forensicclinical Neuropsychology

Neuropsychological expert reports

Testamentary capacity and inheritance disputes
Dementia, vulnerability , and possible manipulation
Brain damage and
cognitive sequelae for mutual insurance companies and courts
Expert neuropsychological assessment
for legal decisions

Dra. Andrea Horta-Barba

COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IS NOT ALWAYS EVIDENT, BUT IT IS ASSESSABLE

Areas of intervention

Expert reports with legal validity
Assessment of legal capacity (testamentary capacity, consent, decision-making)
Work incapacity
Assessment of sequelae after brain damage
Performance validity analysis and simulation
Ratification and testimony in court as an expert

When might a neuropsychological assessment be useful?

This assessment is recommended when the following appear:

Memory problems or difficulty remembering recent information
Difficulties with attention or concentration
Planning or organizational problems
Language difficulties (finding words, verbal fluency, comprehension)
Cognitive slowness or difficulty making decisions
Changes in personality or behavior
Difficulties in the workplace due to loss of efficiency or performance
Follow-up after brain damage (stroke, traumatic brain injury, hypoxia, tumors, infections…)
Neurological diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis…)
Evolutionary control in aging or subjective memory complaints
As recommended by a doctor as part of a complete diagnostic study
Expert or legal (civil capacity, work leave, legal procedures or assessment of sequelae)

How can a neuropsychological assessment help?

A neuropsychological assessment provides key information for:

Detecting cognitive impairments even in early stages
Identify which functions are affected (memory, attention, executive functions, language…)
To differentiate whether the difficulties are due to age, stress, an emotional disorder, or a neurological disease
Provide guidance on the possible cause of the problem (for example: Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, affective disorders, etc.)
Assess the functional impact on daily life (autonomy, financial management, decision-making, etc.)
Plan personalized interventions and cognitive rehabilitation programs
Track the evolution over time
To evaluate the effects of medication or surgery on the brain and cognition