Brief Neuropsychological Cognitive Examination (BNCE)

J. M. Tonkonogy, M.D., Ph.D.

This convenient test assesses the cognitive functions targeted in a typical neuropsychological exam. In less than 30 minutes, it gives you a general cognitive profile that can be used for screening, diagnosis, or follow-up. More efficient than a neuropsychological battery and more thorough than a screener, BNCE is an ideal way to evaluate the cognitive status of patients with psychiatric disorders or psychiatric manifestations of neurological diseases.

Measure processing skills needed for everyday functioning 

Appropriate for individuals 18 years of age and older.

The BNCE assesses

• Working memory
• Gnosis
• Praxis
• Language
• Orientation
• Attention
• Executive functions

It is composed of 10 subtests, none requiring more than minimal reading skills. Five of these subtests measure the ability to process conventional, frequently used information, while the remaining five measure the ability to process novel or incomplete information. The test focuses on processing skills needed for everyday functioning, and is sensitive to mild impairment often missed by other brief cognitive screeners.

Find out how the patient processes novel versus conventional information     

The BNCE gives you subtest scores, a total score indicating overall severity, and two aggregate scores for the simple and complex subtests--so that you can look at the patient's ability to process conventional versus novel information. Results can help you differentiate problems caused by subcortical lesions from those caused by cortical lesions and those caused by primary psychiatric disorders. The BNCE Manual is unique in that it provides extensive guidance in interpreting test results.

Quickly uncover cognitive abnormalities

The BNCE is an excellent way to start a process-oriented neuropsychological exam--It quickly reveals specific cognitive abnormalities that may warrant more detailed evaluation. And it can be used to monitor the course of both psychiatric and neurological disease. It has been found especially useful in evaluating patients with sequelae of head injury, stroke, encephalitis, and primary degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's and Pick's diseases and those suffering from seizure disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and alcohol and drug abuse.