What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is an objective assessment of memory and thinking skills. It involves a very detailed evaluation of abilities using the pattern of strengths and weaknesses to determine diagnosis and treatment. It can also be used to help assess capabilities, capacities and needs with respect to daily activites. A typical neuropsychological evaluation may take several hours or even longer and will assess the following areas of brain function:
- General intellect
- Premorbid functioning
- Attention and concentration
- Speed of thinking
- Language
- Visuospatial and visuoperceptual skills
- Learning and memory
- Motor and sensory abilities
- Executive functions (including reasoning, judgment, problem solving, planning)
- Mood and personality
What is dementia?
Dementia is a condition characterized by changes in a person’s thinking processes that interfere with his or her ability to complete everyday tasks.
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
Dementia describes the neuropsychological and cognitive conditions that interfere with a person’s ability to live his or her life. Alzheimer’s disease is the biggest cause of dementia, with an estimated 4 million people in the United States living with the disease. There are numerous other causes of dementia, however, due to environmental, medical and genetic causes.
I’m having trouble remembering things. How do I tell if it is normal aging or something else?
It is common for people to experience some memory loss as they get older. “Senior moments” are not necessarily signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementing disorders. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is the best way to examine a person’s thinking abilities to establish an accurate diagnosis and identify factors associated with a person’s mental processes and quality of life.
What are other causes of dementia?
There are several conditions that can cause dementia, not limited to the following: frontotemporal disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, HIV, stroke, chronic alcoholism, and Multiple Sclerosis. Neuropsychological testing helps to determine and differentiate between different kinds of conditions and identify skills and strategies to use to help enhance a person’s independence and quality of life.
What other questions can a neuropsychological evaluation provide answers for, besides diagnosis and level of function?
A neuropsychological evaluation can be tailored to address and answer specific complex questions that are usually inadequately answered by a simple interview. They may include such issues such as:
- Can I return to work and under what circumstances?
- Am I eligible for and would I benefit from accommodations in school and on exams, from a cognitive standpoint?
- Is it safe to drive?
- Do I need help in making decisions?
- Do I need help in the home?
- What is my fiduciary capacity?
- Did I suffer a brain injury from my accident?
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a neurocognitive and often neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it difficult to stay focused, reorient one’s attention to new stimuli, be organized, control one’s own behavior and think before acting. ADHD can lead to problems in school and work achievement and can interfere with interpersonal relationships. At least 50% of people who suffer from ADHD as a child continue to suffer from the condition throughout their adulthood as well.
People with ADHD are also at a higher risk for alcohol and substance abuse and depression due to the disorder. A neuropsychological evaluation is often imperative in the diagnosis of ADHD to rule out other etiologies accounting for the presenting symptoms. It also provides a clear, objective assessment of the nature and severity of the attentional impairments.