Abstract
Introduction
Cognitive deficits are determinants of long-term disability and socio-professional reintegration across neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite evidence supporting cognitive neurorehabilitation, its implementation remains heterogeneous, and therapeutic parameters are insufficiently defined.Areas covered
The authors reviewed the published literature from PubMed and Google Scholar from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2026, supplemented by seminal publications. Clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational and proof-of-concept studies were prioritized. This brief narrative review examines restorative and compensatory cognitive neurorehabilitation for deficits of attention, executive functions, language and disorders of consciousness in people after stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), older adults, and those with neurological and neurodegenerative conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Emphasis is placed on dose, frequency, adaptivity, personalization, and digital and technology-assisted interventions. Methodological challenges include heterogeneity of protocols, limited use of active control conditions, insufficient long-term follow-up, and the gap between cognitive test improvements and meaningful effects on participation.Expert opinion
Advancing cognitive neurorehabilitation requires precision-driven approaches integrating digital therapeutics with clinical frameworks. Large-scale pragmatic trials, meaningful endpoints, and implementation strategies across the continuum of care will be essential to transform cognitive neurorehabilitation into a component of neurological practice.