For clients over 50, noticing a decline in their functional memory may be quite distressing. We encourage those clients to get a neuropsychological evaluation. When done in the state-of-the-art, a neuropsychological evaluation is very sensitive to detect the first clinical signs of Alzheimer's disease, often before the memory difficulties has an impact on functioning. This is especially true in high functioning adults, where the cognitive screening tool (e.g. MoCA ) has limited sensitivity. Differential diagnosis is also crucial. In too many cases, we see that the symptoms are caused by something like adult ADHD, generalized anxiety, "burn out", etc. These conditions can mimic the early signs of an Alzheimer's disease. In other cases, late life psychosis or late life depression may be the very early signs of small neurological changes. A skilled neuropsychologist can make such differential diagnosis.
For clients with head injury, the psychological distress of not knowing or not understanding the possible consequences on one's mind can interfere with everyday functioning. Did you know that there are guidelines and tons of research on the topic of head injury? Your neuropsychologist can guide you in your recovery. Also, if symptoms persist for weeks after a mild head injury, it is recommended to see a neuropsychologist, to better understand the roots of those symptoms - psychological variables may be at play, too. We use a mix of specialized equipment and clinical appreciation of symptoms, to understand the often complex roots of the memory issues.
Not sure if you want / need a neuropsychological evaluation?
A complete neuropsychological assessment is a very thorough process and might not always be warranted. An initial in-person consultation is suggested. This initial consultations is a 2 hours appointment during which your neuropsychologist will conduct a thorough interview and basic cognitive screening, as necessary. Based on this initial assessment, a neuropsychological assessment will be recommended or not. You may also receive suggestions and recommendations or a brief educational session, depending on the initial findings and clinical impressions. Full process and prices described here.
