Objectives of neuropsychological assessment

Neuropsychology is a discipline (which converges between neurology and psychology ) that studies the relationship between brain structures, cognitive functions and emotional and behavioral processes.

neuropsychological assessment

Neuropsychological assessment consists of an initial interview with the patient and, as appropriate, with his companion, besides the application of neuropsychological tests to the patient.

In her cognitive functions such as attention, memory, language, visuospatial and visuoconstructive skills, executive functions, etc. are evaluated; as well as emotions, personality and behavior.

Causes of neuropsychological deficits

The most common causes of neuropsychological deficits are:

• The aging.
• Mild Cognitive Impairment.
• Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive, Lewy bodies, Parkinson Aphasia.
• Acquired brain injury: traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors.
• Epilepsy.
• Psychiatric illnesses.
• Psychological disorders.

Objectives of neuropsychological assessment

The main objectives of the neuropsychological evaluation are:

• Knowing the state of cognitive, behavioral, emotional and functional performance.
• Contribute to the diagnosis of neurological diseases that present with cognitive symptoms and / or behavioral.
• Identify the presence and nature of cognitive impairment in very early stages.
• Differential diagnosis, for example, an emotional disorder vs brain pathology.
• Assess the effects of surgery and in cases of epilepsy, hydrocephalus and tumors.
• Assess the effects of the toxicity of certain drug treatments.
• Prepare expert reports in case of disability, accident or deterioration.
• Develop programs neuropsychological rehabilitation after brain damage or cognitive impairment.