Neuropsychology and Parkinson's
Up to mine Complex therapy In Bad Gögging I couldn't do anything with the term neuropsychology - especially not in the context of Parkinson's.
As part of the therapy I got to know neuropsychology as a tool for testing, measuring and improving my cognitive performance. I learned a lot about my limits (which wasn't always edifying), but also learned techniques how I can cope with them in everyday life.
So it is time to take a closer look at the subject.
The cartoon is about the basics
The Society for Neuropsychology eV writes ...
… on your website www.gnp.de About the tasks and fields of activity of a neuropsychologist:
“The tasks of the clinical neuropsychologist include the examination of the cognitive strengths and weaknesses of patients with neurological diseases, the emotional-affective state as well as behavioral problems and disorders in social contact, the planning, implementation and control of neuropsychological therapy measures. The clinical neuropsychologist's fields of work are usually in neurological, psychiatric and rehabilitative institutions, but increasingly also in free psychological practice. "
But what does that mean for Parkinson's?
To learn more about it, I have the opportunity to stay at Passauer Wolf Specialist Clinic & Rehabilitation Center Bad Gögging and asked the neuropsychology team to answer my short list of questions. Here are the detailed answers for you guys.
Can you give us a brief definition of neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is an interdisciplinary branch of (clinical) psychology and neuroscience. Her areas of work include the diagnosis and therapy of cognitive functions (e.g. concentration and memory), the emotional situation and behavior after acquired brain damage.
What is the role of neuropsychology in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's?
The goals of a neuropsychological examination are to determine the cognitive performance as well as the emotional and behavioral changes of those affected. The therapeutic measures range from functional training to advice on dealing with impairments.
What happens during a clarification?
The examination usually lasts several therapy sessions and includes anamnestic exploration of the person concerned, a test psychological assessment of the cognitive performance and functional areas, if necessary the implementation of questionnaires, behavioral observation and a communication of the findings. The duration of the examination can vary depending on the question, stamina and cognitive status of the person concerned.
What is cognition and how can it be tested?
Cognition is understood to mean all thought and perception processes and their mental results. It relates to the mental processes and structures of an individual. Cognitions can be understood as information processing processes in which new things are learned and knowledge is processed, e.g. B. in relation to thinking and problem solving, ability to act, attention and memory.
A test of the cognitive performance takes place in the implementation and in the evaluation of specific and age-appropriate (standardized) neuropsychological test procedures. This enables a statement to be made about a noticeable deviation in performance compared to healthy people of the same age.
Are there any special features in the neuropsychological evaluation of Parkinson's sufferers?
Due to the illness, Parkinson's sufferers are often limited in their concentration endurance and in their conception. Possible stress-related reactions during the examination (e.g. intensification of the tremor or dyskinesia) can be counteracted through the targeted use of rest breaks and relaxation procedures. Paying attention to psychological aspects is also important - e.g. B. Depression or anxiety - as they can negatively affect cognitive functions.
What are the advantages of this assessment for Parkinson's sufferers?
The objectification of cognitive strengths and weaknesses and the conscious activation of compensation mechanisms appropriate to everyday life enable those affected to cope with everyday life in a health-promoting manner and to adequately deal with excessive demands and disease-related symptoms. This has positive effects on the success of the therapy and the improvement in quality of life.
Do you have any tips for those affected?
If noticeable cognitive changes occur in everyday life - such as B. with increasing forgetfulness or concentration problems - take the initiative, speak to the neurologist and consider a neuropsychological assessment.
According to our previous experience with Parkinson's sufferers, a neuropsychological intervention is an essential and sensible decision, both in prevention and as a therapy-accompanying measure. It can be carried out in an outpatient setting or as part of a holistic interdisciplinary treatment.
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