Neuropsychological tests assess cognitive function, including dementia and brain damage. They can be used to determine competence for legal and medical decisions, independence, and organ transplant candidacy. Tests include the Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, Boston Naming Test, Dementia Rating Scale, Finger Tapping Test, Halstead-Reitan test battery, and Paulhus Deception Scales.
Neuropsychological tests are performed during a neuropsychological evaluation to determine a person’s cognitive function. Qualified medical personnel perform the tests in a structured environment. Neurocognitive tests evaluate dementia and organic brain damage that can affect a person’s ability to make decisions and function during daily activities.
There are many neuropsychological tests available to medical professionals to determine a person’s cognition. The data gleaned from testing can be used to demonstrate competence for legal and medical decisions and to see if a person can live independently. Hospitals also use neuropsychological tests to determine if a person is a good candidate for an organ transplant.
There are several types of neuropsychological tests that can be performed. The Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test is administered to determine a person’s visual motor and perceptual skills. The results of this test can indicate a person’s developmental maturity and emotional stability. This neuropsychological test can also show early markers of brain dysfunction.
A person’s language ability can be tested with the Boston Naming Test. It involves showing pictures of objects and recording the verbal response to the picture. The test can be used to determine the location of brain damage by evaluating any vocalization problems and relating them to the corresponding parts of the brain responsible for speech.
Seniors with memory impairments may be given the Dementia Rating Scale test. This test examines memory and conceptualization issues that can impair a person’s ability to make competent decisions. Includes assessment of attention span and ability to initiate conversations and gain assistance with daily activities.
It is possible to test for lateral brain damage by giving a patient the Finger Tapping Test, also called the Finger Oscillation Test. This test monitors motor activity on both sides of the body. Poor performance can indicate where the brain is injured, helping medical professionals develop a rehabilitation plan.
An assessment of a person’s overall brain function can be determined with the Halstead-Reitan neuropsychological test battery. This assessment looks at all aspects of brain function, including spatial relationships, motor speed, and abstract thinking. One portion of the test assesses memory, language, and the ability to focus on a task.
A neuropsychological test can also be administered to evaluate a person’s tendency to give wrong answers on psychological tests. The Paulhus Deception Scales can be useful to medical professionals who are unable to rehabilitate a patient due to inconsistent information. The test result can help doctors better develop a treatment plan for this type of individual.
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