Zaira Santana
Zaira Santana, head of Psicotogether, Psychopedagogy Unit of La Paloma Hospital in Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, and active member of the Institute of International Cooperation of the Royal European Academy of Doctors-Barcelona 1914 (RAED), has managed this service as one of the eight most innovative mental health centres in Spain, according to the list developed by the Sincrolab medical platform, dedicated to the recovery and development of cognitive abilities. The Spanish medical community recognizes that the centres included in this list have the potential to completely change the healthcare environment for patients with mental health conditions through innovative therapies.
Among these new therapies, Psicotogether has incorporated video games with artificial intelligence in the treatment of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with learning difficulties and adults with neurodegenerative disorders. Always under the supervision of specialists and with fully customized workouts. The promoters of this program ensure that video games don’t have to be harmful, especially when they are used to help therapies. In fact, they have become fundamental tools for the cognitive improvement of children and adults with specific learning difficulties.
Beyond the treatment of ADHD and other learning disorders, Psicotogether also organizes innovative workshops for parents and addresses study techniques, high intellectual abilities and cognitive reinforcement. Among its therapeutic tools, virtual reality stands out, both in the diagnosis and in the intervention. The Unit participates actively in the Days of Attention to the Diversity “Avanzamos Juntos” (We advance together), organized by the Faculty of Sciences of the Education of the University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria and the Centre of Professorship CEP Las Palmas with the collaboration of the Government of Gran Canaria. María Jesús Gallego represented Psicotogether in the 2018 edition, which included the participation of teachers, education professionals, students, associations and relatives.
