https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2026.15756
05 | The national network of psychologists/neuropsychologists dementia fund: the role of neuropsychology for dementia from early diagnosis to rehabilitation
R. Bonanni1, A. Ciccola2, M. Coltelli3, E. Farinet4, V. Giorgio5, M. Gurtner6, V. Laganà7, P. Ortu8, G. Perna9, F. Sensi10, M. Castellino11 | 1Centro Disturbi Cognitivi e Demenze (CDCD), Distretto X, ASL Roma; 2Centro Disturbi Cognitivi e Demenze (CDCD), Montegranaro UOC Neurologia Ast Fermo; 3Psicologia della continuità ospedale territorio, Presidio Ospedaliero Apuane, USL Toscana nord ovest; 4S. C. Geriatria, AUSL della Valle d’Aosta; 5Psicologo di base, ASL BT Andria; 6Centro Disturbi Cognitivi e Demenze (CDCD), Gorizia-Monfalcone; 7Associazione per la Ricerca Neurogenetica, Lamezia Terme (CZ); 8Centro Disturbi Cognitivi e Demenze (CDCD), AOU-SS; 9Centro Disturbi Cognitivi e Demenze (CDCD), ASL di Imola; 10Centro Disturbi Cognitivi e Demenze (CDCD), ASL Pescara; 11S.C. Alzheimer e altre demenze, Presidio Ospedaliero Riabilitativo "B.V. Consolata"- Fatebenefratelli - S. Maurizio C.se (TO).
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Published: 11 June 2026
Introduction. An italian survey (2002), highlighted only 196 out of all 392 of the Alzheimer Evaluation Units performend a Minimum Core Tests, 50% no comprehensive neuropsychological assessment were performed. In 2015, the 45.7% of 501 Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (CDCD) used a comprehensive Minimum Core Tests. A significantly increase to 57.1% was observed in 2023, related to the presence of the psychologists/neuropsychologists. In 2021, through the 60% of the Italian Fund for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, psychologists/neuropsychologists expertise in dementia, were engaged. As highlighted by the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment as well by the Diagnostic Therapeutic Care Pathway, neuropsychological assessment is an essential part of the diagnostic process.
Objectives. To verify the increase in neuropsychological assessment and secondary prevention actions after the hiring of Psychologists/Neuropsychologists following the Italian Fund for Alzheimer’s and other dementias in CDCDs in Italy.
Materials and Methods. In July 2024 and March 2026, two surveys were conducted on 185 costituent members of the National Network of Psychologists/Neuropsychologists Dementia Fund.
Results. 92% of the National Network of Psychologists/Neuropsychologists Dementia Fund, completed the survey: 75% of clinical activities concern I and II level neuropsychological assessment, 38% psychoeducational, cognitive and psychosocial treatments, 18% telemedicine and telerehabilitation. Before the Fund, the 42% of the 121 main CDCDs involved no performe neuropsychological assessment, secondary prevention interventions and caregiver support, due to the absence of psychologists/neuropsychologists.
Conclusions. The results highlight the current need to implement Psychologists/Neuropsychologists on the staff of CDCDs, to ensure adequate, stable and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, secondary prevention and caregiver interventions.
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