Referral to the Center for Neurocognitive Science may be by treating physicians, a family member, or the patient. A neuropsychological assessment at the Center will involve both an interview and specific testing. The interview will cover areas important in the determination of cognitive function and dysfunction.

           We strongly encourage patients to be accompanied by their caregivers and closest family members. The client will be asked about his or her medical and psychiatric histories, his or her medications, and changes in cognitive abilities. The testing will involve paper and pencil measures and can take several hours. The process will be adapted to the age and functional level of each client.The neuro-psychologist will compare a patient’s performance to others of similar demographic backgrounds. The results will then be integrated into a comprehensive diagnostic assessment and suggested treatment plan which will be generated in a comprehensive written report. This report will be mailed to the referring physician or available to a specialist that the patient might see following the evaluation. 

            In addition, we believe that caregivers should also be evaluated because the incidence of depression and “burnout’ in people thrust into this role is overwhelming. Furthermore, the natural hostility that arises from such relationships brings chronic anger and resentment and can lead to inadvertent abuse and dysfunction.