This is a short definition of what a Neuropsychologist does:
Neuropsychologists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat psychological conditions with brain-based conditions (e.g., DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, PTSD), Neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., AUTISM and ASPERGER SYNDROME), Educational issues (e.g., DYSLEXIA, DYSGRAPHIA, IEP/504 accommodations), Neurodegenerative disease (e.g.
DEMENTIA).
I personally have not heard of this specialist before but when my husband had depression, we made an appointment with a counselor who was not trained in the knowledge of diseases such as Dementia. He did get better, but if he is depressed again, I would want him to go to a Neuropsychologist, because we know he has Dementia but what is he suffering psychologically? I see what my husband is going through because he is aware of what Dementia is doing to him and he gets very despondent when he can’t do what he wants - and worse, he knows there is no cure. I believe mentally it is horrendous for him and others to have to face the fact that they are sick and life for them will never be the same. They are afraid because life is changing for them and they don’t have any control over it.
Instead of them living their “Golden Years”, they will eventually not know where they are, who you are, not even know themselves. They will end up only being able to lie in bed and sleep. So the psychological aspect of Dementia is just as important to me as dealing with the caretaking of his Dementia.