[Rehabilitation programs for executive functions].
BACKGROUND
The executive functions are the high-level functions that have generated many studies. These functions comprise a whole range of cognitive abilities related to novelty problem solving. So, it includes: goal selection, planning, initiation of activity, self regulation and use of feedback. There are many papers about the definition of executive functions and about their deficits in different pathologies. However, there only exist a few works about the possibility of recovering these functions and the elaboration of programs of cognitive rehabilitation.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report is to review the main rehabilitation programs for executive functions and to adapt them to our culture and context from a theoretical practice perspective. In spite of the utility of these programs, we make a reflection on their limitations. In this sense, we emphasized the oversight of emotional aspects involved in decision making. Besides, new directions for the investigation in this area are pointed out.
Muñoz Céspedes
J M
JM
Unidad de Daño Cerebral, Hospital Beata M, Ana, Madrid. jmcespedes@correo.cop.es
Tirapu Ustárroz
J
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001288:Attention; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003657:Decision Making; D004644:Emotions; D006613:Higher Nervous Activity; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011340:Problem Solving; D017748:Time Management