Questions about Neuropsychology and why we use them Neuropsychological tests in our memory exams.

  • Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that looks at how the brain affects behavior. It studies how the structure and function of the brain can affect how we think, feel, and act.
  • Neuropsychologists use different techniques to study the brain, like talking with patients, giving cognitive tests (tests that measure things like memory, attention, and language), brain scans, and lab tests. They use the results of these tests to see if someone has cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. They can also figure out what type of dementia someone has, like Alzheimer's disease or Lewy Body Dementia. Neuropsychological tests are the most detailed way to check how well the brain is working.

  • It's important for doctors to accurately diagnose cognitive problems, like memory loss, attention issues, and decision-making difficulties. Quick cognitive screening tests that take 5-10 minutes and check for general cognitive problems are not very accurate. They might miss problems or say there's a problem when there isn't one.
  • Neuropsychological tests are much more accurate at detecting changes in cognition, though some are more accurate than others. The Intraneuron Memory Exam uses tests that are very accurate at detecting cognitive problems related to dementia.

  • Accurate diagnosis: neuropsychological testing can identify specific cognitive problems, leading to a more accurate diagnosis of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease or traumatic brain injury.
  • Tailored treatment: neuropsychological testing can pinpoint areas of cognitive difficulty, making it easier to create a treatment plan that fits the individual. This might include rehabilitation, medication, or other help.
  • Better prognosis: neuropsychological testing can show the severity of cognitive impairment, which helps doctors predict what will happen in the future and choose the best treatment.
  • More awareness: neuropsychological testing can help people understand how cognitive problems impact their daily life. This makes it easier to cope with the challenges of cognitive impairment.
  • Legal and job implications: neuropsychological testing can provide information for legal or job decisions, like disability claims or returning to work.