Adult Neuropsychology

Clinical neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between brain and behavior. Evaluation is often requested because a patient is having problems with:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Concentration
  • Understanding language
  • Remembering words and names
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Inability to carry out daily tasks that were once easy

There are many conditions that can affect thinking, emotion, and behavior. Some of these include:

  • Dementia (Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other types)
  • Acquired brain injury from stroke, tumor, or traumatic brain injury
  • Medical conditions such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes
  • Problems caused by prescription medications or substance abuse
  • Progressive neurological problems such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
  • Psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression
  • Developmental and learning disabilities

The evaluation process:

The goal of neuropsychological evaluation is to help the referring doctor, the patient, and the patient’s family members to understand the effect of a disorder on a patient’s everyday functioning.
After an initial consultation to learn more about the kind of difficulties you are having, the neuropsychologist will select a battery of tests. You will then be scheduled to meet with a technician who is trained in administering neuropsychological assessments. Testing can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Patients scheduled for a full day of testing will have a lunch break. Areas of functioning that are examined typically include memory, language, academic abilities, attention, planning and problem solving, motor skills and coordination, personality and emotional stability. It is important that you be at your best the day of testing. Get plenty of rest the night before, eat a good breakfast, and dress comfortably. Since you will be completing tasks that include reading, writing, and drawing it is important that you bring any necessary reading or eyeglasses, hearing aids, or other adaptive equipment. About 2 weeks after you have completed testing, results of testing and recommendations for treatment will be discussed with you in a feedback session .

Providers
Dr. Rodney Swenson

Dr. Amy Meidinger