Geriatric Neuropsychological Assessment

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Neuropsychological evaluation can aid in the diagnosis and management of patients with dementia or other psychiatric and neurological disorders. Neuropsychological as­sessment is the standardized administration of cognitive tests and the in­dividualized interpretation of the results of these tests to form conclusions about brain-behavior relationships and brain function.

A typical neuropsychological evaluation for a patient will last 1 or 2 hours, depending on the patient's tolerance, and will involve standardized testing of memory, attention, processing speed, language, visual-spatial skills, executive functioning, and motor skills. By examining the patient's pattern of performance on these tests, neuropsychologists can help specify both the type of dementia experienced by the patient and the prognosis.

Neuropsychological testing has been recommended by the American Academy of Neurology since 1996 for patients who may be experiencing cognitive deterioration perhaps the result of a type of dementia. Guidelines published by the American Academy of Neurology note that neuropsychological testing “is particularly valuable in distinguishing be­tween normal aging and mild dementias.” Furthermore, neuropsychological testing has been found to be the most sensitive means to determine the type of cognitive impairment or dementia.

Neuropsychological Assessment Components

  • • Psychological Clinical Interview
  • • Formal Neuropsychological Testing
  • • Physical Examination
  • • Family Interview
  • • Medical History and Physical
  • • Review of Medications

Reasons for Assessment

Diagnosis

NCGC uses assessment tools most sensitive to mild cognitive changes and the differences between different types of dementia to make the most accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

After an accurate diagnosis is determined recommendations for the most effective medical, environmental, behavioral and psychological treatments are offered and prescribed.

Safety

Beyond diagnosis, assessment results reveal functional capabilities leading to recommendations regarding safety concerns and needed level of external support.

Competency

Assessments can evaluate decision-making ability and assist in the initiation of guardianship proceedings if deemed necessary.

Medical Evaluation

The medical evaluation as part of the geriatric assessment includes the completion of a medical history and a physical evaluation specifically designed to identify and treat medical conditions more common for older adults and assess medical conditions that can cause or to cognitive impairment. In addition, the medical portion of the assessment includes a comprehensive medication review, again specifically evaluating whether medicines interact with one another and/or may contribute to the development or exacerbation of cognitive difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

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