Neuropsychologists identify and treat conditions related to the brain and nervous system. Illness or injury to the brain or nervous system affects our thoughts, cognitive processing, emotional functioning and behaviour.

Neuropsychological assessments provide essential information about the brain and behaviour of people with neurocognitive disorders. These assessments can also help with the diagnostic process and designing optimal treatment plans tailored to manage neuropsychological conditions for people of all ages.

What is a neuropsychological assessment?

Neuropsychological assessments help identify neurological disorders and offer treatment for known or suspected neurological or cognitive disorders in people of all ages.

Neuropsychological assessments are not always used for diagnosis – they can also be helpful in confirming whether changes in cognitive decline are typical for your age group and monitor people with existing conditions by tracking if their condition is improving or stable.

People often seek the help of a neuropsychologist when they experience notable changes in their thinking, mood, and ability to concentrate or remember, as well as changes in their bodily functions. Difficulties in these areas can be highly distressing to people experiencing them, as they can interfere with their ability to function or complete day-to-day activities.

The neuropsychological assessment can help distinguish whether symptoms are related to a brain injury, mental health conditions such as depression, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and/or neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, Aspergers and ADHD.

What are the signs that you need a neuropsychological assessment?

If you notice changes in your memory, speech, decision-making abilities and attention – making it difficult for you to function and cope in everyday life – you may need to see a neuropsychologist.

Changes in thinking, such as memory, attention, planning and problem-solving, are typically experienced after a stroke, brain trauma or injury and in types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. A neuropsychological assessment can help.