Neuropsychological Assessment is the use of specific tests that measure how people take in, process,
remember, and then use different types information. These specialized tests tell the Neuropsychologist
about how a patient’s brain is functioning as it takes in, processes, remembers, and uses that information.
A Neuropsychologist is a clinical professional who has earned a doctoral degree, either a Ph.D., Ed.D, or
Psy.D., in Psychology, generally Clinical Psychology, and has completed specialized training in the
relationship between the structure of the brain and human behavior. The Neuropsychologist uses the
information gained from administering, scoring, and interpreting these specialized tests to aid a patient’s
medical doctor in making a diagnosis following changes in memory or other aspects of brain functioning.
When a person has Neuropsychological Assessment, they typically spend time with a specially trained
technician who administers the tests. Some of the tests are "question and answer", while other tests
request that a person draw or write, and some ask a person to use specific objects like blocks or puzzles.
Most people find that the tests are more like games than traditional "school" tests, although they are just as
important as an MRI or CT scan in helping a patient’s doctor diagnose and treat illnesses. Typically,
Neuropsychological Assessment takes between 3 to 6 hours to complete, so we ask that a person prepare
to be with us most of the day. Since 3 to 6 hours is longer than most people are used to spending for any
medical diagnostic procedure, we invite people having Neuropsychological Assessment to ask for and take
as many rest-breaks as they need, including a lunch-break if it is needed. We also ask that, for those who
wear them, people be certain to bring eyeglasses and hearing aids so that they can see and hear the tests
adequately.
