After experiencing a traumatic brain injury, what should be the initial focus in Joe's treatment plan?

Focusing on retraining attention as a discrete cognitive process is crucial after a traumatic brain injury because attention is foundational for many other cognitive functions, including memory, comprehension, and executive functioning. A person who has sustained a brain injury often experiences difficulties with attention, which can severely impede their ability to engage with rehabilitation activities and learn new information. Therefore, by prioritizing attention retraining, the treatment plan can help improve Joe's ability to focus, enabling him to benefit from other therapeutic interventions that may follow.

Attention retraining strategies can involve exercises that increase sustained attention, selective attention, and divided attention, all of which can be modified according to Joe's specific needs and difficulties post-injury. Once attention is strengthened, this typically leads to improvements in other areas, such as memory and problem-solving, making it a logical first step in his recovery process.