Neurodegenerative Diseases

The assessment relies on the analysis of any previous reports, clinical observations made during the sessions, and a battery of standardized tests administered in the office in both written and digital formats. Together, these elements provide a detailed, nuanced, and objective understanding of the patient’s mental functioning.

The neuropsychologist receives the patient, sometimes accompanied by a family member. The first appointment is dedicated to an in-depth discussion of the patient’s history, current difficulties, and expectations.

This interview aims to:

• Determine whether a diagnostic evaluation is appropriate.

• Clarify the assessment protocol (tests selected based on the information gathered).

• Present the full evaluation process (number of sessions, duration, report, and feedback session).

• Address any questions the patient may have.

• Establish a trusting environment, essential for minimizing the impact of anxiety on test performance.

It enables the clinician to:

• Assess preserved and impaired cognitive functions, the patient’s current emotional state, and their level of autonomy and adaptive functioning.

• Gain a deep understanding of the individual’s strengths and difficulties, as well as their impact on daily life.

• Help establish a diagnosis if it has not yet been made.

• Understand the progression of the condition as part of ongoing follow-up in order to adjust the treatment plan.

• Provide tailored recommendations and accommodations for daily living, work, or academic settings.

• Recommend suitable interventions such as neuropsychological rehabilitation, psychotherapy, orthoptics, speech therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy.

Cognitive domains assessed:

• Intellectual abilities: logical, conceptual, and quantitative reasoning.

• Social functions: social perception, social cognition, and social skills.

• Attentional functions: selective and sustained attention.

• Executive functions: cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, planning.

• Memory functions: short- and long-term memory.

• Visuospatial functions: visuoperceptive and visuospatial abilities in 2D and 3D.

• Language functions: receptive and expressive language.

• Sensorimotor functions: lateralization, motor control and programming, sensorimotor coordination.

Adaptive domains assessed:

• Communication

• Daily living

• Socialization

Psycho-affective domains assessed:

• Emotional state: assessment of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms.