Dementia / Cognitive Evaluations


For some patients, it is important to assess cognitive functions such as memory, recall, alertness, and overall aptitude. This is formally done by neuropsychological and psychological testing.


This type of testing can be ordered following medical illness such as stroke or other brain-based diseases such as Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis. Psychological testing is also ordered to evaluate dementia. Dementia is the diminution in cognition and memory. It is associated with the aging process. The most common type of dementia is of the Alzheimer's Type. These are important diagnoses to make early on. Some dementias are reversible if caught early. For other types, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementias, newer cognitive enhancing medications are available which can improve functioning and prolong quality of life.