Neuropsychology is the science that studies the relationship between higher functions and brain structures.
Our life, nowadays, is not conceivable without computers. However, there is no compact, low-cost, maintenance-free computer capable of matching the speed, subtlety and precision of the human brain.
According to specialists in Neurology, the brain is the most important organ of the human being and the cognitive or higher functions governed by it are the ones that distinguish us from other beings, making us the most superior on earth.
Neuropsychology is important because, through its contribution to the human being, it is possible to find out the state of our higher functions (memory, language, attention, executive functions, praxias, gnosias, etc.) at any given moment, since there are no biological tests that can provide this information.
Neuropsychology covers all those pathologies in which the brain may be involved: neurodevelopmental alterations and dysfunctions, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer, Parkinson, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.), cranioencephalic trauma, stroke, brain tumors, anoxias and a long etcetera. It is important to note that, therefore, it is a discipline that supports multiple fields: at the medical level it helps us in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and pathologies, as mentioned above. In the psychosocial field, it has the challenge of trying to improve the quality of life of patients and their families and/or caregivers.
How does Neuropsychology work?
To achieve all this, Neuropsychology is based in principle on making an accurate diagnosis of the alterations of the higher functions, will then set some goals to be achieved through cognitive treatment, which will be different depending on the patient, their pathology and the circumstances that may surround him.
In some cases rehabilitation will be carried out, in others stimulation. A phrase that we have often heard is “there are no diseases, but patients”; well, this is of enormous importance in Neuropsychology, there will never be a neuropsychological examination exactly the same between two patients. Therefore, when it comes to establishing treatments, they are to be scheduled and carried out according to the higher brain functions affected (speech, language, memory, attention, behavior, etc.).
There is scientific evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of neuropsychological treatments, although there is still much research to be done. To this end, it is necessary to continue working and, above all, to make society in general understand that although we have managed to “worship the body”, there is still a lot of work to be done in the brain as well.