 | Attention and Processing Speed -- The capability to focus and sustain
attention in mental activity is reflected in processing speed, simple
accuracy in a sustained focus task, divided thinking among tasks, mental manipulation and control, and
resistance to internal or external distraction. |
| Motor Performance -- The ability to perform gross and fine motor
tasks, and the ability to perform purposeful tasks is of particularly
significant interest in evaluating differences between the two sides of the
body. Apraxia refers to the inability to perform a movement resulting from a
neurological defect. |
| Sensory Acuity -- The ability to detect basic visual, auditory, and
tactile sensations is critical to processing information at higher levels. |
| Working Memory -- Working memory is closely related to attention in that
it involves keeping a limited amount of information active, frequently
up-dated, and rapidly accessible for a brief time span. Most people have a
working memory capacity of about seven items. |
| Learning and Memory -- The ability to encode new information,
store information in a relational memory system, and retrieve information is
measured in verbal/auditory and in spatial/visual modalities. |
| Intelligence -- Intelligence is a summary and multifaceted concept of
general mental capability, reflecting the ability to comprehend, adapt to,
and interact with the environment. Patterns among components of
intelligence, those reflecting "hold" versus "don't
hold" skills, provide a strong basis for inferring changes in current
intelligence from inferred premorbid intelligence. Intelligence is not a
specific domain but a composite of several domains. It is usually included
in neurofunctional assessment, however, as a comprehensive functional index
and, because it is multifaceted, may not reflect some forms of brain injury
or disorder. |
| Language -- The ability to receive and express thought through
various forms of symbolic manipulation is measured in various language
tests. Receptive language is measured in reading and ability to comprehend
spoken language. Expressive language is measured in writing and ability to
formulate oral language. |
| Calculation -- Ability to manipulate mathematical symbols and perform
operations may reflect skill level or loss of skills the individual once
had. The specific nature of calculation difficulties can suggest specific
areas of brain dysfunction. |
| Visuospatial Analysis -- The ability to receive, interpret, and apply
meaning to visual information is measured in constructional skills and
visual perceptual tests. |
| Problem Solving and Judgment -- Problem solving refers to advanced,
higher-order information processing where knowledge is assessed and
manipulated to find solutions to problems and make informed and reasoned
judgments. Arithmetical thinking is a kind of problem solving. |
| Abstract Thinking -- The ability to use generalized information and
apply it to specific situations involves abstract or conceptual thinking. |
| Mood and Temperament -- The ability of the individual to function in daily
living situations depends on cognitive style, personality traits, beliefs,
comportment, mental organization, and emotional status and variability. |
| Executive Functions -- Metacognition is the ability to achieve
insight and self-awareness; to reflect on, initiate, evaluate, and regulate
(activate and inhibit) thinking and behavior; to think flexibly; and to make
decisions integrating judgment and feedback. |
