Dementia Evaluation

Dementia is a term used to describe a range of cognitive impairments that significantly affect memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a progressive condition, meaning that symptoms gradually worsen over time. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, but there are several other types, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia impacts daily activities and quality of life, making early diagnosis and management crucial. Understanding dementia involves recognizing its various forms and the unique challenges they present, enabling better care and support for those affected.

It's natural to experience some memory loss as we age, and this doesn't always indicate dementia. Common signs of typical age-related memory issues include occasionally misplacing everyday objects, forgetting appointments now and then, or mixing up family members' names. Our tests are designed to differentiate between normal aging and problematic memory loss, such as dementia, ensuring accurate and reliable assessments.

Memory loss becomes more concerning when it starts to interfere with daily life and includes difficulties such as solving problems, becoming lost or confused during conversations, experiencing significant personality changes, showing poor judgment (such as being easily manipulated by scam artists), confusion about time and location, or struggling with everyday tasks.

If you or a loved one are experiencing memory problems that impact daily living, it is crucial to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can open up treatment options that may slow the progression of dementia. Individuals in the early stages tend to respond best to treatments, making timely intervention essential. Early detection can also aid in care and life planning.

Yes! We accept traditional Medicare with supplemental plans.

Medicare Advantage is different than traditional Medicare. Medicare Advantage is billed more like commercial insurance. At this time the only Medicare Advantage plan we accept is Regence.

Having a parent or close relative diagnosed with dementia can naturally raise concerns about your own brain health. While genetics can play a role in the risk of developing dementia, it’s important to remember that lifestyle factors and proactive health measures also significantly influence cognitive health.

At Cascade Neuropsychology, we emphasize the importance of early detection and preventative care. By adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, mental stimulation, and social engagement, you can help reduce your risk. We offer cognitive screening assessments to monitor brain health and identify any early signs of cognitive decline. We can track these changes yearly, every other year, or more depending on your level of concern and the results of the screening.

For those with a family history or who are concerned about their brain health, our screenings can provide valuable insights.

While dementia and Alzheimer's are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. It encompasses various conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. It specifically involves the progressive degeneration of brain cells, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior.

Evaluating for suspected dementia typically involves a thorough and structured approach, consisting of four key parts:

1. Review of Medical Records and Clinical Interview: We start with a review of the individual's medical records (if available) and conduct a clinical interview with the person suspected to have dementia. Involved family members who know them well may also be included. This step may involve self-report and family report measures of day-to-day functioning.

2. Neuropsychological Testing: To determine the presence of cognitive impairment, we conduct neuropsychological testing. This testing is specifically designed to assess the nuances between regular cognitive changes with aging and dementia or mild cognitive impairment. This evaluation usually takes about two hours.

3. Scoring and Interpretation: The neuropsychologist will score and interpret the results from the testing and clinical interview. A comprehensive report will be generated, outlining the results, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations.

4. Feedback Session: We hold a feedback session with the individual and their family to review the results and recommendations. This session provides an opportunity to discuss the findings in detail and plan the next steps. This is typically scheduled two weeks after the evaluation.

If indicated, we recommend yearly "check-ins," to monitor the progression of the disease. These check-ins can be crucial for adjusting care plans and ensuring ongoing support.

No, it is not appropriate to evaluate a family member in the late stages of the disease. At this stage, the focus should be on providing comfort and supportive care to maintain the individual's quality of life. Evaluations are more beneficial in the early and middle stages of dementia, where treatment options and care plans can significantly impact progression and daily functioning. In the late stages, emphasis should be placed on compassionate care and ensuring the individual's needs are met in a supportive and understanding environment.

Feeling anxious about test results is completely natural. It's common to worry about what the results might reveal and how they could impact your life moving forward. Knowing you’re not alone in this feeling can provide some comfort. It's essential to acknowledge your concerns and prepare yourself for the next steps, no matter the outcome. Understanding your results can be a crucial step towards better managing your health and making informed decisions about your future.

No, we do not commit anyone to memory care or other residential living based on test results. Our role is to provide accurate assessments and recommendations to support your well-being. The decision regarding care and living arrangements is entirely yours and your family's to make, based on your needs and preferences.