Navigating Neuropsychology

Dr. Antonio Puente, a prominent neuropsychologist, professor, and psychology leader, reflects on learning from giants Roger Sperry, Alexander Luria, and Ivan Pavlov. He discusses Luria’s socially contextual approach, Sperry’s split-brain research and questions about consciousness, plus advocacy, professional leadership, family life, and staying grounded.

Dr. Antonio Puente, clinical neuropsychologist, professor, and former American Psychological Association president, discusses his unconventional path from Cuba to neuropsychology leadership. He explores culture’s role in assessment, reimbursement and CPT codes, advocacy, private practice pressures, AI, misinformation, and the need for a more unified, globally relevant field grounded in science and social justice.

A practical deep dive into writing clearer, more useful neuropsychological reports. Topics include presenting test data, summarizing findings without repetition, structuring impressions, interpreting results with calibrated certainty, and tailoring recommendations to patients’ lives. The discussion also explores efficient documentation systems, responsible AI use, and overcoming perfectionism to finish reports on time.

Aron Barbey, a Notre Dame professor leading the Human Neuroimaging Center and Decision Neuroscience Lab, explores nutritional cognitive neuroscience. They discuss how diet, inflammation, reward, genetics, social context, and the gut-brain axis shape brain health and eating behavior. Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND patterns take center stage, alongside personalized nutrition, supplements, fasting, and the need for cautious, interdisciplinary research.

Today we cover the SENSE network with Dr. Jennifer Deal. The network is an international group supporting research on the role of sensory functioning on health and aging, covering vision, hearing, olfaction, touch, taste, and balance. Show notes are available at www.NavNeuro.com/197 _________________ If you'd like to support the show, here are a few easy ways: 1) Get CE credits for listening to select episodes: www.NavNeuro.com/INS (for step-by-step guidance, go to: www.NavNeuro.com/CEguide) 2) Subscribe (free) and leave an Apple Podcasts rating/review: www.NavNeuro.com/itunes 3) Check out our book Becoming a Neuropsychologist, and leave it an Amazon rating Thanks for listening, and join us next time as we continue to navigate the brain and behavior! [Note: This podcast and all linked content is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of psychology or any other professional healthcare advice and services. No professional relationship is formed between hosts and listeners. All content is to be used at listeners' own risk. Users should always seek appropriate medical and psychological care from their licensed healthcare provider.]

Dr. Jennifer Deal, a Johns Hopkins epidemiologist and hearing-health researcher, explores the intricate relationship between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia risk. They discuss how hearing is measured, possible brain and social pathways, and the challenges sensory loss creates for cognitive testing. The ACHIEVE trial takes center stage, alongside hearing treatments, clinical accommodations, and quality-of-life benefits.

A practical deep dive into neuropsychological report writing. The discussion explores keeping reports focused on referral questions, reviewing records strategically, documenting conflicting accounts neutrally, and handling sensitive details with care. It also covers writing clear, factual behavioral observations and balancing concise clinical communication with thorough documentation.

Dr. Mark Edwards, professor of neurology and expert in functional neurological disorder, discusses the interconnectedness of brain, mind, and body. He critiques siloed healthcare and champions the biopsychosocial approach. Conversations cover FND as a model, how attention and expectation shape symptoms, and practical shifts toward integrated, team-based care and training.

Today we discuss the role of psychology in integrated primary care settings with Dr. Daniel Mullin. Show notes are available at www.NavNeuro.com/193 _________________ If you'd like to support the show, here are a few easy ways: 1) Get CE credits for listening to select episodes: www.NavNeuro.com/INS (for step-by-step guidance, go to: www.NavNeuro.com/CEguide) 2) Subscribe (free) and leave an Apple Podcasts rating/review: www.NavNeuro.com/itunes 3) Check out our book Becoming a Neuropsychologist, and leave it an Amazon rating Thanks for listening, and join us next time as we continue to navigate the brain and behavior! [Note: This podcast and all linked content is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of psychology or any other professional healthcare advice and services. No professional relationship is formed between hosts and listeners. All content is to be used at listeners' own risk. Users should always seek appropriate medical and psychological care from their licensed healthcare provider.]

Abigail Methley, a UK clinical psychologist specializing in ACT for neurological conditions, and Will Curvis, a UK neurorehabilitation psychologist and ACT teacher, discuss Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for brain injury. They cover ACT’s theoretical roots, the six core processes, metaphors and diffusion techniques, adapting ACT for cognitive impairment, working with families, cultural considerations, and measurement tools for ACT-informed care.