Neuropsychological Assessment

A Neuropsychological assessment focuses on the evaluation and diagnosis of individuals with brain injury or neurocognitive impairments. An individual's performance on specialized measures is used to determine current functioning and the degree of impairment. An evaluation of an individual's neurocognitive functioning includes the examination of a number of areas, including attention/concentration, memory/learning, speech/language/communication, visuospatial/construction, and decision-making/executive functions.

Some neuropsychologists use a fixed battery of tests to assess an individual's cognitive functioning, whereas others use a more fluid hypothesis-testing process based on an individual's complaints and the particular referral question. Our psychologists use a combination of these two methods to ensure that an individual's performance across a broad range of areas is examined and then specific tests are selected as needed based on the individual's performance. A neuropsychological assessment also involves a diagnostic evaluation in order to determine the presence of other mental illness of either a primary nature or occurring secondary to brain injury.

Repeated neuropsychological evaluations can be performed in order to determine the presence of deterioration of cognitive functioning, such as that found in dementia. However, an individual's performance on neuropsychological tests can improve as a result of the practice effects.

A neuropsychological assessment may be performed for the purpose of determining the presence of impairments and the extent to which such deficits interfere with activities of daily living. Given the costliness of this type of assessment it is often conducted as part of an ongoing disability or injury claim. Neuropsychological evaluations are also conducted when there are questions of competency or mental capacity in the context of guardianship. Additionally, neuropsychological assessments are used to inform rehabilitation treatment planning.

Please contact us if you require further information or would like to refer your client to a psychologist for an assessment.

Calgary: (403) 313-8309
Vancouver: 1-877-313-8309
You can also contact us by e-mail.