🌍

Mental health support should have no barriers. While these programs started in Spanish, their success has led to international expansion. A version of the program is now fully available in English and French, with translations in Portuguese and Greek already underway.

Curious about the evidence behind these programs? Visit us at neurolab.deusto.es to explore our research and see how we are transforming neurorehabilitation.