Why Should an Older Adult Seek a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Our brains change as we age. You may need to spend an extra moment recalling a particular conversation, someone’s name, or why you entered a room. For many individuals, this change is normal.
However, some individuals develop a neurodegenerative disease, or a brain condition leading to cognitive decline, movement problems and other symptoms. Eventually, these changes may impact an individual’s ability to complete daily activities, such as cooking, driving, or remembering to take medications. When this happens, it is called “dementia”. The most common causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease.
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive functioning. It can be used to diagnose thinking difficulties in older adults, including dementia. If you or a loved one is experiencing thinking-related changes in older adulthood, there are several reasons why you might wish to seek a neuropsychological evaluation:
However, some individuals develop a neurodegenerative disease, or a brain condition leading to cognitive decline, movement problems and other symptoms. Eventually, these changes may impact an individual’s ability to complete daily activities, such as cooking, driving, or remembering to take medications. When this happens, it is called “dementia”. The most common causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease.
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive functioning. It can be used to diagnose thinking difficulties in older adults, including dementia. If you or a loved one is experiencing thinking-related changes in older adulthood, there are several reasons why you might wish to seek a neuropsychological evaluation:
- To detect early signs of cognitive decline: Cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. A neuropsychological evaluation can help to detect early signs of cognitive decline, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
- To rule out other possible causes of symptoms: Symptoms that sometimes look like a neurodegenerative disease can be caused by a variety of other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. A neuropsychological evaluation can help to rule out other possible causes, which can ensure that you or a loved one receives the most appropriate treatment.
- To understand cognitive strengths and weaknesses: A neuropsychological evaluation can identify you or a loved one’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions and accommodations to help maintain independence and quality of life.
- To track progress over time: A neuropsychological evaluation can be used to track your or a loved one’s cognitive progress over time. This can be helpful for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and making necessary adjustments.
- To plan for the future: A neuropsychological evaluation can provide information that can be used to plan for the future. For example, it can help to identify areas where an older adult may need additional support or accommodations as they age.
Why Should I Receive an Evaluation Now?
- Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes: Early diagnosis and treatment of cognitive decline can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve your or a loved one’s quality of life.
- Cognitive decline can be gradual and difficult to notice: It is important to have a baseline assessment of cognitive functioning so that any changes can be detected early on.
- Treatment options are available: A neuropsychological evaluation can help to determine the best course of treatment for your or a loved one.
Why Should I Choose the Medical Psychology Center to Complete This Evaluation?
The Medical Psychology Center has a strong reputation for providing high-quality care. Our team has considerable experience in the assessment of older adults who have concerns about their thinking skills. Our evaluations are both comprehensive and highly tailored to your concerns. We provide you with timely and individualized feedback about how your brain works to help you lead the life you want to live. We accept several major insurance plans and strive to make our services accessible to patients living on the North Shore, in Greater Boston and beyond.
Please visit the "Why Us" section on the Testing page to find out more about what makes our practice stand out, and see our Client Testimonials to hear more about our patients’ experiences.
Please visit the "Why Us" section on the Testing page to find out more about what makes our practice stand out, and see our Client Testimonials to hear more about our patients’ experiences.
Where Can I Learn More and Schedule an Evaluation?
Check out our Testing page for a description of what the evaluation process looks like.
Please call our intake coordinator at 978-921-4000 ext. 18 to schedule an evaluation.
Please call our intake coordinator at 978-921-4000 ext. 18 to schedule an evaluation.
100 Cummings Center, Suite 456J
Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: 978-921-4000 HIPAA Compliant Fax: 978-921-7530 |
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