Assessment & Treatment

Early Intervention and Diagnosis is Important to Preserving MemoryWhat is Clinical Neuropsychology?Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialized field that focuses on memory and other aspects of cognitive functioning.  Evaluation can help to determine whether changes
in memory are associated with normal aging, or whether such changes are related to a medical, or neurological, condition.Clinical Neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists with particular expertise in how behavior and skills (e.g., memory, attention) are related to brain structures and systems.  Neuropsychological, or neurocognitive, evaluation examines brain function.  This is accomplished by performing a series of tests designed to provide descriptive information about attention, memory, language, spatial abilities, and other cognitive functions.  When cognitive, or memory, symptoms are subtle in nature, cognitive testing is a particularly useful means of detecting such symptoms.As many factors can affect memory and cognition, including age, medical conditions, and various neurological conditions, Neuropsychological Evaluation aims to examine how each of these impacts an individual’s cognitive function and ability to carry out everyday tasks.  As mood, and emotional functioning, can also affect thinking and behavior, Neuropsychological Evaluation examines this area, as well.

The Therapeutic and Technology Assessment Committee of the American Academy of Neurology (Neurology, 1996; 47: 592-599) recognizes Neuropsychological Assessment as an established and accepted procedure for diagnosing and assessing various conditions and their impact on brain function.

The Neuropsychology & Memory Center takes a team approach to diagnosis and treatment.  Dr. Talbott routinely consults with physicians, in Naples and surrounding areas, from multiple practice areas including Neurology, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Primary & Preventative Care, Family Practice, etc.  Differential diagnosis is important to determining the appropriate course of treatment.

For example, neuropsychological testing can help to differentiate between cognitive changes associated with potentially reversible conditions (e.g., metabolic imbalances, depression, etc.) and those related to neurological conditions – e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s, etc.
Assessment Techniques

The Neuropsychology & Memory Center, P.A. places major  emphasis on utilizing the latest and most recognized  assessment tools available to benefit patients and aid in  differential diagnosis and treatment recommendations.