The benefits of neuropsychological assessment in adults
- Neuropsychological assessment helps doctors and their patients understand the impact of a medical condition on the person’s cognition (thinking) and behaviour. It is a process of problem solving to determine the core components and cause of cognitive or behavioural problems.
- Rather than relying on the subjective report of the person or the opinion of their family, neuropsychological assessment provides an objective evaluation of cognitive skills using validated and precise neuropsychological assessment tools. The process yields an accurate and evidence-based indication of cognitive change.
- Assessment may be performed after a known acquired brain injury, or when there is a suspected change in a person’s memory or thinking capacity that needs to be explored.
- Assessment can also help to monitor the cognitive profile of the person and detect deterioration or improvement over time
- The process can inform treatment, and guide what changes can be made to optimise the person’s functioning.
- Assessment can assist in determining a person’s capacity to engage in work or study and if necessary what accommodations might they need in order to maximise their achievement.
- Neuropsychological assessment is helpful in answering questions in relation to a person’s capacity to make important life decisions or whether they may need a substitute decision-maker for guardianship or financial management
What to expect
- The assessment starts with a detailed clinical interview, which is followed by comprehensive testing of cognitive abilities (e.g., intelligence, memory, learning and executive functions) using standardised tests and questions.
- The length of the assessment depends on various factors, including the complexity of the problem, the time spent establishing corroborative information and client fatigue. One or two short breaks are typically offered over the course of the assessment.
- Results of the assessment and an opinion regarding diagnosis or prognosis and treatment recommendations are then provided in the form of a formal report. A copy of the report will be provided to the patient and the referring doctor.
- Once the report is complete, the patient will attend a feedback session during which the results of the assessment will be explained. At this appointment Dr Hayes will provide education to help the patient understand how brain functions have been compromised, and discuss what changes can be made to optimise functioning and improve quality of life.
- Following the assessment, Dr Hayes is happy to liaise with any other health professional who is involved in the patient’s care, in order to follow through with recommendations.