Cognitive Testing: Definition & Services at Salma Health

Neuropsychological Assessment

When memory lapses, poor concentration, or word-finding issues start getting in the way, it helps to move from guesswork to measurable insight. Neuropsychological assessments, often called cognitive testing, translates everyday concerns into clear data about how your brain is working, so care plans can be targeted, not generic.

What is Neuropsychological Assessment?

Cognitive testing is a set of standardized, evidence-based tests that measure core cognitive domains: memory, attention, language, executive function, problem solving, and processing speed. At Salma Health, we use cognitive testing to identify strengths and weaknesses in brain function. These insights help us to:

Detect early signs of conditions such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, post-concussion syndrome, or traumatic brain injury
Clarify concerns related to attention and executive function, including ADHD (and support documentation for academic or workplace accommodations)
Track changes in brain health over time
Personalize treatment plans for each person

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‍How does it work?

Cognitive testing is non-invasive and is generally completed during one or more clinic visits. Results are scored and compared to brain benchmarks to provide a clear picture of cognitive function. The assessments may include:

Memory recall tasks (short- and long-term)
Attention and concentration tasks
Language and comprehension exercises
Problem-solving and reasoning challenges
Processing speed measures

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Cognitive testing

Your journey begins with a consultation with a Salma Health clinician. We will ask you about your symptoms, medical history and goals. Based on your answers, we will design a testing plan that best fits your needs.

‍Step 1: Clinical Interview

Review of medical and psychiatric history
Discussion of any concerns (memory loss, attention issues, brain injury recovery, etc.)

Step 2: Cognitive Assessment

Standardized tests completed in person or digitally
Assessments may last from 3-5 hours depending on the complexity needed

Step 3: Data interpretation

Results are analyzed by our specialists in neuropsychology
Patterns in cognitive function are identified

Step 4: Results and Care Planning

Findings are explained in a follow-up session. We encourage family members to attend
Results guide your care planning, which may include therapy, medication or advanced treatments such as neuromodulation

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring

Repeat testing may be recommended to track your progress or changes over time
Results are integrated into your long-term care plan

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Get started with care

Understanding your brain health is the first step toward effective treatment. Schedule a free video call with our team to learn whether cognitive testing could help provide you with clarity and direction.

Frequently asked questions

Who should consider neuropsychological assessments?

Anyone noticing changes in memory, attention, language, problem-solving, processing speed or post-stroke should consider assessments. It’s especially helpful for people concerned about dementia/Alzheimer’s, recovering from a brain injury, tracking cognitive changes over time, or needing data to personalize a treatment plan.

How long can assessments take?

A complete neuropsychological assessment is performed on 2 separate days. The first day is a 1-2 hour interview, the second day is a 3-5 hour testing session.

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Can neuropsychological assessment distinguish between normal aging and dementia?

Neuropsychological assessment can help differentiate normal age-related changes from patterns suggestive of cognitive impairment or dementia by comparing your scores to age-adjusted norms. Final diagnosis, however, usually combines test results with clinical evaluation and, when appropriate, imaging or lab work.