neuropsychological assessment of the elderly, for example, if a person is experiencing memory decline, I can assess them to determine the cause of the decline, and recommend further assessment and/or intervention as required.
	Assessment of people’s capacity to make decisions regarding their lifestyle, medical treatments, finances, will, or powers of attorney. For example, if a person is having difficulty coping at home to the point where their family or carers feel they need either further services or residential placement, but the person is refusing, I am able to assess the person’s capacity to make that decision for themselves, and provide a report for any legal proceedings. Another example is if a person is having difficulty managing their finances, or may be subject to exploitation, I am able to determine their capacity to make financial decisions or to appoint an enduring power of attorney.
	General neuropsychological assessment, for example, following a stroke or head injury, assessment of a person’s ability to drive, etc.

A neuropsychology assessment can help to find out exactly what the problem is and to provide options for treatment as well as support and advice for carers. It is pivotal for diagnosis of cognitive difficulties, to evaluate a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses (such as after a brain injury), and to recommended treatment plans.

Neuropsychologists are psychologists who have specialist knowledge about how the brain works, how it affects thinking, behaviour, and emotions, the impact of various disorders and injuries on these processes, and an understanding about how this affects a person’s life and that of their family and friends. Neuropsychologists have a minimum of six years training in the field.

Neuropsychology assessment can also be instrumental in assessing a person’s capacity to make reasoned and informed decisions about various issues such as where they will live, what medical treatment they will receive, if they can manage their finances, or if they can make a decision about their will or enduring power of attorney.

Neuropsychology assessment involves using standardised, well researched tests of cognition that evaluate memory, attention, visuo-spatial skills, reasoning, and so on, to identify the person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

The pattern of results, combined with a thorough history taken from the client, their carers, and their health professionals, is used to diagnose brain disorders, or to explain cognitive difficulties arising from brain injuries or disorders.

This information helps the client understand the consequences of their difficulties on their daily life, and can be used to guide a client’s therapy with other professionals such as doctors, occupational therapists, and nurses, and to help with planning for the future.

I then assess the client’s cognitive function using a number of tests, most of them just using a paper and pencil. This includes assessment of memory, reasoning, attention, visuo-spatial skills, language, the ability to plan and organise, comprehend, reason, judge, engage in goal directed behaviour, and more.

The interview and assessment can be done in one session, usually taking about three hours, or over a few days, depending on the client’s needs.

This will be followed by a session where I will feed back the results to the client (if applicable) and their family. The assessment will be followed by a comprehensive written report which will include recommendations. I can then offer sessions on an hourly basis to help the client and/or their family to manage difficulties, or organise referrals to more appropriate services.