neuropsychological evaluation
What is neuropsychological assessment?
Neuropsychological assessment is an evaluation of cognitive functioning (i.e. brain functioning) through the administration of neuropsychological tests. This type of assessment is recommended when someone has suffered a brain injury or is suspected of having a disease which may cause a neurological disorder. As a result of the injury or disease, the person may experience deficits in their sensory-motor functioning, thinking, memory, speech, emotional functioning or personality which interferes with their normal daily life. Neuropsychological assessment can assist in evaluating the individual's level of functioning in a variety of areas, identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and offer accommodation or treatment recommendations to improve functioning.
When might someone need a neuropsychological evaluation?
If they display:
- A significant change in their ability to function at work
- Significant memory loss, especially of recent events
- A gradual or sudden decline in cognitive functioning
- Sudden, unexplainable changes in personality
- Difficulty learning new things
- Thinking problems, including problems with attention and concentration, organizing and planning, confusion, or multi-tasking,
- Increased impulsivity
- Difficulty communicating orally or in writing
- Changes in visual and spatial skills
- Problems with motor functioning
What areas of functioning are measured in a neuropsychological evaluation?
- Intelligence
- Problem solving
- Planning and organization
- Attention and concentration
- Visual and auditory processing
- Memory and learning
- Language - understanding and expression
- Sensory-perceptual and motor abilities
- Emotions, behavior, and personality
- Adaptive functioning
Neuropsychological screening
There may also be times when a complete neuropsychological evaluation is not needed, but a screening examination will suffice. For example, in cases of suspected dementia of the Alzheimer's type, a screening evaluation can help determine if a referral to a neurologist or a more complete neuropsychological evaluation is necessary.