What is neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is the science that studies alterations in cognitive functions in humans caused by focal or diffuse lesions or dysfunctions of the central nervous system, whether acquired, congenital, or genetically determined. The neuropsychologist assesses the presence and severity of cognitive deficits (such as aphasia, amnesia, dementia) in patients with brain injuries or dysfunctions, for diagnostic, prognostic, and rehabilitative purposes. In this perspective, it is essential to deepen knowledge of the anatomical and physiological aspects of the central nervous system, cognitive models of information processing, neuropsychological deficits resulting from various neurological, metabolic, internal, and genetic diseases, as well as the behavioral tools (clinical observation, psychometric tests) for evaluating the presence and severity of deficits, and the methods of neuropsychological rehabilitation.