Neuropsychological evaluation

When patients report a cognitive problem at their appointment with the neurologist, or otherwise if the neurologist suspects that the patient suffers such a cognitive deficit, he or she will refer the individual for a neuropsychological evaluation to be scheduled. The neurologist likewise performs such referrals when detecting any emotional alteration or if the patient requires psychological care.

One of the Cemcat neuropsychologists performs the evaluation in order to ascertain whether a cognitive problem really exists, and what strategies/therapies could be pursued with the patient. One of the main cognitive disorders is an alteration in the speed of information processing. Problems can likewise arise in terms of attention, concentration, memory or aspects connected with verbal fluency.

This then leads on to suggested compensatory strategies (advice and resources to alleviate these deficits) or cognitive training/stimulation (exercises). This links in with the possibility of performing neurorehabilitation at the centre if it is felt that the patient fulfils the requirements and is a candidate to follow the Cemcat neurorehabilitation programme.

As for psychological care, intervention focuses on problems linked to the disease. If there are any other fundamental issues affecting the patient, the neuropsychologist may recommend the intervention of another professional in order to address this.