Neuropsychology 101: Understanding Cognitive Function in Hydrocephalus
What Is Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior and how changes in brain development or function affect the way we think, feel, and act. It combines two areas of science—psychology, which is the study of behavior and the mind (cognition), and neuroscience, which is the study of the brain and nervous system.
Neuropsychologists look at how changes in the brain—like injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions—can impact the way a person remembers things, pays attention, solves problems, or controls emotions.
What Do Neuropsychologists Evaluate?
When you meet with a neuropsychologist, they will ask you questions about your medical history, daily functioning, and day-to-day cognitive abilities. They will also guide you through a series of tests, called a battery, to evaluate how your brain is functioning. These tests are designed to assess various skills that are more at risk to be affected by your medical history, such as language, memory, attention, and problem solving. These evaluations can also help with diagnoses for conditions such as ADHD, learning disorders (like dysgraphia and dyslexia), memory concerns, and other cognitive or neurological issues. (To learn about common cognitive differences associated with hydrocephalus, click here.)
The assessments may involve answering questions verbally, completing written tasks, using a computer, or engaging in hands-on activities such as solving puzzles or arranging blocks. Once testing is complete, the neuropsychologist analyzes the results to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses. They also collaborate with your broader care team to help make informed treatment recommendations, which may include therapy, referrals, or documentation to support accommodations in school, work, or daily life.
What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Neuropsychologist?
While both psychologists and neuropsychologists are trained to understand and treat psychological concerns, their approaches and areas of focus differ:
- A psychologist typically addresses emotional and mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or behavioral difficulties, by exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and helping you develop strategies to manage challenges.
- A neuropsychologist, in contrast, focuses on how the brain functions and how neurological or medical conditions may be affecting your cognitive and emotional functioning. Many neuropsychologists exclusively evaluate patients with confirmed or suspected neurological conditions. They use specialized tests to evaluate brain-related issues and provide recommendations for treatment, often working closely with other health professionals to support comprehensive care.
Despite these distinctions, both psychologists and neuropsychologists share a common goal: to better understand the challenges you're facing and to offer guidance and support to help you improve your quality of life.
HA Is Committed to Promoting Neuropsychology and Cognition Research Efforts.
We listened to patients. The Hydrocephalus Association is dedicated to advancing our Community Research Priority to improve quality of life through various efforts, which have included the following:
- Organized a hydrocephalus session at the 2024 American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology conference where hydrocephalus researchers, neuropsychologists, and a neurosurgeon spoke to bring awareness to the condition. Presentations included different causes of hydrocephalus, neurological effects of treatment, transition of care, and the need for further research to improve quality of life across the lifespan.
- Hosted a research workshop focused on Cognitive and Psychological Outcomes in Hydrocephalus and published Research Priorities to Improve Neuropsychological and Cognitive Outcomes in Hydrocephalus.
- Created a Neuropsychology and Cognition Award. In 2024, it was awarded to Dr. Jeff Schaffert, a neuropsychologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, for his research on idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).
How Does the Neuropsychology and Cognition Award Help Advance Research?
The award provides financial support for a research project focused on (1) understanding hydrocephalus symptoms across the lifespan, (2) assessing the outcomes of surgical treatment, (3) developing animal and cellular models to use for hydrocephalus research, and/or (4) making improvements to patient care and life transitions with hydrocephalus.
In 2024, Dr. Jeff Schaffert was awarded for his project focused on the cognitive and behavioral effects of iNPH and how they relate to treatment outcomes and quality of life. In order to do this, Dr. Schaffert works with iNPH patients at the UT Southwestern Medical Center to assess their memory, attention, and other cognitive processes. The purpose of his study is to determine patterns related to cognition, including movement, thinking, and daily function, and evaluate the effects of treatment. Dr. Schaffert’s goal is to improve early diagnoses and decision-making as to which patients are good candidates for shunting treatment.
Learn More About Dr. Schaffert’s Clinical Work and Research!
Please join us for an upcoming webinar where neuropsychologist, Dr. Jeff Schaffert will be presenting on Navigating Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Practical Strategies for Combatting Cognitive Decline and Dementia. During this presentation, Dr. Schaffert will explore effective strategies to support individuals experiencing cognitive decline due to NPH. He will discuss practical approaches to enhance daily functioning, improve memory and attention, and optimize quality of life. This event will take place on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, 7:00pm EDT and you can click here to register for the event, which will take place over Zoom.