Neuropsychological Assessments
Most assessments take between two and three hours.
The assessment begins with an interview, in which you can express your concerns and you will be asked about your history.
The assessment will conclude with a cognitive assessment. This consists mainly of paper and pencil tasks. For example, you may be asked to copy pictures, remember a list of words and solve problems.
The assessment evaluates various cognitive domains including:
- Attention and concentration
- Memory and learning
- Language
- Visual and spatial skills
- Problem solving
- Reasoning
What do I Need to Know?
- If you wear glasses or use a hearing aid, please bring them to the assessment.
- If you have relevant medical documents or brain imaging such as CT or MRI scans, please bring them to the appointment.
- Do not consume alcohol or illicit substances before the assessment. It is okay to take your medications as usual.
- Try to have a decent night's sleep before the assessment.
Why Have an Assessment?
1. Diagnosis
Many diseases and conditions affect a person's thinking skills (cognition) in different ways. A neuropsychological assessment can characterise a person's cognitive profile and use this information to help distinguish between different conditions.
For example, the cognitive profile of dementia can differ from delirium and depression. Once a condition is accurately identified and diagnosed, it can be appropriately treated.
Some conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, may primarily affect cognition, making difficulties difficult to recognise without formal assessment.
2. Assessment of Decision-Making Capacity
Many diseases of the brain and mind can affect a person's ability to make decisions.
For example, a person with severe memory problems may forget that they require services such as home help or Royal District Nursing to assist with managing safely at home.
In such cases, a substitute decision maker may be appointed by VCAT to protect a person's wellbeing and respect their best interests. VCAT often seeks the opinion of a neuropsychologist when considering such cases.
3. Characterisation of Cognition
A neuropsychological assessment identifies a person's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This pattern can be used to tailor treatment and rehabilitation to an individual's needs.
For example, a person with verbal memory difficulties may benefit from written prompts and visual reminders to support memory.
4. Access to Services
Understanding a person's cognitive abilities and diagnosis can assist access to appropriate support services.
For example, a person diagnosed with an acquired brain injury by a neuropsychologist may be eligible for supports such as the Disability Support Pension.
5. Monitoring Effects of Treatment
Many medical treatments, including medications and surgery, can affect thinking skills.
Neuropsychological assessment before and after treatment can help identify and measure these effects.