20 May 2019 Author : Marta Parreira Neuropsychology is an area of specialization for psychologists. The activity of those professionals, who study the relationship between human behavior and brain functions, is in the interface between psychology and neurology, which is a medical specialty. What is best known from the intervention of neuropsychologists are neuropsychological tests. However, the action of neuropsychology is not limited to these tests, it is much wider. Neuropsychological tests and neuropsychological evaluation Neuropsychological tests In a neuropsychological examination , patients perform standardized tests, validated and very sensitive to neurological deficits, which assess their brain and neurocognitive functioning. The results of these tests allow us to understand the impact of a possible neurological injury on the different behavioral characteristics. Examples of tests that may be part of a neuropsychological exam are, among others: MoCa - Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale; Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Test. The information of the neuropsychological test results together with clinical and behavioral observation, and information from caregivers and / or family members, allows having an accurate forecasting model of the patient brain functioning. In several circumstances, the results of the neuropsychological tests associated with the results of imaging tests and laboratory tests are a very relevant contribution to the diagnosis of some neurological diseases. Neuropsychological evaluation Neuropsychological evaluation includes neuropsychological tests and clinical interview. Whether in childhood or adulthood, to carry out a neuropsychological evaluation 2 to 4 consultations are necessary, depending on the specifics of the patients, to carry out the clinical interview and the neuropsychological tests. At the end of the evaluation process, patients receive a report with the data resulting from the evaluation and conclusions about the diagnosis, suggested intervention and / or follow-up. Assessment and intervention of neuropsychology in children and youth In children and young people , neuropsychology is particularly important in the diagnosis and intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders or diseases . The early diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the development of the nervous system may prevent the child normal development from being compromised and eliminate or alleviate serious consequences not only during childhood and youth, but also in adulthood. Among the diseases in which neuropsychology assumes a fundamental role are: Dyslexia and specific learning disabilities; Hyperactivity disorder and / or attention deficit; Autism spectrum disorders. Neuropsychology and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and young people Neurodevelopmental disorders are due to a deregulation in the activity of certain brain areas and cognitive functions . For this reason, they are distinct and distinguishable by neuropsychology from other learning, behavioral or emotional difficulties that require only support and / or training. Neurodevelopmental disorders translate into a child permanent difficulty or inability to perform certain behaviors or acquire certain skills, which other children, without any functional neurological deficit, develop automatically and without allocating a great conscious effort (for example, acquisition of reading, maintenance of attentional focus). These difficulties have a neurological origin and happen even though the child cognitive potential is within normal limits and their school education has been adequate in content and form. For the differential diagnosis between a neurodevelopmental disorder and a learning, behavioral or emotional impairment with a non-neurological origin, a neuropsychological evaluation is made, in which attempts are made to identify possible abnormalities in the pattern of brain functioning. Assessment and intervention of neuropsychology in adults In adults , neuropsychology is involved in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of neurological disorders . Through the neuropsychological examination tests it is possible to study in detail the cognitive, emotional, behavioral and functional functions of a patient. It is possible to identify which cognitive capacities are preserved and which are compromised by paying special attention: The interruption or interference of normal physiological processes or bodily functions through injury or illness; Losses or changes in emotional, physiological or cognitive functions; Functional limitations that affect patients' daily lives. Thus, the neuropsychological tests may be indicated in several clinical conditions associated with impaired cognitive functions in adults, such as: Complaints in cognitive performance, for example, memory problems, decreased fluidity of speech or difficulty in focusing attention; Distinction between normal aging and the existence of a neurological disorder; Differential diagnosis between dementia, for example, Alzheimer dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia or vascular dementia; Differential diagnosis between neurological syndromes and psychiatric syndromes, for example, distinction between depression and pseudo-depression; Characterization of cognitive changes after brain injury, for example traumatic brain injury and stroke; Calculation of the level of pre-morbid intelligence; Demyelinating diseases, for example multiple sclerosis; Epilepsy; Brain tumors and effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. Meet the psychology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
