Neuropsychology is a specialty area of psychology that focuses on thinking, learning, and behavior, and its relationship to the brain. Neuropsychologists often work closely with neurologists and other health care providers. Together, they identify how a neurological illness or injury may affect function in your day-to-day life.

Neuropsychology Testing

Neuropsychologists use standardized tests to examine different aspects of thinking, such as:

• Attention
• Behavior
• Executive skills
• Language
• Memory
• Processing speed

The tests help the team better understand your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. With this information, our neuropsychologists can also identify brain structures or systems that may not work as efficiently as possible. We can then make recommendations for treatments/supports that can help improve your life.

Pediatric Neuropsychology

At Baystate Medical Center, neuropsychologists provide extensive evaluations for children ages 6+ with conditions including:

• Anoxic brain injuries (caused by oxygen deprivation)
• Cancer (such as brain tumor, leukemia)
• Cerebral palsy
• Complex attention disorders
• Concussions, including sports concussions
• Encephalitis
• Environmental exposures (such as lead)
• Epilepsy
• Genetic disorders
• Hydrocephalus
• Muscular dystrophy 
• Prenatal exposures (such as alcohol)
• Severe congenital heart disease
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injuries

Adult & Geriatric Neuropsychology

For adults, our neuropsychologists provide in-depth assessments on Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in our Memory Disorders Program. We also provide assessments for people with conditions that include:

• Anoxic brain injuries (caused by oxygen deprivation)
• Autoimmune disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, lupus)
• Cancer (such as brain tumor, leukemia)
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Concussions, including sports concussions
• Dementia & Mild Cognitive Impairment (caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, vascular disease)
• Epilepsy
• Stroke
• Toxic exposure
• Traumatic brain injuries