What is Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is an area that studies the brain, understanding its anatomy and functioning as an organ. Beyond that, it focuses on how the brain works in relation to a person's daily life. This includes the evaluation of cognitive ability, attention, memory, communication and language skills, adaptation, organization, personality and interpersonal relationships.
Who can benefit from Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology can help people of all ages. For example, parents can take their children if they notice delays in language development, unusual behaviors, learning difficulties, attention problems or behavior problems at school. Young adults may seek help after an accident or illness that has affected their cognitive abilities or behavior. Adults and older adults often seek help for problems with concentration, memory, cerebrovascular events or neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.
Who performs Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is performed by neuropsychologists, clinical professionals specialized in the functioning of the brain. These professionals may have different focuses, such as working exclusively with children and adolescents or with adults and older adults. Some, like the author of the article, have training and experience in all ages, which allows them to handle a wide variety of cases.
What differences exist between Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience?
Neuropsychology focuses on evaluating and understanding the cognitive and behavioral functioning of people in relation to the brain. Cognitive Neuroscience, on the other hand, studies the biology, anatomy, chemistry, and neural networks of the brain in relation to cognition, personality, and behavior. Technology has allowed Cognitive Neuroscience to advance and provide more detailed knowledge of the brain.
When should someone consider going to a neuropsychologist?
You should consider going to a neuropsychologist if you observe problems in cognitive or behavioral development, whether in children (difficulties in learning, attention, behavior), in young adults (changes after an accident or illness), or in older adults (loss of memory, concentration, diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases). Early intervention and proper evaluation can help significantly improve quality of life.
Who is the neuropsychologist, Dr. Sigem Sabagh?
Dr. Sigem Sabagh is a neuropsychologist with a PhD in Applied Cognitive Neuroscience. She has worked with patients of all ages, from 18-month-old infants to adults over 90+ years old, which has allowed her to accumulate vast experience in the management of various conditions and in training her team.