文摘
As the population is aging, there is increasing need for clinicians with expertise in the evaluation and management of cognitive and emotional disorders in older adults. Neuropsychological evaluations are a critical tool in the assessment of these conditions, providing information as to cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Pertinent emotional and behavioral symptoms are also assessed. This article provides an introduction to what these assessments entail (i.e., length of assessment, insurance coverage) and the domains that are typically covered (i.e., attention, language, memory, psychiatric symptoms). Examples are provided as to the types of referral questions that can be addressed. We also discuss how information gleaned from these evaluations can aid in differential diagnosis. Specifically, pattern of test performance may be suggestive of a particular disorder. Assessment results can also aid in the treatment, management, and dispositional planning for aging patients. Case examples, relevant to geriatric psychiatry, are used to illustrate these points.
