neuropsychological Evaluation

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation which helps to measure and understand an individual’s emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning, or thinking skills.

Your neuropsychological evaluation will consist of:

• An interview with you, and possibly another person who knows you well, such as a family member or close friend to learn about any cognitive, emotional, and/or behavioral changes you may be experiencing and your day-to-day functioning.

• Completing a series of activities that measure your cognitive functions, such as learning and memory, attention, working memory, language, processing speed, visuospatial ability, and executive functioning (e.g., planning, organization). These activities will be mostly verbal and written; however, some may be on a computer.

• A separate feedback session where results, impressions, and specific recommendations, including referrals, will be communicated to you directly. We can meet in person or via a telephone or video call. You are welcome to have your family member or close friend join us for your feedback appointment. With your authorization, your results can also be shared with your health care providers and other individuals.

How can my results be used?

• To learn more about your cognitive strengths and areas where you may need additional support.

• To characterize how different areas and systems of your brain are working.

• To better understand what might be causing any cognitive or behavioral changes you are experiencing.

• To guide appropriate treatment interventions and other recommendations, including early intervention and risk factor management.

Who can a neuropsychological Evaluation be helpful for?

• If you, or others close to you, have concerns about changes in any of your thinking skills (e.g., memory).

• If you have been diagnosed with a condition that affects your brain, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or epilepsy.

• If you have known risk factors for cognitive changes (e.g., genetic risk factors, chronic medical conditions with cerebrovascular risk factors, family history of neurodegenerative disease).

• To track changes in cognitive function over time, including during the course of an illness or injury.

• To assess your cognitive abilities before and after certain types of medical procedures (e.g., deep brain stimulation [DBS] implantation, epilepsy surgery, brain tumor resection).

• To establish a baseline of current cognitive functioning, so that future changes can be more easily identified.