Por Sara Pires Barata (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alentejo Central, Hospital do Espírito Santo, Évora).
Um seminário sobre a Neuropsicologia, uma disciplina científica situada na intersecção entre a neurologia, a psicologia e a psiquiatria, com foco no estudo das relações entre o cérebro e o comportamento por meio de medidas baseadas no desempenho para avaliar o funcionamento cognitivo.
Abstract: Neuropsychology is a scientific discipline situated at the intersection of neurology, psychology, and psychiatry, focusing on the study of brain-behavior relationships through performance-based measures to assess cognitive functioning (Mullally et al, 2025. Practical Approach to the Neurological Patient pp 221-234). Neuropsychology encompasses experimental neuropsychology, cognitive neuropsychology, behavioral neuropsychology, and clinical neuropsychology, each focusing on different aspects of brain-behavior relationships
As a branch of neuroscience, is dedicated to understanding the neurological basis of psychological processes, such as the connections between behavior, learning, development, and brain structure and function.
The field has evolved from lesion studies to incorporate neuroimaging techniques, which aid in connecting structural findings to cognitive functioning and assist with diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. Clinical neuropsychology, a subspecialty within neuropsychology, primarily concerns the assessment of cognitive function in individuals with known or suspected brain damage, using measures to identify and characterize the deficits and track changes over time.
Short bio: Dr Sara Pires Barata, Unidade Local de Saúde do Alentejo Central, Hospital do Espírito Santo, Évora.
Coordinator of the Psychology Service at Unidade Local de Saúde do Alentejo Central (ULSAC). Clinical Neuropsychologist at ULSAC – Espírito Santo Hospital (2000-present) and at CUF Descobertas Hospital (2012-2022). PhD in Neuropsychology – vascular pathology (2011-2016). Master's degree in Neuropsychological Assessment and Intervention (2009-2011). Internship at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC, USA (2009). University specialty in Clinical Neuropsychology (2001-2004). Degree in Clinical Psychology and Counseling (1995-2000).
Specialist in Clinical and Health Psychology, with Advanced Specialties in Neuropsychology, Psychogerontology, and Psychotherapy (Portuguese Order of Psychologists). Registered EuroPsy Psychologist, Provisional Certificate of Specialist Clinical in Neuropsychology and Registered EuroPsy Specialist in Psychotherapy (European Federation of Psychologists' Associations).
Teaching experience – Invited Assistant Professor: University of Algarve (2017-2022) and University of Évora (2023-2025).
Has presented several papers at international and national conferences. Is currently working on clinical research projects in the areas of cerebrovascular pathology and cognitive impairment/dementia.
