Neuropsychology Program

A neurologic condition or injury can impair how your brain works. A stroke, traumatic brain injury or conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can cause changes in attention, concentration, memory or problem-solving.

Your doctor needs to understand the extent of the changes in your brain. 

The Neuropsychology Program works with geriatric, pediatric and rehabilitation patients. We use interactive tests and brain imaging to study how your brain works. These tools include:

• Fine motor activities
• Paper and pencil tests
• Puzzles

Your test results help your care team:

• Determine the risks of treatments such as brain surgery or electrical stimulation
• Map out a care plan for your specific condition
• Measure the degree of cognitive change related to a brain impairment
• Track behavioral or cognitive changes over time

Your doctor may recommend regular neuropsychological testing and imaging to monitor changes in your function. Testing may occur six months, a year or two years after your initial diagnosis.

The Neuropsychology Program leads extensive research studies and trains future doctors. Our specialists manage projects funded by the National Institutes of Health and public and private foundations that explore:

• Effects of epilepsy surgery on language and semantic memory
• Memory compensation strategies for patients with mild cognitive impairment

We study how different neurologic conditions affect brain functions such as attention, behavior and memory. We use advanced MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to study how neuropsychological abilities are related to brain structure and function. Many Emory Healthcare patients take part in these studies, and we are grateful for their help.

Through clinical trials, we seek ways to improve neuropsychological abilities or minimize neuropsychological side effects from treatment in the areas of:

• Cognitive neurology
• Epilepsy
• Movement disorders
• Stroke

As a patient, you get early access to these advanced treatments because Emory Healthcare is a research center.

Our neuropsychology team includes experts in neurology and psychology:

• Cady K Block, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology
• Daniel L Drane, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology
• Felicia C Goldstein, PhD, Professor, Department of Neurology
• David W Loring, PhD, Professor, Department of Neurology
• Ekaterina Staikova, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology