Cognitive/Neuropsychological Assessment
It can be unsettling when you have trouble recalling events, thinking clearly, or processing information. However, it can be an early sign of a mental health condition like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or dementia. The proper method to find clarification is through a neurocognitive assessment. A neuropsychological assessment is a diagnostic tool used to diagnose a variety of psychiatric, neurocognitive, and developmental conditions in people of all ages.
At Neurobehavioral Healthcare Center, an individual will receive a comprehensive picture of cognitive, emotional, and daily functioning in an assessment. Our recommendations include ways to optimize one's brain health, cognitive function, and quality of life.
Neuropsychological Domains Assessed:
- Premorbid Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
- Memory
- Attention
- Language
- Visual-Spatial
- Executive Functioning
- Processing Speed
How does a Neuropsychological Assessment help?
A neuropsychological assessment can identify specific cognitive abilities, how severely those abilities have been impaired, and how changes in these abilities will affect day-to-day functioning. This type of assessment is also helpful for identifying which abilities have been preserved. Identifying specific cognitive strengths helps develop a rehabilitation plan to teach people to compensate for their deficits. Equally important is determining how emotional or psychological factors influence cognitive abilities, performance, or concerns. This is the type of information a neuropsychologist can provide.
When Should a Neuropsychological Assessment Be Done?
Ideally, a screening assessment should be done as soon as a documented or suspected decline in functioning is noted. If problems or complaints persist or increase, a comprehensive assessment is needed. In many cases, it is helpful to have an assessment every 6 to 12 months for the first two years and as required after that. Follow-up depends on the patient’s functional or cognitive status rate of change. Neuropsychological assessment and monitoring are needed to track active recovery during and following rehabilitation
Who Benefits from the Results of a Neuropsychological Assessment?
An explanation of the examination results can be beneficial to patients. Their families and consultation can also help healthcare providers (i.e., physicians, psychologists, therapists) and other professionals (i.e., employers, case managers, agencies, attorneys) provide better accommodations more effective care.