Attention

 

"Attention is a prerequisite for almost all cognitive functions and everyday activities. Disturbed alertness is common after stroke especially in the first few days and weeks, and more so following right hemisphere stroke. Problems may be specific (e.g. focussing, dividing or sustaining attention) or more generalised, affecting alertness and speed of processing as characterised by poor engagement and general slowness. Attention problems may lead to fatigue, low mood and difficulty with independent living."

(ISWP, 2012, p117)

Attention deficits are:

• key to learning motor skills (Barker-Collo et al. 2009)
• associated with greater functional impairment and falls in community-dwelling stroke survivors (Hydman et al. 2003)
• associated with accidents in the home