Neuropsychology

Advanced Testing for Cognitive Impairments in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

Brain injuries, neurological disorders and other conditions can affect your brain health, changing how you behave, feel and think (your cognitive function). At UMass Memorial Health, our psychiatry services include a full range of neuropsychological testing for adults who have, or are at risk for, cognitive impairment. 

What Is a Neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who has advanced doctorate-level education and training in neuropsychology. These mental health specialists perform neuropsychological testing to determine how certain conditions affect moods, behaviors, memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Neuropsychologists are important members of your psychiatric care team, helping with treatment plans. 

About Our Neuropsychology Services

Your provider may refer you for neuropsychological testing if there are changes to your memory, thinking skills, behaviors or speech.

Neuropsychological tests help your care team:

• Determine if cognitive changes are due to medical, neurological, psychological or genetic causes
• Establish a baseline of cognitive function to compare to future test results
• Gauge the effectiveness of a medication, surgery or other treatment
• Identify strengths and weaknesses in cognitive skills
• Track disease progression over time
• Develop an effective treatment plan

Who Needs Neuropsychological Testing?

We offer neuropsychological testing for adults who experience cognitive changes from conditions such as:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism
• Brain tumors
• Cancer and cancer treatments
• Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Immune system disorders, including AIDS, diabetes and lupus
• Mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and dementia
• Movement disorders, including Parkinson disease
• Neurological disorders, including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Stroke