Role of neuropsychology in neurodegeneration

There is a growing demand for formal neuropsychological assessment in patients with suspected or known neurodegenerative diseases. These assessments are increasingly viewed as an integral part of the work-up of these patients. This chapter summarises the different aspects of the neuropsychological assessment and the basic knowledge required on the part of the referring clinician. We briefly discuss the cognitive domains commonly examined during a neuropsychological assessment and the clinical relevance of identified deficits. The common pitfalls encountered during neuropsychological testing are also discussed. The chapter provides a summary of the building blocks and limitations of neuropsychological assessments, and is focused on the basic concepts with which a clinician must be familiar in order to have realistic expectations of these assessments and to ensure maximum benefit to patients.