Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that studies the relationship between higher functions and brain structure (Pastor, 2017). This is based on studies that mark the alterations that can modify brain function in a predetermined manner. These changes may be due to pathologies, such as, for example, brain injuries, diseases or developmental processes, which affect many areas, verbigracia, learning ability, school performance, language use, memory, among others. Therefore, according to Pastor (2017), it can be said that the brain is the most important organ of the human being, since the cognitive functions controlled by this organ are those that distinguish us from other beings, therefore, taking care of it is a priority and a necessity.
Importance of Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology is important because through its contribution to the human being, it is possible to know the state of higher functions, such as memory, language, attention, executive functions, praxias, gnosias, among others, since, there are no biological tests that can provide this information (Pastor, 2017). Similarly, in correspondence with Pastor (2017), neuropsychology covers all pathologies that may involve the nervous system, such as, for example, alterations and dysfunctions of neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative diseases, cranioencephalic trauma, stroke, brain tumors, hypoxia, chronic diseases, among others.
It is important to note that, therefore, it is a discipline that supports various areas: at the medical level, it helps prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and in the psychosocial area, it faces the challenge of improving the quality of life of patients and their caregivers (Pastor, 2017). For this reason, in correspondence with Matrínez, Fernández & Koronis (2004), it can be said that clinical neuropsychology helps the interdisciplinary approach to brain diseases with theoretical, practical and specific methods, thus contributing to comprehensive care and meeting the needs of patients.
To achieve all this, neuropsychology is based, in principle, on an accurate diagnosis of the alterations of the higher functions, it will then be when the goals to be achieved through cognitive treatment are marked, which will be different depending on the patient, their pathology and the circumstances that may surround them (Pastor, 2017). Therefore, according to Martínez, Fernández & Koronis (2004), neuropsychological therapy can help the patient reduce the impact at the cognitive, emotional and behavioral level, which is conducive to the integration of individuals, families, society and work, and show effective and successful results in the rehabilitation of these people.
Regarding preschool children, according to Flores (2016), cognitive neuropsychology is a field that is developing at a scientific level, seeking theoretical models that manage to explain the maturation of the nervous system and its relationship with the acquisition, improvement and enhancement of those cognitive processes such as cognition, attention, memory, language and executive functions.
According to Flores (2016), during childhood, changes occur at the anatomical and functional level, which can be evidenced by myelination, apoptosis, changes in metabolism, such as glucose consumption, and changes in brain electrical activity, which are manifested in cognitive behavior and in the development of cognitive skills.
For the above reasons, it is necessary to understand that the development of cognitive, sensory, motor and social functions is related to the acquisition of complex skills, necessary for formal numeracy and literacy education (Flores, 2016). Therefore, according to Flores (2016), knowledge of the normal development of cognitive skills is also related to the proper assessment of children's mental disorders and early prediction or evaluation.
References
Flores, A. (2016). Importancia de la neuropsicología en preescolares. UDLAP Contexto. Recuperado 25 January 2021, a partir de https://contexto.udlap.mx/importancia-de-la-neuropsicologia-en-preescolares/
Gomez, G. (2008). Se expone la importancia de la neuropsicología en personas con lesiones cerebrales | Universidad de Guadalajara. Udg.mx. Recuperado 25 January 2021, a partir de https://www.udg.mx/es/noticia/se-expone-la-importancia-de-la-neuropsicologia-en-personas-con-lesiones-cerebrales
Martínez, T., Fernández, S., & Koronis, H. (2004). La Neuropsicología: Necesidades y repercusiones en la sociedad actual. Docplayer.es. Recuperado 25 January 2021, a partir de https://docplayer.es/16343192-La-neuropsicologia-necesidades-y-repercusiones-en-la-sociedad-actual-seccion-de-psicologia-clinica-y-de-la-salud.html
Pastor, I. (2017). ¿Qué es la Neuropsicología?. Top Doctors. Recuperado 25 January 2021, a partir de https://www.topdoctors.es/articulos-medicos/que-es-la-neuropsicologia#
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