Neuropsychological assessment is a way of looking at how different parts of the brain are working. This is done by asking people to complete a range of different mental tasks or puzzles, which look at different skills, for example memory, concentration, language, and problem solving.

A neuropsychological assessment is usually completed because either you or someone else is worried about a change in your abilities.

Changes can include:

• Trouble finding the right word
• Difficulty concentrating
• “Forgetting” things more often
• Loss of memory for recent events
• Difficulty planning or being organised
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, such as reading or watching TV
• Saying or doing things that you would not have done previously.

Common reasons for changes to a person’s abilities include:

• Normal ageing
• Major life events/changes
• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Physical health problems
• Major surgery
• Medication
• Stroke
• Types of dementia

Stage One – Referral

You will be referred for assessment either by your GP, a nurse, a psychiatrist, or someone from the hospital.

Stage Two – Meeting the Psychologist

The psychologist will ask questions about your memory and any other difficulties that you may have managing on a day-to-day basis.  It can be useful to bring a family member, or a close friend, as they sometimes notice changes that you might not be aware of or have forgotten about.  Please bring a list of your current medications to the appointment.

Stage Three – Informed consent

When you meet the psychologist you can ask any questions you might have.  You will also be given the opportunity to decide whether to proceed with the Neuropsychological assessment, which involves completing the tasks/puzzles, or to stop the assessment at this stage.

You will be asked how much you would like to know about the results of the assessment.  You will also need to decide if you would like anyone else you know to be told of your results.

 Stage Four – Assessment tasks/puzzles

If you need glasses or use a hearing aid please bring these with you.  The length of time needed to complete the tasks can vary from person to person.  On average there are usually three or four appointments, each lasting about one hour.

Some of the tasks/puzzles that you will be asked to do involve pictures and others involve words, but you will not need to write very much.  You may find some tasks interesting and others may be more tricky.  You can decide to stop at any time. 

Stage Five – Feedback

Once you have completed all of the tasks/puzzles involved in the assessment you will be given another appointment to discuss your results.  You will be told how the results from the tasks are likely to affect you on a daily basis.  You will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.  Some people choose to bring a relative or close friend with them to this appointment and this can help you to remember the information you are given.

There are three possible outcomes from your assessment. Your results may suggest that:

1. Your skills are what we would expect based on a range of factors, including your age.
2. There are a few problems with some aspects of your memory and/or other skills but we are not sure what has caused these changes. In this case, a recommendation may be made for you to monitor these skills and possibly re-assess your abilities in around 12 month’s time if required.
3. There are definitely problems that are causing you difficulty. The reasons why you have these problems will be discussed with you.

You will be offered a written summary of your results.  This will include suggestions about how to cope with difficulties that may have been identified by the assessment.

A report will be sent to the person who referred you for the assessment.  If this person is not your GP then a copy will also be sent to your GP.  If you decide you do not wish to know your results, a report will still be sent to your GP and referrer.