Understanding Undue Influence and Mental Capacity

Forensic neuropsychologists provide a wide range of services for our clients, but our work goes beyond diagnosing and treating those with neurological concerns. Our work often involves providing our expertise to legal proceedings to ensure that those involved are of sound mind and body to make significant decisions. Two of those key areas include undue influence and mental capacity. Let’s look deeper at these two areas.

Stopping Undue Influence

Undue influence is when someone puts pressure on a person who may or may not be in control of their mental abilities. This is typically the case with the elderly who may suffer from diseases like Alzheimer’s that affect memory or the ability to interpret reality. A nefarious person could pressure someone to change their will, give them power of attorney, or empower them to take over financial accounts. These decisions could go against the wishes of a person suffering from neurological ailments when they are of a clear mind. A forensic neuropsychologist can test or provide historical records that track a patient’s neurological state.

Assessing Mental Capacity

The work of forensic neuropsychologists can also determine current mental capacity. This is the group of cognitive skills that people use to navigate their everyday life. Mental capacity is used for everything from major legal and medical decisions to what to purchase at the grocery store. As with other neurological disorders, there are different levels of decline that people can suffer from. For some, it can be obvious there is some decline, while in others, the changes are more subtle yet vital to note. In determining a person’s mental capacity, a forensic neuropsychologist can help show the level of mental acuity a person still has and if they are in a state where they cannot make decisions in their own best interest.

Reflect Neuropsychology Can Provide Help

Reflect Neuropsychology is a leading neuropsychology firm in Southern California. We specialize in counseling, therapy and neuropsychological assessment of children, adolescents, and adults, as well as forensic neuropsychology. We can provide evaluations for undue influence and mental capacity along with our other services. As a highly specialized practice, we can focus on evidence-based, personally tailored treatment and assessment. To learn more about our services and schedule an appointment, visit us online or call us at (818) 324-3800.