Neuropsychology Department Overview
Clinical Psychologist
![Mr. Gnanamanikandan, Msc](https://neurofoundation.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mr.Gnanamanikandan.png)
Clinical Psychologist
![Mr. S. Kishore Kumar, Msc](https://neurofoundation.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mr.Kishore.png)
Clinical Psychologist
![Mrs. S. Agalya, Msc](https://neurofoundation.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mrs.Agalya.png)
Why our Neuropsychologist are Best?
Our Neuro Psychologists stand out as leaders with over 15 years’ combined expertise. Renowned for their unparalleled skill and dedication, they offer superior assessments and interventions, ensuring the highest standard of care in the field.
Introduction
- Vascular dementia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Semantic dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
Importance of Neuropsychological Evaluations
Neuropsychological evaluations are crucial in evaluating possible dementia and ruling out other causes for cognitive difficulties. These assessments help differentiate between normal aging-related cognitive declines and those indicative of a more serious condition.
Key Benefits of Neuropsychological Evaluations for Dementia
Differentiating Normal Aging from Dementia
As we age, some cognitive declines are expected. Specialized neuropsychological assessments help distinguish between healthy aging processes and more pronounced cognitive difficulties suggestive of dementia.
Clarifying Diagnosis
Neuropsychological assessments can help identify the specific type of dementia or other underlying conditions causing cognitive impairment. This differentiation is crucial for appropriate treatment planning.
Monitoring Progression
Regular assessments can monitor an individual’s cognitive functioning over time, determining the rate of decline, areas of stability, and areas responsive to treatment. This longitudinal approach is essential for managing and adjusting treatment plans.
Identifying Co-occurring Conditions
Neuropsychological evaluations can identify other conditions that might mimic dementia symptoms but require different treatment approaches. This is important to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure comprehensive care.
Informing Treatment and Support
Detailed cognitive profiles from neuropsychological assessments provide valuable information for creating personalized treatment plans. These plans may include medication, cognitive rehabilitation, behavioral interventions, and support for caregivers.
Conditions That Cause Dementia
Alzheimer’s Diseas
The most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive memory loss, language deterioration, and impaired ability to perform daily activities
Vascular Dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or series of mini-strokes.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Associated with abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies, leading to symptoms such as visual hallucinations, motor impairments, and fluctuating cognitive function.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Involves degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, affecting personality, behavior, and language.
Semantic Dementia
A subtype of frontotemporal dementia characterized by the loss of the ability to understand or formulate words in a meaningful way.
Parkinson’s Disease
While primarily a movement disorder, Parkinson’s can also cause dementia in its later stages, characterized by cognitive impairment and mood changes.
Huntington’s Diseas
A genetic disorder leading to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, causing motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
A rare, rapidly progressing degenerative brain disorder caused by prions, leading to dementia and neurological decline.
Corticobasal Degeneration
A rare condition involving nerve cell loss and atrophy in multiple areas of the brain, leading to cognitive decline and motor abnormalities.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
A brain disorder causing serious problems with walking, balance, and eye movements, often accompanied by cognitive decline.
Conclusion
Neuropsychological evaluations are essential tools in the diagnosis and management of dementia. By providing a comprehensive assessment of cognitive function, these evaluations help differentiate between normal aging and dementia, clarify diagnoses, monitor disease progression, and inform treatment plans. This holistic approach ensures that individuals receive the most effective care and support, tailored to their specific needs and conditions.