Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that studies the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is based upon research demonstrating that changes in brain structure and/or chemistry can alter brain functioning in regular and predictable ways.  These changes can be due to injury, disease or normal lifecycle processes, and can affect a number of cognitive areas including attention, memory, problem solving, thought organization, intelligence, language and motor abilities. Physicians from a variety of specialties often refer their patients for a neuropsychological evaluation to help them better understand how a particular medical condition may or may not be impacting that patient's thinking ability.

Neuropsychological evaluations at Drake are administered by a neuropsychologist who will examine the individual's performances in these areas using standardized tests. In addition to cognition, the neuropsychologist will also assess emotional, behavioral and motivational functioning. This comprehensive evaluation usually takes between four and six hours and may be completed over several sessions.

After the results are reviewed, the Drake Center neuropsychologist will meet with the client and family to provide detailed feedback about their thinking and emotional strengths and weaknesses. The neuropsychologist may also make recommendations about compensation strategies; supervision or assistance needed to function safely; work and educational plans; referral to support groups, or make other helpful suggestions. 

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For more information about the neuropsychology services offered at Drake, please call 513.418.2798.