Educational Resources

What is Clinical Neuropsychology?

Dr. Jacqueline Rondeau and her staff are specialists in the field of neuropsychology.

Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialty in professional psychology that applies principles of assessment and intervention based upon the scientific study of human behavior as it relates to normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system. The specialty is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of brain‐behavior relationships and the application of such knowledge to human problems.

Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty profession that focuses on brain functioning. A clinical neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. In clinical neuropsychology, brain function is evaluated by objectively testing memory and thinking skills. A very detailed assessment of abilities is done, and the pattern of strengths and weaknesses is used in important health care areas, such as diagnosis and treatment planning. The clinical neuropsychologist conducts the evaluation and makes recommendations. He or she may also provide treatment such as cognitive rehabilitation, behavior management, or psychotherapy.

Specialized Knowledge

Specialized knowledge and training in the applied science of brain‐behavior relationships is foundational to the specialty of clinical neuropsychology. In addition to foundational and functional competencies in professional psychology, clinical neuropsychologists have specialized knowledge of functional neuroanatomy, principles of neuroscience, brain development, neurological disorders and etiologies, neurodiagnostic techniques, normal and abnormal brain functioning, and neuropsychological and behavioral manifestations of neurological disorders. Preparation in clinical neuropsychology begins at the doctoral level and specialized education and training is completed at the postdoctoral level.

Clinical neuropsychologists address neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system. The types of problems are extremely varied and include such conditions as dementia, vascular disorders, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, learning disabilities, neuropsychiatric disorders, infectious disease affecting the CNS, neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic disease and neurological effects of medical disorders or treatment.

(Source: American Psychological Association)

Here are a Variety of Educational and Useful Organizations for You to Explore:

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.
http://www.alz.org/

New Jersey Chapter of ALZ
http://www.alz.org/nj/

Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)
Accelerating Alzheimer’s Research
https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is committed to discovering an effective treatment, and a cure, for this dreadful disease.
http://www.alzdiscovery.org/

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) focus is "Helping more people today than we did yesterday."
http://www.alzfdn.org/

Baycrest Health Sciences
Baycrest Health Sciences is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging.
http://www.baycrest.org/

Brainline.org
Preventing, Treating and Living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
http://www.brainline.org/

Dementia Advocacy and Support Network (DASN International)
A worldwide advocacy organization by and for those diagnosed with dementia, working together to improve our quality of life
http://www.dasninternational.org/

Lewy Body Dementia Association Inc.
LBD is the second most common form of dementia, afflicting 1.3 million Americans.  LBD can affect thinking, movement, behavior, mood, memory, sleep
http://www.lbda.org/

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
Our mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by FTD and drive research to a cure.
http://www.theaftd.org/

Society for Clinical Neuropsychology
Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, Division 40 of the American Psychological Association, is a scientific and professional organization of psychologists interested in the study of brain-behavior relationships, and the clinical application of that knowledge to human problems.
http://www.div40.org/

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
http://www.nimh.nih.gov

State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services
An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is designated in each of New Jersey's 21 counties to serve as the primary entity responsible for developing comprehensive, coordinated systems of community-based services for older adults. This page includes the list of divisions in each of the counties.
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/
home/saaaa.html

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
https://www.michaeljfox.org/

National Parkinson’s Foundation
http://www.parkinson.org/

Parkinson’s Action Network
http://parkinsonsaction.org/

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
http://www.mymsaa.org/

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
http://www.msfocus.org/