Neuropsychology assessment (South of Tyne) – Patient information sheet

You have been referred because you have been having problems with your memory or thinking. The assessment helps us learn what is going on and how it affects your daily life.

We will look at:

• your general thinking and problem-solving skills
• your memory
• how well you can focus and pay attention
• how these things affect your daily activities

By learning more about these, we can understand how your brain is working. This helps us find out what may be causing the problems and how we can support you.

This assessment checks how your brain is working. We do this by testing skills like:

• memory
• concentration
• language

We will ask you some questions, and you will do some puzzle tests and drawings. Some tasks might feel easy, and others may be harder. You do not need to get everything right or finish every task.

These tests help us:

• see what parts of your brain are working well, and parts that are not
• spot your strengths and areas where you may need help
• learn what might be causing your problems
• suggest ways to help you in everyday life

In the first appointment, you will talk with the psychologist about some of the changes you have noticed. We will also ask some questions to make sure we have the right information.

If you can, please bring someone who knows you well. They can share what changes they have seen. If you can’t bring anyone, we may ask to speak to them later.

You will then come back for a second appointment, and sometimes a third. Each session lasts about one to two hours. You will do different tests using an iPad and some on paper. You do not need to know how to use an iPad. You will only need it to look at some pictures and sometimes tap the screen.

We usually do these tests without family or partners in the room. Let us know if you need someone with you for the tests.

Please bring your reading glasses or hearing aids if you use them.

After the tests, we will write a report for the psychiatrist. Once the psychiatrist has looked at all the assessment results you will have another appointment.

The psychiatrist or another practitioner will talk through the results and explain what happens next.

• We will share your results with the memory team and others involved in your care.
• Let us know as soon as possible if you can’t come to your appointment. This helps us offer the slot to someone else who needs it.
• We always try to give the best service. We may ask you to give anonymous feedback to help us improve.

If you need to speak to us, please contact the Initial Response Service on 0303 123 1145. We are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

You can talk directly to a staff member or contact one of the organisations below.

There are other ways to share your feedback: www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Your Voice
A simple way to tell us about your experience of a service or ward, good or bad. You can also ask to be updated about what happens with your feedback.

Email: [email protected]

Comments and complaints
If something went wrong, please tell us. This helps us improve and prevents it from happening again.

Complaints Department
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
St Nicholas Hospital
Jubilee Road
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT

Telephone: 0191 245 6672
Email: [email protected]

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS offers confidential help and support to patients, families, and carers. Contact them if you have concerns or questions about your care, or someone else’s care.

North of Tyne and North Cumbria
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: [email protected]

South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Email: [email protected]

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2026 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref: PIC/952/0326 March 2026 V1
Review date 2029

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk