SHARP Neuropsychological Evaluation Service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is the study of brain structure and function and how it relates to human behavior, cognition or thinking skills and emotion. Clinical neuropsychologists are clinical psychologists with specialized training in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Clinical Neuropsychologists are trained in neuropsychological assessment and intervention techniques that are designed to diagnose or reveal cognitive changes as a result of central nervous system disease or injury or changes due to aging. Upon determining a patient’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, a Clinical Neuropsychologist is also capable of providing practical treatment and rehabilitation recommendations.
What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is an in-depth assessment that involves measurement of how the brain functions across multiple domains. A neuropsychological evaluation involves multiple steps/stages including a clinical interview, review of available medical records, behavioral observation, administration of neuropsychological assessment tools, a written evaluation, a feedback session regarding results and recommendations and consultation with a patient’s medical treatment team.
What thinking or cognitive areas does a Neuropsychological Evaluation address?
• Orientation
• General Intellectual Functioning
• Language Processing
• Visual/Spatial Processing
• Attentional Capacity and Concentration
• Memory
• Sensorimotor Functioning
• Executive Functioning/Problem Solving
• Personality and Mood Functioning
• Behavioral and Adaptive Functioning
How should I prepare for my Neuropsychological Evaluation?
It is certainly best to get a proper night's rest before undergoing a neuropsychological evaluation so we can measure optimal cognitive performance. Please also refrain from consuming alcohol the evening prior and it may be advisable to discuss with a physician how any prescribed sleep aids might impact performance. Likewise, please bring all assistive devices to your appointment such as glasses, hearing aids, canes etc. Furthermore, if you require any medications during the daytime hours, please make sure you bring these to the appointments so that you remain on your regularly prescribed medications. The first hour of the appointment will include a clinical interview that should include the patient and available family members or a close confidant that is aware of any changes in functioning. If a patient requires physical assistance to utilize the restroom or assistance for safe ambulation, please make sure a caregiver remains in the office waiting area during the assessment. After the clinical interview, the remainder of the day will be dedicated to completion of neuropsychological measures that will involve the neuropsychologist, a trained graduate level neuropsychology technician and the patient. Typically, we will begin assessments at 9am and/or 10am then work until 12 noon. A one-hour lunch break from 12 to noon should suffice to provide patients with a necessary break so that further assessment can be completed between 1 pm and 3pm to 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch or family may also escort a patient to lunch near the clinic and bring the patient back for the afternoon session.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to phone the office at 626-535-9344 to speak to Dr. Edge-Booth or one of her associates.
