A neuropsychological evaluation can provide information regarding prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

For those with learning disabilities (LD) or ADHD, detailed information regarding cognitive strengths and weaknesses which in turn can inform choices about specialized resources to ensure maximal performance within academic and other settings. In elderly individuals, test results can be used to rule out whether difficulties with memory may be due to normal aging, depression, or dementia.

Test results also can be used to inform the development of compensatory strategies to promote independent functioning in individuals with a history of TBI as well as neurological conditions which impact thinking abilities. Serial or repeated assessments can also provide information about changes in cognitive functions over time, such as cases involving TBI or a progressive degenerative disorder such as Alzheimer's disease.

You or your family member may be referred for a neuropsychological assessment if there is concern that one's thinking abilities may be impaired. Sometimes there are concerns whether an elderly individual may be having difficulties with memory and an assessment can help to determine whether this may be due to normal, healthy aging, or dementia. In some cases, individuals may have suffered a brain injury and it is not clear whether this has resulted in problems with memory or other thinking abilities. Some individuals may have a history of academic difficulty and there may be questions of a learning disability of attention deficit - hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In other cases, there might be concerns about a person's safety in terms of living alone or driving.

A neuropsychological evaluation consist of the following components; clinical interview to gather relevant history. Administration of paper and pencil tests which measure thinking abilities. An individual’s test results are compared to his/her peers to determine the presence or absence of impairment. Time to complete the assessment varies depending upon the specific referral question. Typically, an evaluation for dementia takes approximately 4 hours while assessment of a learning disability can take 6 to 8 hours. An evaluation can be completed in either one or two sessions.

Following the assessment, feedback is provided the same day to the patient and family members (if applicable). This provides an opportunity for the patient to understand his pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, allow for any questions he/she may have, discussion of the implications of the findings, as well as recommendations based upon test results and patient history. A written report is also prepared and sent to the patient and referral source within a week following the evaluation.

Payment from third party insurance companies are accepted in some cases. Please check with Dr. Wilder-Willis to find out more information. In some cases, insurance companies do not cover neuropsychological assessments. In these cases, the patient would be responsible for payment for services rendered.