The current zeitgeist in neuropsychological “brain health” is a significant wellness trend that has made its way from physical fitness to proactive cognitive health. It focuses upon a number of clinical areas that our neuropsychological rehabilitation staff, including our nationally recognized resident/fellowship students program employing strategies unique to the patient’s profile (sui generis). Neuropsychological “brain health” goes beyond the unfortunate current phenomenon of “diagnose and adios” that is sweeping our profession. Our program utilizes a comprehensive approach, since the neuropsychological examination (NPE) is merely one component of the total package of “neuropsychological care.” That is, it provides the diagnosis which becomes the “blueprint” for treatment be it, neuropsychological (medical adjustment counseling) or psychological (psychotherapy). We additionally include a variety of original services that serve our population from pediatric to geriatrics.
Areas we focus upon in the “brain health” movement are proactive and holistic that go beyond the conventional reactive treatment to preventative care viewing the brain as needing proper daily nourishment, much like the body. Additionally, the patient’s lifestyle is analyzed in terms of proper diet, exercise, quality sleep, stress management and social engagement. This is followed by our clinical health psychology section. This focus applies to pediatric (home, school, health, social skills, etc.) but also geriatric with the boomers living longer with attention directed at their safety. We have 10 areas that we emphasize for the senior population regarding safety going beyond merely testing their cognition for independent living skills.
Another area our program focuses upon is basic conversation regarding education around cognitive health, particularly with early thinking decline and the more progressive dementia cases. There are things that can be do done to make the situation better, not cured, but better!
In summary, our staff and resident/fellowship students provide the best care for the patient and family, who is unique in all ways, warranting specialized treatment for their needs, be it child, adolescent, mid-life, or senior. We provide in-person care, you are not a number or a quick zoom call, rather our utmost concern.
The neuropsychological zeitgeist “brain health” is an achievable, integrated part of our service/treatment. Not just avoiding the pediatric pitfalls or the senior dementia situation, but for employing every approach to enhance everyday cognition/thinking using science and lifestyle changes to optimize independent functioning, be it for the child or adult, we are here to provide you the best care!
Robert B. Sica, PhD, ABN
Board Certified, Neuropsychologist
Owner/Principal Partner of NRS|LS