Neuropsychological Assessment
A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive assessment of an
individual's thinking skills.
It provides a detailed profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses
and is recognized as a sensitive tool for the diagnosis of cognitive
impairment, particularly in cases where changes are subtle and not
evident on screening assessments or neuroimaging.
Because neuropsychological conditions can worsen or improve with
time and treatment, neuropsychological assessments can also be used
to provide a baseline for assessing cognitive changes over time.
The actual assessment involves three phases:
1) A Clinical interview:
A comprehensive history will be taken as well as an in-depth
analysis of current difficulties or problems.
2) Testing phase:
During this phase cognitive tests are administered. These tests are
typically a combination of verbal, pen and paper and computer tests.
3) Feedback session:
Once the testing has been completed, all the tests are scored and
analysed using detailed statistics. The results of the assessment
are used to assist with developing individual treatment
recommendations. The results and recommendations are then discussed
in a feedback session with the client. A detailed diagnostic report
with specific recommendations is also provided once the assessment
has been completed.
The assessment typically involves 4 to 6 hours over a few weeks.
Reading glasses or prescription lenses and or hearing aids should be
brought along with you if they are required.
Prescription medications should be taken as per normal on the day of
the assessment session.
It is important to have eaten and slept as well as possible before
the assessment sessions.
Any relevant past assessment reports or medical reports may also be
brought to the session.