Psychologists NeuroSense Memory and Mental Health Centre Oakdale

Psychologists at NeuroSense Memory and Mental Health Centre
Oakdale, Cape Town

About Me

Keith Polden is a highly skilled Neuropsychologist and Counselling Psychologist, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). With over 14 years of extensive training and experience, he has built a reputation for his expertise in neuropsychology and psychological interventions. Keith is the founder and director of NeuroSense Memory and Mental Health Centre and Keith Polden Psychological Services.

Throughout his career, Keith has specialised in neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population. His practice also focuses on medico-legal services, including RAF claims, medical negligence, work capacity evaluations, and forensic psychological services such as family law and criminal capacity evaluations. Keith serves as an expert witness in legal matters, ensuring that complex neuropsychological conditions are understood and addressed in legal contexts.

As a recognised figure in the field of neuropsychology, Keith is actively involved in training and supervising other psychologists. He also works as an associate in three other neuropsychology practices, further expanding his impact on the field. His approach to therapy is integrative, recognising that every client is unique and requires tailored interventions for the best outcomes.

Services

Neuropsychology Services for Adults

NeuroSense Memory and Mental Health Centre offers comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for adults, particularly those facing memory disorders or neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions include dementia, depression with cognitive changes, and cognitive issues post-illness or surgery. Neuropsychological testing is essential for identifying and understanding the cognitive and emotional impacts of these conditions.

The centre provides both diagnostic and preventive services, including baseline cognitive assessments. These assessments are particularly useful for individuals without symptoms but who wish to monitor their cognitive function over time. Early detection can be crucial for addressing cognitive decline proactively.

The Neuropsychological Evaluation Process involves a detailed assessment of cognitive functions, including attention, executive functioning, memory, language, motor skills, and emotional functioning. The process includes an interview with the neuropsychologist and a battery of standardised tests. The entire process typically takes 3-4 hours, resulting in a detailed report of the patient’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This report also includes treatment recommendations and referrals for further care.

Specialised Clinical Assessments
We also offer a variety of specialised assessments, including:

• Baseline cognitive functioning
• Cognitive disorders in psychiatric conditions, such as depression
• Cognitive changes following medical conditions like stroke or cardiac issues
• Dementia assessments, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia
• HIV-associated dementia
• Memory and language disturbances
• Traumatic brain injury assessments

These evaluations are critical for understanding cognitive impairment and guiding treatment decisions. They help physicians and patients develop appropriate strategies for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Additional Information

Results and Recommendations
Following the neuropsychological evaluation, a comprehensive cognitive profile is created for the patient. The written report provides in-depth information about the patient’s cognitive functioning, along with tailored recommendations for treatment and referrals. This report is shared with the referring physician to ensure a holistic approach to the patient’s care.

Recommendations might include:

• Referrals for psychiatric consultations to manage conditions such as depression
• Assessments of driving competency due to cognitive impairments
• Referrals to social workers for home care evaluations or additional support

By offering expert neuropsychological assessments and therapeutic interventions, NeuroSense Memory and Mental Health Centre ensures that every patient receives the best care tailored to their specific needs.