One of the most succinct and well-written summaries of neuropsychology that I've ever read

The AACN website (www.theaacn.org) has a section called Papers/Policies/Research.

In it you'll find this wonderful document that clearly and succinctly describes the indications for neuropsychological assessment and contraindications for neuropsychological assessment across the lifespan. It includes supporting references, and clearly argues for feedback to be included in the neuropsychological assessment.

http://www.theaacn.org./UserDocuments/Neuropsychology_Model_LCD-1.pdf

While the US Medicare codes aren't entirely relevant to the Australian context, the other text in the document is fantastic, and should be quoted by any neuropsychologist who wants to explain the scope of our practice, and the evidence for its utility in different disorders, including disability and non-CNS disorders.

Congratulations to Michelle Braun, Teresa Deer, Paul Kaufmann, Karen Postal, David Tupper, Michael Westerveld, and Karen Wills for producing this excellent document on behalf of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN), the American Psychological Association (APA) Division of Neuropsychology, and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN).

Motor Neuron Disease training modules

The following link takes you to the newly launched MND Aware training modules for service providers, fresh from the International MND Symposium.

http://www.mndcare.net.au/overview/online-training-for-service-providers/mnd-aware

This looks like a fantastic resource for those working with patients with MND.

IQs corner

I've added a link to Kevin McGrew's blog, because Kevin is truly remarkable. And prolific. I couldn't possibly hope to keep up with him, but while you're waiting for more content to appear on bookworm, then check out Kevin's blog.

http://www.iqscorner.com/

Happy reading!

Fiona

Greetings and salutations

I've been inspired to create this blog by Izabela Walters over at Neuropsych Geek.

I have read so many fantastic texts and articles in neuropsychology and associated areas, I thought it might be fun to share them with others. And to see what books and articles other people recommend. And to discuss what makes these references useful.

At the moment, I'm enjoying The other brain by R. Douglas Fields. I bought it up in Sydney at the CCN conference earlier this month, along with a few other tantalizing neuro titles. The shop assistant commented that my selection looked like heavy reading, but I told her they were light reading compared to other things I've read!

The other brain is a fascinating and eminently readable book, written by a neuroscientist who specializes in "neuron-glia interactions, brain development, and the cellular mechanisms of memory" (back cover blurb). I read the first 3 chapters on the flight home, and thought I'd only read one chapter, it was so gripping! Fields traces the history of neuroscience, the focus on neurons and axons, and the mysterious and neglected role of glial cells. It's refreshing to revise the history of neuroscience in this way, and Fields has an eloquent style that makes reading about Golgi stains, neurons, axons, dendrites, synapses, and Schwann cells far more interesting than the texts I remember from my postgrad days.

I'm looking forward to finishing this book over the next month, and hope to learn more about our glial cells and their function. I've always been inspired by potential paradigm shifts - that will probably be a theme here - I only wish I could get my children to be as enthusiastic about change:)

I'd better stop writing and start reading!

'bye for now

Fiona