Methodology of Neuropsychological Assessment:Qualitative (Metasyndromal Analysis of Cognitive Deficit Structure) and Quantitative (Psychometric Estimate) Aspects

Abstract

Neuropsychological evaluation is a necessary step that precedes neurorehabilitation. It implies both qualitative and quantitative assessment of patient's possible cognitive deficit. Qualitative approach aims to define the structure of the cognitive deficit while quantitative procedures give estimate of the magnitude of the deficit. Complex pathology affects multiple brain regions and reveals in a series of neuropsychological syndromes associated with these brain areas. Metasyndrome analysis is proposed as an approach to understanding the complex cognitive impairments. A new concept of metasyndrome is introduced in order to describe these repetitive patterns of observed cognitive deficits. Quantitative estimate allows to deter¬mine the degree of cognitive disorder and the dynamics of its change.

Keywords

• neuropsychology
• metasyndromal analysis
• neuropsychological eva¬luation