Utility of Neuropsychological Evaluations in the Clinical Management of Geriatric Patients

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.

Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - October 21, 2016 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research