The centre is meant to benefit persons affected by stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain and neurological cancers, dementia and other neurological and neurodegenerative conditionsThe All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, on Monday launched Punarjeevan, a state-of-the-art, technology-enabled neurorehabilitation unit aimed at restoring function, independence, and quality of life among persons affected by stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain and neurological cancers, dementia, and other neurological and neurodegenerative conditions.Punarjeevan is envisaged as the first-of-its-kind integrated technology-enabled neurorehabilitation facility in India that brings advanced, internationally aligned rehabilitation technologies together with multidisciplinary clinical expertise, while making such specialised services accessible and affordable to the public, the institute claimed.The unit was inaugurated by Trishika Kumari Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family in the presence of M. Pushpavathi, director, AIISH; S.P. Goswami, professor of Speech Pathology, AIISH; and faculty and staff members of the Centre for Children and Adults with Speech-Language Disorders (CSLD) and the Clinic for Adults and Elderly Persons with Communication Disorders.The launch comes at a time when neurological disorders are emerging as a major public-health challenge. Globally, more than 3 billion people are estimated to live with a neurological condition, while stroke alone accounted for approximately 93.8 million prevalent cases and 11.9 million new cases in 2021. Dementia affects more than 57 million people worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases reported every year. These conditions frequently result in long-term difficulties affecting communication, cognition, mobility, swallowing, balance, and independent living, said Dr. Goswami, who is the dean for Research and Development and coordinator, CSLD.Punarjeevan has been designed to address these complex rehabilitation needs through an integrated multidisciplinary model. It brings together advanced Speech-Language Therapy, cognitive-linguistic rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and technology-assisted rehabilitation under one comprehensive facility.A major strength of the unit is its Speech-Language Therapy facility, which provides advanced assessment and intervention for aphasia, dysarthria, cognitive-communication disorders, swallowing difficulties and other communication problems associated with neurological conditions. Conventional evidence-based therapy is augmented by digital cognitive-linguistic rehabilitation, transcranial direct current stimulation and digital therapeutic applications such as the Constant Therapy app, enabling structured, personalised, and intensive rehabilitation.The facility also incorporates robotics and advanced rehabilitation technologies, including robotic gait training, balance rehabilitation systems, and task-oriented rehabilitation equipment. These technologies facilitate repetitive, intensive, and goal-oriented practice for individuals with difficulties in walking, balance, coordination, and functional activities.The multidisciplinary approach is particularly beneficial for persons recovering from stroke and traumatic brain injury, who may simultaneously experience speech and language impairment, cognitive difficulties, swallowing problems, weakness, balance disorders, and reduced functional independence. Individuals with brain and neurological cancers can also benefit from rehabilitation addressing communication, cognition, swallowing and physical functioning.Similarly, persons living with dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders can receive specialised cognitive-communication and functional rehabilitation. Importantly, Punarjeevan is not limited to the use of advanced equipment. Its focus is on combining clinical expertise, technology, personalised intervention, and measurable functional outcomes. The unit is also envisioned as a centre for clinical research, innovation, professional training, and capacity building in technology-enabled neurorehabilitation, according to a press release.Earlier, Ms. Kumari inaugurated the 61st annual day celebrations of the institute and interacted with children availing services at the premier institute here.