Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationships, focusing on the effects of brain injury, disease, learning disabilities, ADHD, and developmental disorders upon cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning. Neuropsychological evaluations are typically completed to address several key questions about brain functioning:

Determine whether brain impairment exists and, if so, to what degree.

Determine the causes of the brain impairment and prognosis, such as the expected outcome of the identified illness.

Identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses; informed treatment planning may use an individual’s strengths to cope with or to overcome their weaknesses.

Provide for treatment recommendations based on the individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Assess the impact of cognitive impairments on everyday living (e.g., the ability to safely live alone, to make financial or medical decisions, and to safely take medications without supervision).

Neuropsychological Evaluations

Neuropsychological evaluations are non-invasive, painless procedures, which involve administering tests of attention, memory, executive functioning (e.g., judgment, abstract reasoning, planning and organization), language, visuospatial, and motor functioning.

Neurologist, psychiatrists and physicians frequently refer patients for neuropsychological evaluations.

Common Reasons for Referrals

To make differential diagnoses between mild cognitive impairment versus dementia.

To assess for cognitive impairments following head trauma or brain infection, stroke, or substance abuse and a need for descriptive information about the severity and types of impairments.

To assess for learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and other disorders.

An evaluation includes the diagnostic interview, testing, scoring, report preparation, and a follow-up session to discuss the results of the evaluation.