Understanding Neuropsychological Evaluation

-Sometimes people ask themselves “How bad is my memory (or

attention/concentration)?”

-They might talk with friends, or visit social media sites, which minimize their

concerns or provide unnecessary worry

-Enter Neuropsychology, defined as the study of brain-behavior relationships

• A comprehensive neuropsychological exam is tailored to the individual’s

  symptoms and/or concerns

• While many adults have taken a brief memory test at their primary

  care provider’s office, such a measure only serves as a baseline

• To determine how the brain is functioning, various tests are administered,

  usually including intellectual functioning, reading level, memory,

• The test results compare a person’s abilities to their age group (and

  sometimes to their educational level as well)

• The pattern of results is carefully interpreted and compared to how

  persons without brain disorders might function; this determines subjective

  cognitive decline

• A report is generated with recommendations for possible remediation

  strategies and/or compensatory techniques in addition to lifestyle factors

  which promote brain health

• Information for family, friends and caregivers of the patient is also included

  to help facilitate their understanding and ability to assist the patient

What types of cognitive difficulties are assessed?

• Attention difficulties, memory loss, problem-solving, language, thinking skills.

• To ensure a thorough assessment, aspects of mood, emotional disorders, personality characteristics, motivation and frustration tolerance can be included.

• Neuropsychological evaluations commonly test brain injury, concussions, memory loss due to aging/dementia, stroke and other cognitive difficulties people might have following an accident, injury or illness (such as Long Covid)

What is a neuropsychologist and how are they trained?

• A healthcare professional with a PhD, PsyD or EdD in psychology or counseling

• Trained in understanding brain function and cognitive disorders

• Often have additional training through a fellowship or internship; others are board certified

What would I do to obtain an evaluation of my cognitive abilities?

• -Talk to your PCP (MD, DO, PA, NP) since they can order various tests to rule out contributing conditions (diabetes, thyroid, vascular disease)

• Contact your insurance company to determine if authorization is needed for neuropsych testing

• Consult with a psychologist or neuropsychologist for further information

How is your cognitive health?

What is cognitive health?

• Your brain’s ability to sense, think and learn

• Includes awareness, attention, focus, memory, language abilities, reading

  and problem-solving

• Is affected by physical conditions, medication, emotional state, sleep,

  alcohol and marijuana use, and many other variables

• Often such abilities are taken for granted until there is a change in the

• person’s ability to function at school, work and/or home

How are brain disorders classified?

• Through the use of symptoms and observations from the patient and others

• who know them (family, friends and/or coworkers)

Is there a way to determine your cognitive health?

• Yes! A thorough neuropsychological exam compares a person’s abilities to

  their age group (and sometimes to their educational level as well)

• The pattern of results is then carefully interpreted and compared to

  persons with ‘normal aging’ and various categories of brain disorders

• Recommendations are made regarding possible compensatory strategies

  in addition to lifestyle factors affecting cognition (such as sleep and

  exercise)

How do I find out more details regarding my brain health?

• Minimize searches on the internet and social media (such as “Dr. Google”)

• Talk to your PCP (MD, DO, PA, NP) about the use of various tests to rule

  out contributing physical conditions (diabetes, thyroid, vascular disease)

• Consult with a psychologist or therapist specializing in rehabilitation to

  identify and treat factors affecting cognitive functioning