Borders Older Adults Psychology Services - Neuropsychological Assessment Information

For a copy of this information in another format contact

Mental health Oder Adults service

telephone: 01896 827105

Why am I being referred for neuropsychological assessment?

It is normal for there to be changes in memory and thinking as we get older. This can be caused by many different things, including physical illness, stress, medication, and types of dementia.

Changes can include:

• Trouble finding the right word
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetting things more often
• Difficulty planning or being organised
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, such as reading or watching TV
• Saying or doing things that you would not have done previously.

You will have already completed some tests and now a more in-depth neuropsychological assessment has been recommended. This helps us:

• To understand more about your strengths and difficulties (e.g. memory, language) and what the cause of any thinking problems might be.
• To decide which treatment or support could be useful for you.
• To measure any changes in your memory and thinking over time.

What will happen in the assessment?

The assessment will cover the following:

1. Meeting the psychologist

At the first appointment, the psychologist will introduce themselves and get to know you better. They may ask about:

• your medical and family history
• your day-to-day life and difficulties
• your mental health and wellbeing

It can be useful to bring a family member or close friend with you, as they may have noticed changes.

2. Informed consent

You can ask the psychologist any questions you might have and then you can decide if you would still like to continue with the neuropsychological assessment.

3. Assessment tasks or puzzles

The assessment usually takes around 4 appointments to complete. Each session will last around 60 minutes. It involves tasks and puzzles, which can include pictures and words. Some may be interesting and some may be tricky. You can decide to stop at any time.

If you use hearing aids or glasses, please remember to bring these with you. It is also helpful to bring a list of any medication you are currently taking.

4. After the assessment

Once you have completed all of the tasks/puzzles involved in the assessment you will be given another appointment to discuss your results. You will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

There are three possible outcomes from your assessment. Your results may suggest that:

1. Your skills are what we would expect based on a range of factors, including your age.
2. There are a few problems with some aspects of your memory and/or other skills but we are not sure what has caused these change. You may be recommended to have further tests in the future if required.
3. There are definitely problems that are causing you difficulty. The reasons why you have these problems will be discussed with you.

You will be offered a written summary of your results.  This will include suggestions about how to cope with difficulties that we may have identified.  

If you have any other questions, please get in touch via telephone: 01896 827105.