Summary

Most families don't think about neuropsychology until an unexpected injury, illness, or diagnosis changes how someone they love thinks, remembers, or moves through daily life. When that happens, knowing who to call — and what to expect — makes all the difference.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Caussade Rodríguez, licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Director of the Dallas Neurorehab Center, breaks down what neuropsychological testing actually involves, how to tell normal aging from something that needs attention, and why family input during an evaluation can completely change a diagnosis.

She also shares practical, doable habits — from the MIND diet to staying socially active — that protect brain health long before any symptoms show up, plus hard-won lessons from building a referral-based practice as a clinical director.

In this episode:

• What neuropsychological testing actually measures — and what an MRI can't tell you
• How to tell normal aging from early signs of cognitive decline
• Why family members often catch what patients don't report themselves
• The habits (diet, socialization, mental stimulation) that protect long-term brain health
• Why "we can wait on this" is the habit Dr. Caussade wants people to unlearn
• Her advice to family caregivers: you can't help your loved one if you're burned out
• Lessons from growing a referral-based practice as a clinical director

Quotable moments:

"There is no such thing as this can wait."

"We have a picture of the house, but we don't know what's going on inside."

"We cannot help them if we're burned out."

Keywords:

brain health, caregiver support, neurological conditions, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's diagnosis, dementia caregiving, neuropsychological testing

Links: Dallas Neurorehab Center — https://dallasneurorehabcenter.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Unfinished Business and the focus on neurological health

74:55:20 Guest introduction: Dr. Jennifer Caussade and her role

299:55:22 Jennifer's journey into neuropsychology and what fascinates her about the brain

8666:35:41 Variability in neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

13777:42:38 The journey to Dallas Neuro Rehab and what neurorehabilitation entails

16027:42:45 Understanding neurorehabilitation for a lay audience

19527:42:57 Assessments and diagnostics in neurological conditions

23388:49:51 How tests inform treatment and real-life implications

25666:36:37 Behavioral and psychiatric aspects of brain conditions

29333:16:48 Family involvement in assessment and treatment

34388:50:17 The importance of accurate diagnosis and testing

392777:43:50 Differentiating types of Parkinson's and other movement disorders

456388:50:51 What success looks like in neurorehabilitation

836944:26:34 The ideal world: curing neurological conditions

853611:06:40 Supporting families and caregivers through neurological health

881111:06:40 Lessons for entrepreneurs and clinicians in neuropsychology

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: ATJLM6ZLIV566AOL