Adult neuropsychology · Pinelands, Cape Town

Understanding
changes.
Finding a way forward.

Thoughtful neuropsychological assessment and supportive psychotherapy for adults experiencing changes in memory, thinking or emotional wellbeing.

A clearer understanding. Practical guidance. Support that considers the person.

A thoughtful place to begin

Changes in cognitive functioning can be unsettling, both for the person experiencing them and for those close to them. I take time to understand each person’s concerns, medical history and day-to-day experiences.

Start where you are

A little guidance,
at your own pace.

Whether you’re exploring support for yourself, someone close to you, or a patient, this short guide will help you find the relevant information. It covers practical next steps and does not assess symptoms or decide which care you need.

01 / 03 · Your perspective

How I can help

Understanding and support,
shaped around you.

My practice focuses on adults. The starting point is understanding what has changed, what matters to you, and the support that may be helpful.

01 / Assessment

Making sense of memory
and thinking changes.

A neuropsychological assessment examines abilities such as memory, attention, language, processing speed, problem-solving and planning. The aim is to identify areas of strength and difficulty, and understand how these may affect everyday life.

I offer assessments for adults with dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and other conditions that may affect brain functioning.

See what an assessment involves

Looking at the whole picture

  • Your concerns and everyday experiences
  • Relevant medical and personal history
  • A pattern of cognitive strengths and difficulties
  • Clear feedback and practical recommendations
Before an assessment

A referral from a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist, neurologist, neurosurgeon or general practitioner, is generally required. You’re welcome to enquire if you’re unsure about this step.

Referral information

Before you arrange an appointment

A clear
starting point.

You can ask about the process before everything is in place. Appointment arrangements, current fees and any medical aid requirements can be clarified before booking.

01 / Neuropsychological assessment

A medical referral

A referral from a psychiatrist, neurologist, neurosurgeon or general practitioner is generally required before an assessment. If one has not been arranged, contact the practice to clarify the process.

Ask about an assessment
02 / Supportive psychotherapy

Enquire directly

You are welcome to enquire directly about supportive psychotherapy. We can discuss your concerns, session arrangements and whether the service is a suitable fit.

Ask about psychotherapy
Information for referring professionals

A referral letter outlining the reason for assessment, the main clinical questions, relevant medical and psychiatric history, and available investigations helps guide the assessment. Please contact the practice to arrange how records will be shared. An initial enquiry only needs a brief outline; please avoid identifiable patient information in this website’s enquiry draft.

The assessment process

Time to listen.
Space to understand.

An outpatient assessment typically involves four appointments, followed by a written report. Appointments are usually one to two hours, with the process adapted to the referral question and your needs.

Appointment 01 · History-taking

First, I listen to your story.

We discuss your concerns, relevant medical and personal history, and how any changes are affecting everyday life. This helps clarify the questions the assessment needs to address.

A shared understanding
With your consent, a family member or someone who knows you well can contribute useful background and observations.

About me

Dr Christopher
du Plooy

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr Christopher du Plooy

I have always been fascinated by how memory works, and how it shapes our experience of the world.

Central Pinelands, Cape Town

I aim to provide a thoughtful, supportive assessment process that helps adults and their families make sense of changes in memory, thinking and behaviour.

I completed my clinical training in neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital. My longstanding interest in memory became a central focus of my doctoral research, which explored the effects of stress on memory.

I subsequently completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at UCT. My current practice focuses on neuropsychological assessment and supportive psychotherapy for adults.

I take time to explain findings in an understandable way, connect them with everyday experiences, and discuss practical recommendations for support and care.

Clinical training & researchUniversity of Cape Town · Groote Schuur Hospital

A few helpful answers

Before
you begin.

Knowing what to expect can make the next step feel more manageable.

Have another question?
What is a neuropsychologist?

A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist with specialised training in understanding the relationship between the brain and behaviour. They assess difficulties with memory, learning, attention, language, reading, problem-solving, decision-making and other aspects of thinking and behaviour, and make recommendations for treatment and support.

A neuropsychological assessment considers cognitive abilities, emotional wellbeing and behaviour through a combination of interviews, clinical observations and standardised tests. The aim is to identify areas of strength and difficulty and guide practical recommendations for care and everyday life.

Do I need a referral?

A referral from a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist, neurologist, neurosurgeon or general practitioner, is generally required before a neuropsychological assessment. You can prepare an enquiry if you would like to clarify the referral process. You’re also welcome to enquire directly about supportive psychotherapy.

What happens during cognitive testing?

Testing involves a range of structured tasks looking at abilities such as memory, attention, language, processing speed, planning and problem-solving. It helps identify areas of strength and difficulty. There is no need to practise or study beforehand.

Can a family member be involved?

With your consent, information from a family member or someone who knows you well can add useful context. It may also be helpful for them to join the feedback session. You can ask about suitable arrangements when enquiring.

How many appointments will I need?

An outpatient neuropsychological assessment typically involves four appointments: a history-taking session, two cognitive testing sessions and a feedback session. A written report follows. The number and length of sessions may vary according to your needs and the referral question.

What about fees and medical aid?

Please enquire about current assessment or psychotherapy fees before booking. Medical aid cover and authorisation requirements vary between plans, so it is helpful to check these with your scheme in advance.

Where is the practice, and who do you see?

The practice is at 2 Clarendon Road, Pinelands, Cape Town, and focuses on adults. Please ask about access requirements or any arrangements that may help you attend. Child assessments are not offered.

I’m referring a patient. What information is helpful?

A referral letter outlining the reason for assessment, the main clinical questions, relevant history and available investigations is helpful. Please contact the practice to clarify arrangements for sharing records. A brief initial enquiry is sufficient; please avoid identifiable patient details in the website’s enquiry draft.

What is supportive psychotherapy?

Supportive psychotherapy offers a collaborative space to explore emotional difficulties and adjustment to changes in health or everyday life. It may include psychoeducation: clear explanations of cognitive and emotional changes, alongside practical coping strategies. The focus and pace are shaped around your concerns and needs.

Do I need to prepare for the assessment?

There is no need to study or practise cognitive tests. Have your referral letter, relevant medical reports and a current medication list available, and bring glasses or hearing aids if you use them. You can ask for breaks and discuss any access or language needs with the practice beforehand.

How does the enquiry work?

The form prepares text in your browser for you to review. It does not send a message or book an appointment. You can copy the text, or open it in your email app addressed to the practice and choose whether to send it there. Please keep your initial enquiry brief and avoid detailed medical records or patient identifiers.

Your next step

Begin with
a conversation.

Prepare a short enquiry about an assessment, supportive psychotherapy, or the process. Review your wording, then copy it or open it in your email app when you’re ready. You can also email the practice directly.

Visit by appointment2 Clarendon Road
Pinelands, Cape Town
Email the practicedrcduplooy@gmail.com

Ask about availability, fees or the next step.

You review before sending. This form prepares a draft on this page. Open it in your email app to send it yourself, or copy it. Please use general information rather than a detailed medical history.

Please avoid detailed health information, ID numbers or another person’s identifying details.

Your enquiry draftNot sent

A first step,
in your own words.

Your draft will appear here. Review it, make any changes, then open it in your email app or copy it. You remain in control of sending it.

Pinelands · Cape Town