Neuropsychology

If you or your loved ones are experiencing cognitive, emotional or behavioral symptoms of concern, UMass Memorial Medical Center can help. We provide comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for adult patients, which center on disorders of cognitive function resulting from trauma, and medical and neurological disease. 

Neuropsychological Evaluations for Adults

The specific function of neuropsychology is psychometric evaluation of brain-behavior relationships as they relate to general intellectual abilities, attention and concentration, learning and memory, verbal abilities, visual-spatial and constructional abilities, executive functions, and affect (mood).

Neuropsychological testing can be used for a number of different purposes.  Results from the assessment can, for example, help distinguish between neurological diseases, help localize brain lesions, and help discriminate between psychiatric disorders and neurological diseases. 

Neuropsychological assessment is also useful when making patient care and management decisions.  Information about cognitive, behavioral and emotional status is important for decisions regarding a person’s capacity for self-care and other activities of daily living.  Understanding a person’s capabilities and limitations, and the changes that may occur now or in the future, is important for planning future care. 

Neuropsychological testing can also answer questions about the effect (positive or negative) of medications on a person’s thinking ability and/or emotional and behavioral status.  Neuropsychological evaluations are important when adapting treatment programs and goals to a person’s changing needs and capacities.    

• Evaluation of cognitive functioning in specific patient groups, such as:
  • Elderly patients with memory problems
  • Patients with concussion or traumatic brain injury
  • Patients with stroke or other cerebrovascular disorders
  • Patients with other neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis) or systemic medical disorders (e.g., AIDS, lupus, diabetes)
• Determination of baseline mental function in patients whose condition may be improving or worsening:
  • Before and after initiating treatment programs
  • To track suspected progressive dementia over time
  • Tracking functioning and disease status in other progressive  neurologic conditions
  • Pre- and post-neurosurgery

We will assist in the development of your treatment plans related to cognitive disability:

• Referrals for cognitive rehabilitation services to improve specific skill deficits, such as in memory, language or attention
• Referrals for treatment of other conditions (such as psychiatric and mood disorders) that can impact cognitive functioning
• Helping to make decisions about functional capacities in work, school, or daily living, and with obtaining accommodations when appropriate. 

To schedule an appointment, speak with your provider about making a referral to the neuropsychology service.  Outside of the UMass system, referrals and supporting documentation can be faxed to 774-441-6072. 

Questions? Call 508-334-6392.