Neuropsychology is a subspecialty field of psychology that focuses on the relationship between behaviour and brain function. This is done with a battery of tests and a detailed interview. A neuropsychological assessment is the most sensitive method available for assessing memory loss and cognitive problems.

The main role of a neuropsychologist is to identify and measure the extent of any changes in thinking ability, such as attention, memory, reasoning and perception. Typical questions that a neuropsychological assessment with an older person may serve to answer include ‘Are cognitive changes present that are indicative of a diagnosis of dementia?’, and  ‘What is this person’s profile of strengths and weaknesses?’ An assessment that serves to provide a profile of a person’s strengths and weaknesses may provide useful recommendations for rehabilitation. Recommendations may include a person utilising their strengths to compensate for areas of difficulty, or for the person and the support system surrounding them to make appropriate adaptations to optimise their functioning and quality of life. Finding solutions to acquired problem behaviours is part of the role of the neuropsychologist, as is addressing the emotional changes that frequently follow diagnosis and treatment.

Our evaluations may also help family members or loved ones make decisions about a person’s capacity to make decisions and/or independence. We provide detailed written reports.