Neuropsychological Evaluation

Are You Concerned About Changes in Thinking or Cognitive Decline?

Neuropsychology is the study of brain and behavior relationships and an evaluation typically includes at least three components:

  1. A review of your medical records
  2. An interview with you and, if appropriate, a confidant – another person who knows you well (a family member, close friend, or caregiver)
  3. Administration of “paper and pencil” tests that measure your cognitive abilities and mood

A patient-centered approach addresses an individual’s unique cognitive, emotional and behavioral challenges related to neurological, neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric conditions. A neuropsychological evaluation typically involves assessment of thinking skills such as memory, attention, information processing speed, language, visuospatial ability, executive functioning and higher-order reasoning, and mood. This may be done through asking you to recall provided information, copy a figure, complete a questionnaire, etc. Using all of the gathered information, we can help aid in diagnosis, assess your strengths and weaknesses, determine areas of change, and make recommendations to help you in your daily life. Currently, we are offering both in person and telehealth evaluations. Below you will find important information that will help you plan for your appointment.

Preparing for Your Neuropsychological Exam

A typical evaluation requires anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, so please make sure to plan ahead and block your schedule accordingly. If appropriate, you may have a confidant (e.g., close family member or friend) join in the first portion of the appointment. Often they can provide helpful information during the interview process (approximately the first hour of the appointment) to better understand your situation. In a typical test session, refresher breaks (for stretching, water and snacks, etc.) are provided regularly.

If your evaluation is scheduled for telehealth, please assure you are 1) in the State of Massachusetts and 2) working on a computer or tablet with a large screen. A smart phone will be too small to see the necessary testing stimuli. If you have headphones, wearing them is suggested to maximize audio quality in the session.

We are looking forward to working with you and to play a role in your cross-disciplinary evaluation and care. If you have any questions please feel free to call our office any time at 617-667-4074.

Our Specialties

Our areas of expertise include a wide variety of conditions including neurological illnesses and neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., movement disorders, concussion/traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias), learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder, and other neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability).