What is a neuropsychological assessment?
The primary purpose of a neuropsychological assessment is to examine brain functioning through measures of behaviour and ability.

Neuropsychological testing is considered indispensable in detecting cognitive difficulties, particularly when there are no clear anatomic changes or physical neurological signs.

What is involved in a neuropsychological assessment?
There are no invasive procedures. Testing is done through verbal questioning, paper and pencil or computer tasks, and examination of movement and perception. A neuropsychological assessment takes approximately one to two full days, varying with an individual’s needs.

Who can benefit from a neuropsychological assessment?
Anyone who has had difficulty with memory and learning, attention, language, judgment, organization, or visuospatial abilities, particularly if they have neurological risk factors, such as:

• Head injury, including mild closed-head trauma
• Stroke or transient ischemic attacks
• Developmental disabilities
• Attention deficit disorder
• Heart or lung conditions
• Chronic hypertension
• Suspected Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia
• Encephalopathy from inflammation or infection
• Neurosurgery
• Other surgeries, particularly those with risk of hypoxia or embolism, such as cardiovascular surgery
• Eating disorders
• Chronic alcohol or drug use
• Chronic use of medications known to affect cognition, such as corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, or antihypertensives
• Exposure to industrial or environmental toxins
• Other medical conditions which might affect brain functioning, such as diabetes, anemia, multiple sclerosis, kidney or liver failure, HIV infection, or drug overdose.

What are the benefits of a neuropsychological assessment?
Diagnosis. Neuropsychological data can complement information from pathological, electrophysiological, or brain imaging studies, and help to identify neurological changes or disease processes too subtle to be otherwise detected. Neuropsychological testing can also help differentiate psychiatric from neurological illnesses.

Management and Planning. Neuropsychological assessment can help to identify a person’s individual pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This can assist in:

• managing difficulties and developing compensatory strategies
• developing choices for rehabilitation, vocation or education
• helping family members and caregivers better understand an individual’s behavioural changes, and so improve communication and interpersonal relations.

Who can perform a neuropsychological assessment? Neuropsychological assessments are performed by Registered Psychologists, who usually posses a doctoral degree, as well as specialized training in Neuropsychology. Some tests may be administered by specially- trained technicians, under the supervision of a Psychologist.

What happens to the information obtained in the assessment?
Such information is confidential, within the limits established by law and ethical practice. Individuals and, if they wish, their families, usually participate in a session where the findings and recommendations are discussed. A comprehensive report is forwarded to the referral source.