Neuropsychology Service
The Neuropsychology service supports people to live well with neurological conditions. For some people with neurological conditions or illnesses, getting a diagnosis can be a challenging time. For others, different stages of their condition over time can be difficult. For others, changes in their cognition (thinking, memory, attention, language, perception, processing of information, executive functions), or in their emotions or behaviour can be confusing, distressing and impact on their everyday living, their overall quality of life and that of their family.
The Neuropsychology service in SVUH offers specialist assessments to better understand and manage these changes and challenges. The Neuropsychology service also offers a range of psychological interventions and therapy to support people in adjusting to and dealing with the psychological aspects of their neurological conditions.
The Clinical Neuropsychologist is actively involved in clinical research and service audits within both the SVUH Neurology and Psychology Departments, regularly contributes to teaching on academic courses across Irish Universities and supports trainee clinical psychologist placements and research.
What will happen when I attend the Neuropsychology service?
If you are referred to the SVUH Neuropsychology Service, you will receive an appointment letter to meet with a Clinical Neuropsychologist in St Vincent’s University Hospital Neurology Department. At your first appointment, together we will work out how the Neuropsychology Service can be most helpful. We will do a detailed clinical assessment, including a clinical interview, and if appropriate, questionnaires about your mood and emotions, and pen and paper cognitive screening measures. By the end of the first appointment, we will discuss and agree a plan. This may involve arranging to meet again for a more detailed assessment of your cognition (thinking, memory, attention, language, perception, processing of information, executive functions), mood and behaviour, or agreeing to work together using psychological therapeutic principles to support you in managing your emotions or if appropriate, referring you to a different service that may better meet your needs.
A more detailed neuropsychological assessment can involve meeting with the neuropsychologist, using standardized pen and paper, table-top or computerized neuropsychological measures that can help us understand your thinking, language, attention and memory, and understanding how you function in your everyday life. This sometimes involves the neuropsychologist speaking to someone who knows you well in the home environment also, with your consent. A feedback appointment will be arranged to help explain what the assessment found and discuss individualized strategies and tips to help manage any difficulties that you might be having.
Neuropsychology intervention can involve working individually with the person, using evidence-based talking therapies. At times, it might also include family members, if appropriate. Group work is also being developed as an option for neuropsychological intervention.
How to access the service:
Referral to the Neuropsychology Service is via your Consultant Neurologist or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Neurology Administration contact details: 01 2213830/ 01 2214209.
Links you might find helpful:
Headway Ireland:
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland
http://www.alzheimer.ie/Services-Support/Services-in-your-county/Dublin.aspx?print=true
Parkinsons Association of Ireland
Move for Parkinsons
http://www.move4parkinsons.com
PSP and CBD
https://pspaireland.ie/quick-index/support/
MS Society of Ireland
Epilepsy Ireland
Dystonia Ireland