What is neuropscyhological assessment?

Neuropsychological testing refers to measuring various cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, problem solving, and more to determine how one's brain is functioning.

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How can neuropsychological testing be helpful?

Neuropsychological evaluation services can provide detailed information about a client's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, assist in making an accurate diagnosis, and facilitate treatment planning. Neuropsychological assessment can distinguish between early stages of dementia, normal aging, and the impact of other conditions, such as depression. If dementia is present, assessment can clarify areas where more support is needed, which treatments may be most helpful, and whether memory and thinking problems are likely to worsen in the future. We aim to provide not just an understanding of “what’s wrong,” but just as importantly, “what’s next.” Clients and their families receive detailed recommendations for preserving the client's dignity and quality of life while ensuring safety and health. Following the initial assessment, our neuropsychologists remain available for additional follow-up meetings with clients and families to help adjust to a diagnosis, improve communication, and plan for the future.

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Who can benefit from neuropsychological assessment?

A wide range of diseases, disorders, and injuries can negatively impact cognitive functioning and one’s ability to function efficiently in daily life. Neuropsychological evaluation and testing services can often be helpful for individuals with the following conditions:

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• Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Disorders

• Stroke & Vascular Problems

• Movement Disorders

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Epilepsy

• Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury

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What is the process like? 

A neuropsychological assessment generally takes about three to four hours (one hour interview, two to three hours of testing) to complete. Most folks find it to be an interesting process and comment that the time goes fast. During the testing portion, you will be asked to do a number of different kinds of exercises that might feel like puzzles and games. A neuropsychological evaluation will utilize paper-and-pencil or computerized tasks (no needles or wires!) that measure cognitive abilities such as:

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• Learning & Memory

• Language 

• Attention 

• Information Processing Speed

• Working Memory 

• Executive Functioning Skills, including Planning & Organizing

• Visuospatial Functioning 

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What kind of training does a neuropsychologist have?

When looking for a clinical neuropsychologist, it may be helpful to understand the training standards for neuropsychologists before choosing one. All neuropsychologists are psychologists, but very few psychologists are also neuropsychologists. Neuropsychology is a specialty area of Clinical Psychology, requiring extensive additional training above and beyond basic psychology training.

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What makes  neuropsychologists unique is their education and training backgrounds. Neuropsychologists are required to meet the highest standards of education and training in neuropsychology. These standards, created by the professional bodies in neuropsychology and the Houston Conference, call for specific knowledge of clinical neuropsychology, neuroanatomy, and brain-behavior relationships; completion of an APA-approved internship in neuropsychology; and, completion of a specialty two-year post-doctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology.  

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