neuropsychologie

Neuropsychologie, or neuropsychology, is the study of how brain structure and function support cognitive processes and behavior. It integrates neuroscience, psychology, and neurology to understand the effects of brain injury, disease, or development on functions such as memory, language, attention, executive function, perception, and emotion. The field aims to map brain–behavior relationships and to explain why specific cognitive deficits occur.

Clinically, neuropsychologists perform assessments using standardized tests, interviews, and behavioral observation to characterize cognitive profiles, diagnose disorders, and guide treatment planning. Results are interpreted in light of medical history, imaging findings, and functional status. Cognitive and imaging data—such as MRI, CT, PET, or EEG—are often integrated to clarify brain-behavior relationships.

Applications include neurologic and psychiatric conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as developmental disorders and learning disabilities. Interventions may involve cognitive rehabilitation, compensatory strategies, and psychosocial support, with progress tracked over time.

Historically, the field has roots in clinical descriptions of brain-language relations, with foundational work by Broca and Wernicke, and matured through cognitive neuropsychology and functional imaging. Subfields include clinical neuropsychology, cognitive neuropsychology, and pediatric neuropsychology. Training typically requires graduate or postgraduate studies in psychology or neurology, with emphasis on assessment, ethics, and professional standards.

The field faces challenges such as heterogeneity of brain injury, cognitive reserve, test validity, and cross-cultural considerations. Ongoing research explores network-based models of cognition, biomarkers, and the integration of neuroimaging with behavioral data.