Neuropsychology is a discipline (converging between Neurology and Psychology) that studies the relationship between brain structures, cognitive functions and emotional and behavioral processes.
Neuropsychological evaluation
The neuropsychological evaluation consists of an initial interview with the patient and, depending on the case, with his companion, in addition to the application of neuropsychological tests to the patient.
Cognitive functions such as attention, memory, language, visuospatial and visoconstructive skills, executive functions, etc., as well as emotions, personality and behavior are evaluated.
Causes of neuropsychological deficits
The most common causes of neuropsychological deficits are:
- Aging.
- Mild Cognitive Impairment.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer, Frontotemporal Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, Lewy Bodies, Parkinson.
- Acquired brain damage: cranioencephalic trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, brain tumors.
- Epilepsy.
- Psychiatric diseases.
- Psychological disorders.
Objectives of neuropsychological evaluation
The main objectives of the neuropsychological evaluation are:
- To know the state of cognitive, behavioral, emotional and functional functioning.
- To contribute to the diagnosis of neurological pathologies with cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms.
- To identify the presence and nature of cognitive impairment at very early stages.
- To make a differential diagnosis, for example, an emotional disorder vs. cerebral pathology.
- Assess the effects of surgery such as in cases of epilepsy, hydrocephalus and tumors.
- Assess the effects of toxicity of certain pharmacological treatments.
- Elaborate expert reports in case of disability, accident or impairment.
- Elaborate neuropsychological rehabilitation programs after brain damage or cognitive impairment.