A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of how the brain functions and how those functions affect thinking, emotions, and behavior. It involves standardized testing to measure areas such as memory, attention, problem-solving, visuospatial abilities, language, processing speed, etc. Most tests are face-to-face, some others are computerized or iPad-based (don't worry, you don't have to be tech savvy!) The tests are then scored, based on normative data gathered from large published groups of people your age. This way, an 80-year-old is not being compared to an 18-year-old. I then look for patterns in your test scores and data. I can determine areas of strength and weaknesses, as well as determine the presence of dementia, ADHD, or other cognitive concerns. For dementia testing, sometimes, the pattern of data and symptoms clearly aligns with a specific type of dementia that I can diagnose, other times it is not so clear. In those cases, more data/testing from your neurologist or repeat neuropsychological testing in a year or so may better determine an etiology. 

​

 

Neuropsychological Testing is useful for...

​

1. Diagnosis: Testing can be useful for identifying a cognitive/neurological disorder, ruling out a disorder, discriminating between neurological and psychiatric symptoms, etc.

​

2. Patient care and treatment planning: Testing identifies patient capabilities and limitations. Depending on your unique strengths and weaknesses, specific recommendations will be made to inform best care and treatment practices.

​

3. Tracking progress or decline over time: Through serial testing, we can compare apples-to-apples whether cognition has improved, remained stable, or declined over time. This can be important to track progress, as in recovery from a brain injury or response to a learning disorder intervention. It can also be important to track decline, as in dementia, to inform treatment, driving capability, independent living, safety, etc.

​

4. Establishing a baseline: If you are in the beginning stage of a disease process that may involve cognitive decline over time (e.g., Parkinson's disease or MS), it may be useful to get a baseline evaluation for which to compare future performance. Alternatively, if dementia runs in your family, it may be useful to get a baseline so that, if cognitive concerns do arise, we can objectively identify areas of change.

​

5. Getting an objective look into cognition: The data gathered from an evaluation speaks for itself. In my experience, some people may think they have a memory problem, for example, and are fine! Other people think they are fine and have cognitive weaknesses! This is a great way to objectively get an answer. 

​​​​​

​

What does the testing day look like?

​​

For a full adult neuropsychological evaluation, appointments are typically at 9:00 AM. We start with an approximately 1 hour clinical interview. It is recommended that you bring 1 or 2 people with you who know you well. It is useful to get different perspectives about a person's cognition. Then, your guests are welcome to wait in the waiting room, leave, or wait elsewhere. I administer a variety of tests to the patient. We can take little breaks as needed along the way, don't be shy to ask. We take a lunch break anywhere from 12-1, depending on how the patient is doing and where we are in testing. Lunch is up to 45 minutes long. You're welcome to bring your own lunch or venture to the Italian/pizza restaurant next door (short walking distance). Then, we finish up testing, which typically ends at around 3 PM, give or take an hour or so. Every person is a different in terms of their speed and which tests are necessary to administer.

 

*Other types of evaluations (e.g., ADHD only or child educational evaluations) may be somewhat longer or shorter, but generally follow this order of events.

​

​

Why does it matter what type of dementia is occurring?​

​

Not all dementias are the same — and understanding the specific type can make a meaningful difference in care, treatment, and planning. Each form of dementia affects the brain in different ways, progresses at a different rate, and responds differently to medications and interventions.

Identifying the type helps doctors tailor treatment, manage symptoms more effectively, and connect patients and families with the right resources and support. It also provides clarity about what to expect over time, empowering loved ones to make informed decisions about medical care, safety, and quality of life.

​

​

​