The Neuropsych Evaluation Process at Neuro Nebraska
What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of how a person’s brain is functioning. When there is concern that an individual may be experiencing memory loss or cognitive impairment, an individual may be referred to a neuropsychologist – a psychologist with deep expertise in brain functioning, cognition, and behavior – for neuropsychological evaluation.
The evaluation is essentially a deep dive into an individual’s cognitive and brain functioning – offering insight that goes beyond what brain scans or bloodwork can show.
The Neuropsychological Evaluation Process
Clinical Interview
The evaluation process officially starts with a clinical interview. The neuropsychologist and the individual (and, oftentimes a caregiver or family member — if the individual agrees to it) discuss the symptoms the individual has been experiencing, as well as medical history, personal history, educational history, and other relevant information.
Neuropsychological Testing
After a thorough clinical interview, the individual engages in 1-on-1 neuropsychological testing with an examiner. The examiner may be the neuropsychologist or a trained psychometrist. At Neuro Nebraska, neuropsychological testing is administered by the neuropsychologist – so rest assured, you are in good hands! There is nothing an individual needs to do to prepare for testing except be well-rested and ready to go on the day of testing.
During testing, the examiner will ask the individual questions and they will complete tasks together – such as trying to remember new information, drawing designs, putting puzzles together, coming up with words, multitasking, and so on. Some questions and tasks will be easier than others, and some will be challenging. It is important to note that testing is meant to be this way and that nobody gets every question right. There is no pass/fail on the testing.
The testing typically ranges from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the situation and the individual. Aging and dementia evaluations are on the shorter side, whereas younger adults often have at least a couple hours of testing. During the testing appointment, breaks are encouraged and available as needed.
After testing is complete, the neuropsychologist gets to work analyzing all of the results. This process includes comparing an individual’s scores to those of individuals their similar age and with a similar educational background. An individual’s scores are also compared to themselves, looking for relative strengths and weaknesses.The neuropsychologist compiles all of this information to determine if there is cognitive impairment and, if so, what level and what may be causing it.
The Report
After the neuropsychologist analyzes the results, they create a report that outlines the results and recommendations. This describes the individual’s performance on testing, as well as states what diagnosis the individual is given (if any). The report also includes personalized recommendations for the individual – including compensation strategies, brain health strategies, recommendations for accommodations, what level of assistance may be needed for the individual, and important topics regarding which the individual is encouraged to follow up with their healthcare team .
The Feedback Visit
The neuropsychologist and the individual (and, oftentimes, a trusted individual such as a family member or caregiver) meet for a feedback visit to go over the results. This is sometimes done on the same day as testing, but usually is scheduled for within about 1 week of testing – either in-clinic or via telehealth. This appointment lasts about 45 minutes and includes discussion of the results and recommendations, as well as discussion of any questions related to the results and recommendations.
Next Steps
Following the feedback visit and finalization of the report, the report is provided to the individual, and may be sent to their healthcare provider(s) or elsewhere if the individual would like and if they give consent.
Questions about the neuropsychological evaluation process at Neuro Nebraska? Please reach out!
Our free 15-minute phone consultation is the perfect opportunity to discuss what the evaluation would look like and whether it is what you are looking for in your cognitive care journey.
At Neuro Nebraska, we are honored to provide services to all of Nebraska — with in-clinic visits in Omaha, as well as telehealth statewide and on-site at select senior living communities.