Information about a Neuropsychological Assessment

Purposes
The goals of neuropsychological assessment may vary from:

• establishing a clinical diagnosis,
• measuring the degree to which brain impairment has affected an individual ’s cognitive functioning,
• help form treatment recommendations,
• document possible changes in cognitive function over time, or
• assist in determining competency issues, such as the ability to live independently and to manage ones financial affairs.

The Evaluation Process
The assessment usually consists of an interview and testing. Testing itself is conducted by the psychometrist or postdoctoral fellow. During the interview, information that is important for the neuropsychologist to consider will be reviewed. Patients will be asked about their symptoms, medical history, medications, and other important factors.

Testing involves taking paper-and-pencil or computerized tests and answering questions. The time required depends upon the problem being assessed, but in general, several hours are needed to assess the many skills involved in processing information. Some tests will be easy while others will be more complex. The most important thing is that patients try to do their best on all tests.

People being evaluated should bring their eyeglasses or hearing aids if they use them.

What is Assessed?
A typical comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation will involve assessment of the following:

• General intellect
• Higher level executive skills (e.g., reasoning, sequencing, problem solving)
• Attention and concentration
• Learning and memory
• Language
• Visual-spatial and visual-perceptual skills
• Motor and sensory skills
• Mood and personality

Some abilities may be measured in more detail than others, depending on your needs.

Referral Process
Physician and legal referrals are welcomed. If you wish to discuss the patient and your referral questions, please telephone Gregory P. Lee, Ph.D., Director of the Adult Neuropsychology Service in the Department of Neurology, at 706-721-3851. To schedule a patient, please telephone Teresa Chaney, Neuropsychology Service's Administrative Assistant, at 706-721-3851 or fax a referral form (click here to download the form) to 721-7588.

Ages Served
The Neuropsychology Service evaluates the neuropsychological capabilities of adolescents (age 14-19), adults (age 20-65), and older adults (over age 65) to aid in neurological diagnosis, neurodevelopmental disorders, or to determine the positive or adverse effects of various treatments.