DIAGNOSING DEMENTIA
The Role of Cognitive/Neuropsychological Testing
Typically, if a person is wondering if they are struggling with dementia, seeking a medical workup with your primary care physician would be a good first step. He or she will obtain your medical history, interview you about current and past illnesses, find out about your current medications, and seek other health related information. This type of medical workup is designed to evaluate overall health and identify any medical conditions that could affect how well your brain and cognitive processes are working. He or she may administer a cognitive screen, such as the Mini Mental State Exam to get a snap shot view or screen of your current cognitive status. He or she may also conduct a physical exam and seek additional diagnostic tests such as blood labs or brain imaging (CT, MRI, PET). To help in the diagnostic process, your physician may also refer you to the following specialists:
· A neurologist: an individual specializing in diseases of the brain and nervous system. A neurological exam assesses the function of the brain and nervous system to identify symptoms of various brain disorders.
· A psychiatrist or psychotherapist: an individual who specializes in disorders that affect mood.
· A neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist: an individual who conducts specialized neuropsychological or neurocognitive testing to assess for dementia.
Sometimes in the diagnositic process, cognitive testing is sought. A common question is, what is cognitive testing? Cognitive testing, sometimes referred to as neuropsychological or neurocognitive testing, is specialized testing that assesses functioning in several areas of the brain such as memory, concentration, attention, language, visual spatial, and executive functioning. This type of testing is administered by a neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist with advanced training. Testing typically consists of a wide variety of tasks such as copying designs, defining words, identifying pictures, etc. Testing batteries range in length from one hour to several hours depending on the comprehensiveness of the evaluation. Cognitive testing can be useful to help identify dementia in early stages, assist in determining the type or stage of dementia, or recognize other problems that might be impairing cognition instead of dementia, such as depression or anxiety. This type of testing also helps identify problem areas of functioning, related safety concerns, and areas of strengths and weaknesses. In addition, having annual updates is useful to track any changes or progression.
(Some of the information outlined above is from the Alzheimer’s Association web site at alz.org)
Local Resources for Cognitive Testing in the Brainerd Lakes
· Lakewood
Assessor: Julie Eggers Huber, PsyD, LP Clinical Psychologist
Contact: Clinic Psychiatric Services
Ph: 218.894.8854
· Lutheran Social Service of MN
Assessor: Dr. Greg Murrey, Neuropsychologist
Ph: 218.828.7379
· St. Cloud
- CentraCare Adult Outpatient Clinic does not have testing
- St. Cloud Neurobehavioral Associates PA
Assessor: Dr. Jeff Kearney
Ph: 320.258.3833
