Purpose of Neuropsychological Evaluation Diagnosis
Frequently, patients are referred for neuropsychological assessments to assist physicians in diagnosing or ruling out certain conditions, and to describe their impact on a person's cognitive, memory, and emotional functioning. These conditions often include:
- Age-Related Cognitive/Memory Loss
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's, Vascular, Frontotemporal, Lewy body, etc.)
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- Pseudodementia
- Psychiatric or Neuropsychiatric Disorders
- Seizure Disorders
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- Strokes/TIA
- Attention Deficit Disorders
- Hydrocephalus
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- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Chronic Substance Abuse or Toxic Chemical Effects
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With an accurate diagnosis, we can help your doctor determine the best course of treatment. Our findings and recommendations are vital to understanding the nature and extent of the problem, providing proper treatment, and coping with the changes associated with a brain illness or injury.
Known Impairment
Even when the cause of cognitive and memory problems is known, a neuropsychological evaluation provides information that can lead to a more accurate prognosis and allows patients to make better-informed decisions.
In the case of a progressive illness, repeated evaluations will document changes over time as symptoms and abilities progress so that important decisions can be made regarding such matters as safety vs. independence, placement, and competence.
Similarly, when a patient's cognitive problems are the result of an injury or illness that may improve over time and/or with treatment, a neuropsychological evaluation tracks the speed and extent of recovery so that fully-informed decisions can be made regarding things such as return to work or school, increased independence, and ongoing need for assistance or accommodations.
