Clinical Neuropsychological Assessments
Neuropsychological assessment involves detailed examination of cognition and behaviour.
Assessments are typically two to four hours in duration and involve administering paper and pencil type tests, which may evaluate:
- Intellectual function
- Attention and working memory
- Speed of information processing
- Memory
- Language
- Spatial abilities
- Planning and problem solving
- Academic achievement
Referral is typically made to:
- Confirm or clarify the diagnosis
- Monitor for change over time (e.g., following treatment or surgery)
- Identify strategies that might assist cognitive performance
- Increase understanding of the impact of a condition on a person’s level of cognitive function
- Assist with discharge planning and rehabilitation, vocational or educational planning
- Evaluate cognitive capacity for testamentary capacity or medicolegal purposes
Neuropsychological assessment can be useful in the diagnosis and management of:
- Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain Injury and stroke
- Neurological disorders (e.g. epilepsy, brain tumour)
- Neuropsychiatric and mood disorders
- ADHD and other developmental disorders
- Other medical conditions that affect a person’s cognitive function, behaviour or capacity