Neuropsychological evaluation helps to determine the impact of disease process – and other factors – on a patient’s cognitive functioning. Testing can help determine how well a person thinks or carries out daily tasks.
At UT Southwestern Medical Center, a neuropsychological test is recommended in situations when it is suspected that brain impairment is affecting cognitive function or behavior. Typical referrals are made to track progress after rehabilitation, to plan educational or vocational programs, to determine a disability, or for legal purposes.
Through the use of neuropsychological testing, our neuropsychologists examine the link between the patient’s neurological condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, and the condition’s effect on a variety of factors.
These factors include:
It is important to note that neuropsychological assessment is different from psychological assessment or psychiatric evaluation. While both are conducted by psychologists, they involve different procedures and are conducted by psychologists with different areas of expertise.