Clinical Neuropsychology

The Division of Neuropsychology at Inselspital Bern integrates everyday clinical practice (diagnostics and therapy) with neurocognitive research. We work in close collaboration with the various specialties within the Department of Neurology, as well as with external colleagues, hospitals, and research institutions in Switzerland and abroad. By directly translating the latest scientific findings into clinical practice, we ensure that our patients receive state-of-the-art diagnostic assessments and evidence-based treatments.

The three aspects, cognitive neurology,  clinical neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience focus on understanding the relationship between  brain and behaviour. When the brain has been damaged by disease or injury changes can occur on multiple levels, manifesting as cognitive, behavioural, emotional, and/or personality changes.

Common consequences include:

• Cognitive impairment affecting one or several domains (e.g. memory deficits, slowed information processing, attention and concentration difficulties)
• Behavioural aspects such as fatigue (sickness behaviour)
• Emotional disturbances (e.g. depressive symptoms, anxiety)
• Changes in or accentuation of personality traits (e.g. aggression, neuroticism, disinhibition) 

For many decades, it has been well established that brain disorders can lead to cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairment, regardless of whether they are caused by inflammation, neurodegeneration, infection or injury. However, research into the understanding of underlying mechanisms and the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is still in its early stages.