What is cognitive (neuropsychological) testing?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your behavior, emotions, and thinking abilities using questionnaires and performance-based tests of memory, language, attention, problem-solving, thinking and motor speed, visual skills, mood, and personality. Most tests are written and spoken (“pen and paper”) but some may be administered on a computer or tablet. Neuropsychologists can identify your strengths and weaknesses and use that information to diagnose clinical problems and make treatment recommendations based on your needs and personal goals.
What kinds of tests are done and how long does it take?
Your appointment will start with a clinical interview with you and anyone else joining you in the process, such as family members, partners, or friends. During the interview you will be asked questions about your symptoms, goals for the evaluation, and important areas of your life, such as your personal background and medical history, to ensure that your neuropsychologist has a clear understanding of any factors that could impact the test results and your everyday functioning. The clinical interview typically takes 1-2 hours.
After the clinical interview you will be given a series of performance-based tests. Most of these tests will be written or spoken but some may be administered on a computer or tablet and will cover each major cognitive domain (memory, attention, processing speed, executive functions, language, and visuospatial/visuomotor functions). The clinician or an associate trained to administer these tests (known as a psychometrist) in order to best address your concerns and goals. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms. The testing process is very dynamic and designed to meet your needs and be as comfortable as possible. Breaks will be taken as needed. As individual needs can vary, testing can be brief (1-2 hours) or extended (2-4 hours).
What types of issues can testing be helpful for?
Identifying the reason for changes in memory or other thinking skills.
Determining an appropriate course of treatment based on areas of cognitive concern.
Evaluating how a known illness may be progressing.
Providing recommendations on compensation strategies or other lifestyle modifications for managing cognitive difficulties and promoting cognitive health as the brain ages.
Monitoring progress following treatment or rehabilitation
Distinguishing between age-related cognitive changes and disease processes.
What types of conditions do you evaluate for?
Age-related cognitive decline
Mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Alzheimer’s disease
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Parkinson’s disease / diffuse Lewy Body disease
Primary progressive aphasia
Stroke and cerebrovascular disease
Traumatic brain injury and concussion
Anoxic brain injury
Toxic exposure and other substance-related cognitive decline
Seizures
Multiple sclerosis
Many others…
If you would like more information, or to see if a neuropsychological evaluation would be appropriate for your needs, contact us to schedule a FREE 15 minute consultation with one of our clinicians.