Medical conditions can affect psychological functioning.  Examples of this include those of age-related cognitive decline seen in dementia, HIV disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, aneurysms, encephalopathy, hydrocephalus, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disorders. 

     The purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation is to assess what is impaired (e.g., concentration, memory, visual spatial functioning, and/or organization and planning) and the depth of the impairment (mild, moderate, or severe.) 

     Tests that evaluate neuropsychological status show how a person functions compared to peers.  These tests can clarify whether depression, anxiety, or a brain disorder is the major cause of impaired functioning.  They can also show how a person functions over time, to measure deterioration or to measure progress with medications and other treatment.

      My training and experience help me evaluate and advise patients, families, caretakers, and workplaces about neuropsychological issues.  I use the  Boston Process Model approach in designing an evaluation and  work very closely with the main caretaker.

     I have a year of formal postdoctoral supervised training in clinical neuropsychological assessment through the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine Alzheimer’s Disease Unit.  I have an additional year of one-on-one training and case consultation with a neuropsychologist.  Further, I am involved in ongoing continuing education through the Columbia University’s Department of Neurology, Division of Aging and Dementia and Harvard Medical School’s Continuing Education program on psychological and neuropsychological assessment. 

    I am a member of the American Psychological Association’s Clinical Neuropsychology Division (Division 40) and an affiliate member of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology.