Neuropsychological Test

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Neuropsychological test

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Neuropsychological test

MeSH D009483

Neuropsychology

Topics

Brain functions

People

Tests

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Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed tasks that are used to measure a psychological
function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway.[1] Tests are used for
research into brain function and in a clinical setting for the diagnosis of deficits. They usually
involve the systematic administration of clearly defined procedures in a formal environment.
Neuropsychological tests are typically administered to a single person working with an examiner in
a quiet office environment, free from distractions. As such, it can be argued that
neuropsychological tests at times offer an estimate of a person's peak level of cognitive
performance. Neuropsychological tests are a core component of the process of conducting
neuropsychological assessment, along with personal, interpersonal and contextual factors.

Most neuropsychological tests in current use are based on traditional psychometric theory. In this
model, a person's raw score on a test is compared to a large general population normative sample,
that should ideally be drawn from a comparable population to the person being examined.
Normative studies frequently provide data stratified by age, level of education, and/or ethnicity,
where such factors have been shown by research to affect performance on a particular test. This
allows for a person's performance to be compared to a suitable control group, and thus provide a
fair assessment of their current cognitive function.

According to Larry J. Seidman, the analysis of the wide range of neuropsychological tests can be
broken down into four categories. First is an analysis of overall performance, or how well people
do from test to test along with how they perform in comparison to the average score. Second is
left-right comparisons: how well a person performs on specific tasks that deal with the left and
right side of the body. Third is pathognomic signs, or specific test results that directly relate to a
distinct disorder. Finally, the last category is differential patterns, which are typically used to
diagnose specific diseases or types of damage.[2]

Contents

1 Categories

1.1 Intelligence

1.2 Memory

1.3 Language

1.4 Executive function

1.5 Visuospatial

1.6 Dementia specific

1.7 Batteries assessing multiple neuropsychological functions

1.8 Automated computerized cognitive tests

2 Benefits of Neuropsychological Testing

3 See also

4 References

5 Further reading

6 External links

Categories

Most forms of cognition actually involve multiple cognitive functions working in unison, however
tests can be organised into broad categories based on the cognitive function which they
predominantly assess.[3] Some tests appear under multiple headings as different versions and
aspects of tests can be used to assess different functions.

Intelligence

Intelligence testing in a research context is relatively more straightforward than in a clinical


context. In research, intelligence is tested and results are generally as obtained, however in a
clinical setting intelligence may be impaired so estimates are required for comparison with
obtained results. Premorbid estimates can be determined through a number of methods, the most
common include: comparison of test results to expected achievement levels based on prior
education and occupation and the use of hold tests which are based on cognitive faculties which
are generally good indicators of intelligence and thought to be more resistant to cognitive
damage, e.g. language.

National Adult Reading Test (NART)

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)

Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI)

Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR)

Memory

Memory is a very broad function which includes several distinct abilities, all of which can be
selectively impaired and require individual testing. There is disagreement as to the number of
memory systems, depending on the psychological perspective taken. From a clinical perspective, a
view of five distinct types of memory, is in most cases sufficient.[4] Semantic memory and episodic
memory (collectively called declarative memory or explicit memory); procedural memory and
priming or perceptual learning (collectively called non-declarative memory or implicit memory) all
four of which are long term memory systems; and working memory or short term memory.[5]
Semantic memory is memory for facts, episodic memory is autobiographical memory, procedural
memory is memory for the performance of skills, priming is memory facilitated by prior exposure
to a stimulus and working memory is a form of short term memory for information manipulation.
[6][7]

Benton Visual Retention Test

California Verbal Learning Test

Cambridge Prospective Memory Test (CAMPROMPT)

Gollin figure test

Memory Assessment Scales (MAS)

Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test

Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test

Test of Memory and Learning (TOMAL)

Mental Attributes Profiling System

Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)

Language

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