By application of a wide range of psychological tests and procedures, mental functions sensitive to brain injury can be measured objectively. Based on an analysis of the profile of scores and observation of the individual’s problem-solving processes, evaluation is made regarding:

• structural brain condition
• deficiencies caused by brain damage versus preexisting cognitive weaknesses
• strengths in cognitive and psychosocial skills
• comprehensive diagnostic understanding of the biopsychosocial impact of the injury
• extent of the brain injury and prognosis for recovery
• the specific course of action needed for best therapy planning
• predictions and recommendations for independence in work, school, and home

Some of the life questions/issues that neuropsychologists can be helpful in addressing
include:

• Return to work
• Return home, and with what degree of assistance
• Return to school
• Ability to manage financial affairs
• Presence of brain injury
• Differentiation of brain injury from psychological/psychiatric factors, and the presence of malingering/suboptimal effort
• Permanency of injury and deficits/prognosis
• Establishment of a baseline for further assessment
• What are the assets that can be capitalized on? (not just deficit-oriented)
• How can training contribute to change?
• What areas may spontaneously improve, and which will require compensatory strategies?
• What are the best strategies to train a client for a task?
• Are there behavior problems that may interfere in life?
• What recommendations can be made as to impulsivity, impatience, low frustration tolerance, temper, etc.?
• Are there substance abuse issues?
• Are there any social and/or social skill issues that may interfere in life?
• What is the psychological status of an individual?

Our Neuropsychologist, Dr. Demarest, is an Iowa- and Nebraska- licensed Psychologist. He received his doctoral degree from West Virginia University. He completed a specialty internship in neuropsychology and rehabilitation at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and a specialty post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology and rehabilitation in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Missouri Medical School and Rusk Rehabilitation Center. He has worked in rehabilitation and Neuropsychology for over 25 years,  and has published articles in a variety of professional Psychology- refereed journals.

Ideally, a neuropsychological assessment is question- or issue-driven, that is, for example, are there questions regarding recovery of cognitive functioning, emotional adaptation and coping, return to work, social skills, insight or other executive functioning, etc? A typical neuropsychological assessment involves a process of several hours of tests, clinical interview of the patient and collateral interview whenever possible of other relevant persons, e.g., residential staff, family, supervisors, colleagues, peers, etc., and observation. This observation can be in a variety of settings, including the testing session but possibly also in natural settings such as work simulation, natural social situations, and others. The testing includes evaluation of such cognitive capabilities as attention span, concentration, orientation, memory, new learning, receptive and expressive language, mathematical reasoning, spatial perception, abstract and organizational thinking, problem-solving, social judgment, motor abilities, sensory awareness, emotional characteristics, and general psychological adjustment. A neuropsychological evaluation can help elucidate an individual’s cognitive and emotional/psychological strengths and need, but how cognitive test findings can be translated into real life issues is critical. Assessment should be question-focused, to be useful to the consumer.

Please contact Tiffany Cubbage, Clinical Office Assistant, at 515-289-9645 or tcubbage@onwithlife.org to schedule an appointment and/or obtain information regarding Neuropsychological Evaluation and Consultation Services.