At Advanced Neuropsychology and Psychology Services (ADVNPS), we provide comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to assess cognitive functioning in adults. These evaluations help clarify the presence, severity, and pattern of cognitive changes and guide treatment recommendations that support daily functioning and quality of life.
What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is an in‑depth assessment of thinking abilities such as attention, processing speed, language, memory, visuospatial, visuoconstruction, reasoning, judgement, and problem‑solving. These evaluations integrate clinical interviews, standardized testing, and behavioral observations to provide a detailed understanding of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Further information on neuropsychological evaluations are described in detail by the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN), one of the field’s leading professional organizations.
Neuropsychological evaluations are commonly used to assess for:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- Different types of Dementia
- Stroke‑related cognitive changes
- Seizure‑related cognitive concerns
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Complex medical or psychiatric conditions affecting cognition
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
A typical neuropsychological evaluation is tailored to each patient’s clinical needs and the referral question at hand. Standardized neuropsychological testing can take several hours to complete, although breaks are afforded throughout the process. A full neuropsychological evaluation includes:
- A detailed clinical interview to understand your concerns and medical history
- Standardized testing of cognitive abilities
- Assessment of mood, emotional functioning, and behavioral symptoms
- Integration of results into a comprehensive diagnostic formulation
- Clear, practical recommendations to support daily functioning
Common Referral Questions
Patients and healthcare providers often seek neuropsychological evaluations to answer questions such as:
- Are my memory changes normal aging or something more?
- Do I meet criteria for mild cognitive impairment or dementia?
- How has a stroke, seizure disorder, or head injury affected my thinking?
- Are cognitive symptoms related to a medical condition, medication, or mood disorder?
- What strategies or treatments can help improve my functioning?
Results and Feedback
After your evaluation, you will receive a detailed explanation of your results, including diagnostic impressions and personalized recommendations. With your permission, results can also be shared with your primary care provider or other members of your healthcare team to support coordinated care.
Common Neuropsychology Referrals
Neuropsychological evaluations are commonly requested to help clarify the nature of cognitive, behavioral, or neurological changes. Below are brief summaries of conditions frequently evaluated in our clinic, with links to more detailed educational information.
Mild Cognitive Impairment involves cognitive changes greater than expected for age, but not severe enough to significantly affect daily functioning. Learn more →
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition affecting memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Learn more →
Vascular dementia results from reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or small-vessel disease. Learn more →
Lewy Body dementia involves cognitive fluctuations, visual hallucinations, and movement changes. Learn more →
FTD affects behavior, personality, and language due to degeneration in the frontal and temporal lobes. Learn more →
PPA is a gradual decline in language abilities while other thinking skills may remain preserved early on. Learn more →
Parkinson’s disease primarily affects movement but may also impact thinking abilities and mood. Learn more →
Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes include conditions with Parkinson-like symptoms but additional features and faster progression. Learn more →
Mild TBI, or concussion, may cause temporary or persistent cognitive, emotional, or physical symptoms. Learn more →
More severe head injuries can lead to long-term changes in memory, attention, behavior, or processing speed. Learn more →
Seizure disorders can affect cognitive functioning due to neurological changes, seizure frequency, or medications. Learn more →
Some individuals experience cognitive symptoms such as “brain fog” following COVID-19 infection. Learn more →
Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, HIV, or Lyme disease may lead to cognitive changes. Learn more →
Conditions such as multiple sclerosis can affect cognitive functioning due to damage to nerve fiber insulation. Learn more →
NPH involves gait changes, urinary difficulties, and cognitive decline due to fluid buildup in the brain. Learn more →
Mood disorders, sleep problems, chronic pain, and medical conditions can affect memory, attention, and processing speed. Learn more →