Brain Function Testing Evaluates Memory Loss

Neuropsychology is the study of how the brain works, especially relating to memory, concentration and coordination. Neuropsychologists also evaluate overall mental health. In the Fox Valley and Oshkosh area, we offer neuropsychology testing services for adults, adolescents and children. The neuropsychology team is part of our behavioral and mental health services. For more information or an appointment, call 920-730-4411.

Your doctor may recommend this type of brain function testing to help diagnosis medical conditions involving:

• Emotional changes related to brain function disorders
• Inability to focus
• Language problems
• Problems learning or retaining new information
• Reasoning concerns with judgement or problem-solving
• Short-term memory loss

We use brain MRI and CT scans to look at the brain structure and detect medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. Through patient interviews and written tests, we measure general intellect and specifically: 

• Attention and concentration
• Higher-level thinking skills
• Language
• Learning and memory
• Mood and personality
• Motor and sensory skills
• Visual-spatial skills (perception)

This type of testing helps your doctor detect mild memory and thinking problems that might not be obvious without testing. For example, in seniors, our assessment process differentiates memory changes caused by normal aging compared to neurological conditions. In other patients, this type of evaluation can determine if a memory or brain processing problems may be related to a medical condition such as diabetes, metabolism issues, infection or alcoholism. Testing can also help determine if memory problems are related to Alzheimer’s disease, stroke or depression.

Neuropsychologists also identify challenges and opportunities, so that our patients, doctors and caregivers have the information they need to create a plan for assistance and treatments.