This information tells you what to expect from a neuropsychology assessment.

The assessment helps us learn what is going on and how it affects your daily life.

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.

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention.  

You can provide feedback in the following ways:

  • the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
  • complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff 
  • other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved one's care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

North of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: pals@nhct.nhs.uk
Post: FREEPOST PALS

South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Email: pals@cntw.nhs.uk
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

9.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
An answerphone is always available for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

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 telephone 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