The past and future of neuropsychological assessment: Back to the origins to face digital technological changes

The procedures used for the neuropsychological assessment of patients with dementia have been undergoing significant transformations relating to technological developments and the diffusion of artificial intelligence tools.

The integration of a theoretical position and a practical approach is needed in clinical contexts so that newly available tools can enhance the fundamental principles underlying neuropsychological assessment.

Following a historical review of the various approaches to neuropsychological assessment, an analysis of the risks associated with the introduction of digital techniques, when not supervised by expert clinicians, is presented. The need to integrate new technologies in a comprehensive assessment involving clinical observation, ad-hoc tests, and other sources of information such as neuroimaging and neurophysiological data is discussed.

The integration of new technologies with a clinical, personalised approach to the patient represents a challenge for neuropsychology that deserves ad-hoc research and discussion.