Clinical Neuropsychology Program

Overview

The Clinical Neuropsychology Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute provides comprehensive assessment and support for people experiencing changes in their thinking, memory, behavior, emotional functioning, or psychological adjustment, related to diagnosed or suspected neurological conditions.

Clinical neuropsychology is a subspecialty of clinical psychology that focuses on the relationships between the brain, cognition, behavior, and emotions. Our program is led by expert clinical neuropsychologists with specialized clinical training in evaluating abilities such as memory, attention, language, and problem solving. By integrating assessment findings with relevant clinical information, they help identify cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty and inform individualized care and support.

Our team works closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to understand and manage the cognitive, emotional and everyday effects of neurological conditions. We offer compassionate care tailored to each person’s needs, circumstances and goals.

Who we See

Neuropsychological assessment and support may be helpful when there are concerns about changes in thinking, behavior or daily functioning. Referrals may relate to:

Memory and other cognitive changes
Brain tumors
Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Other acquired or progressive neurological conditions
Planning before or after neurological treatment or surgery.

Eligibility and Referrals

The Clinical Neuropsychology Program is available to patients aged 16 years and older. Referrals may be made by neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, and clinical psychologists.

Our Services

Neuropsychological Assessment

A neuropsychological assessment uses interview and standardized tests to understand cognitive abilities, behavior and emotional functioning. The areas assessed are selected according to the reason for referral and may include:

Attention and concentration

Processing speed

Learning and memory

Language and communication

Reasoning, planning and problem solving

Visual and spatial abilities

Motor skills, when relevant

Emotional and behavioral functioning

The assessment begins with a discussion about your concerns and how they affect daily life. You will also be asked about your medical, psychological, educational, and occupational history. Relevant medical records may be reviewed, and where appropriate and with your consent, information may also be gathered from a family member or caregiver. This helps the neuropsychologist select the most suitable tests.

Depending on the reason for referral, you may complete tasks involving memory, attention, language, problem-solving, visual skills, or speed of thinking. Tasks may involve answering questions, working with paper or pencil, manipulating materials, or using a computer. The neuropsychologist interprets your performance in the context of your background, history, clinical observations, and other relevant information.

The findings provide a detailed understanding of your cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty. They can help to:

Clarify possible reasons for cognitive changes

Identify cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty

Establish a baseline for monitoring changes over time

Inform treatment, rehabilitation and support planning

Provide practical recommendations for daily functioning.

Treatment for Carotid Artery Disease

Lifestyle changes and some medications can help reduce the risk of stroke. However, if a significant narrowing of the carotid artery is detected, the patient may need surgery. There are two surgical options for treatment: carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting.

In carotid endarterectomy, the surgeon operates on the carotid artery to remove the material that has accumulated on the carotid artery wall.

In carotid stenting, a catheter is inserted into the patient’s groin area and threaded towards the carotid artery, where a balloon is used to expand the blood vessel, and a metal stent is inserted to maintain the correct size.

Long-term follow-up care for stroke patients is provided by multidisciplinary teams who operate cross-functionally between the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute and Neurological Institute. Resources available to patients include rehabilitation and speech recovery programs.

Clinical Neuropsychology Program

Overview

Our Services

Treatment for Carotid Artery Disease

Meet Our Team