Dr. Lisa Huseboe of Focus Brain Therapy recently joined Joe Rose on WQAM in South Florida for a conversation about brain health, concussion, cognitive change, and the role rehabilitation may play following neurological injury.
Joe Rose is a former Miami Dolphins tight end and longtime South Florida sports broadcaster. His program covers sports, athletes, health, and issues affecting the South Florida community.
The conversation offers an accessible look at questions patients and families often have about concussion, memory, attention, brain injury, and the brain’s ability to adapt.
Watch the Interview
Watch Dr. Lisa Huseboe’s conversation with Joe Rose on our Media & Events page.
What Dr. Lisa and Joe Discussed
The conversation touched on several topics that come up often in cognitive and neurological rehabilitation, including:
- How concussion and brain injury may affect memory, attention, concentration, and daily function
- Why some people continue to experience cognitive difficulties after an injury
- Neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to adapt in response to structured activity, repetition, and challenge
- The relationship between cognition, movement, balance, and other neurological systems
- Brain health considerations for athletes and people with a history of head injury
- Why persistent changes in memory, focus, or processing should not automatically be ignored
- The role of evaluation when symptoms interfere with work, school, sports, or daily activities
- Maintaining cognitive health as people age
What Is Cognitive Rehabilitation?
Cognitive rehabilitation is an individualized approach designed to address difficulties involving thinking abilities and how those difficulties affect everyday function.
Depending on the person, it may address:
- Memory
- Attention
- Processing speed
- Executive function
- Mental endurance
- Functional independence
There is no single program that fits everyone. Treatment planning depends on an individual’s evaluation findings, symptoms, and goals.
Concussion Symptoms Can Extend Beyond the Initial Injury
A concussion can affect more than headaches. Depending on the person, potential concerns can include:
- Brain fog
- Memory difficulty
- Trouble concentrating
- Processing difficulties
- Dizziness
- Balance changes
- Visual challenges
- Mental fatigue
- Reduced tolerance for cognitive or physical activity
Many people improve over time. When symptoms persist and interfere with work, school, sports, or daily activities, additional evaluation may be appropriate. Learn more about concussion rehabilitation at Focus Brain Therapy.
Understanding Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity describes the nervous system’s ability to adapt in response to experience, learning, repetition, and challenge.
It is an important principle in neurological rehabilitation, but it does not mean that every injury or neurological condition can be completely reversed. Instead, it helps explain why structured, individualized activity can play a role in supporting cognitive and functional recovery.
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Is Individualized
Traumatic and acquired brain injuries can affect different people in different ways. Depending on the injury, possible areas affected can include:
- Memory
- Attention
- Processing speed
- Balance
- Coordination
- Communication
- Executive function
- Emotional regulation
- Daily independence
Because the effects of brain injury vary so widely, rehabilitation planning should be based on an individual evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. Learn more about brain injury rehabilitation at Focus Brain Therapy.
Brain Health and Healthy Aging
Memory, attention, processing speed, balance, and cognitive endurance can change as people age.
Some of these changes may be associated with normal aging. Others, particularly when they are persistent or progressive, may deserve medical or cognitive evaluation. Learn more about healthy brain aging at Focus Brain Therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cognitive rehabilitation?
Cognitive rehabilitation is a structured and individualized approach designed to address difficulties involving thinking abilities and the ways those difficulties affect everyday life. Areas commonly addressed may include memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function.
Can a concussion affect memory and concentration?
Yes. Concussion may affect memory, concentration, processing, balance, visual function, and tolerance for physical or cognitive activity. Many people improve over time, although some experience symptoms that continue to interfere with work, school, sports, or daily activities.
What is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity describes the brain and nervous system’s ability to adapt in response to learning, experience, repetition, and challenge. It is an important concept in many rehabilitation approaches.
When should someone consider an evaluation after a concussion?
An evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms continue to interfere with important activities. Examples may include ongoing problems with:
- Concentration
- Memory
- Reading
- Work performance
- School performance
- Balance
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Cognitive fatigue
A concussion or suspected concussion should first be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional. Emergency symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Can brain health change as we age?
Yes. Memory, processing speed, attention, balance, and other abilities may change over time. Some changes can occur with normal aging, while persistent or progressive changes may warrant further evaluation.
Is cognitive rehabilitation only for athletes?
No. Cognitive and neurological rehabilitation may be relevant for people experiencing functional difficulties associated with concussion, traumatic or acquired brain injury, stroke, or other neurological conditions. Whether treatment is appropriate depends on the individual and should be determined through evaluation.
Watch Dr. Lisa Huseboe’s Conversation With Joe Rose
The WQAM interview offers an accessible introduction to a broader conversation surrounding concussion, brain injury, neuroplasticity, cognitive rehabilitation, and long-term brain health.
Watch the Interview on Media & Events →
If you or someone you care about is experiencing persistent changes in memory, attention, concentration, processing, balance, or everyday cognitive function, an evaluation can help identify areas that may require further attention.
Focus Brain Therapy provides evaluation-led cognitive and neurological rehabilitation in Davie and serves patients throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida, including individuals who travel for specialized care.
Medical note: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual needs and outcomes vary. An evaluation is required to determine whether Focus Brain Therapy services are appropriate for a particular individual.