Neuropsych Evaluation in Los Angeles, CA
A neuropsych evaluation generally includes a clinical interview. This is then followed by several measures, such as a dementia test, that helps determine how your brain functions, in order to answer a question. Dr. Reger offers comprehensive testing for adults and older adults with concerns such as:
Memory and cognitive changes
Dementia
Alzheimer’s
General cognition and learning styles
Traumatic brain injury
Stroke or other medical events
A neuropsych evaluation or dementia testing can be helpful if you have noticed changes in your brain function related to aging, illness, a stroke or other medical event, menopause, or a traumatic brain injury. Neuropsychological testing (also known as a cognitive test) provides a “profile” of the ways your brain is functioning in different areas. Such as memory, attention, and speed. The results from dementia testing can give you information about a diagnosis, causes of the change in cognition, and your brain’s strengths and vulnerabilities. As well as recommendations for the most effective ways to manage any changes you have experienced.
More Than Just Dementia Testing
As a geropsychologist (a psychologist specializing in aging), Dr. Reger has years of training and experience testing patients concerned about their memory, cognitive changes after a stroke, cancer, or chemo, brain changes related to multiple sclerosis (MS), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Dr. Reger recognizes that people are often coming in for testing in response to scary and confusing symptoms that are hard to understand. Those symptoms can make life difficult not only for the patient but also for loved ones.
People are often afraid they (or a loved one) have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. So they come in seeking dementia testing or an Alzheimer’s test. But there can be many causes of cognitive decline and brain changes. Some are even reversible. Learning the “why” behind any cognitive symptoms, and getting personalized recommendations for strategies to manage them is empowering and can reduce worry and distress. Because of this, neuropsych evaluations can offer hope in situations that may feel hopeless.
The Benefits of Neuropsych Evaluations & Dementia Testing
Dr. Reger offers compassionate and patient-centered assessments that are tailored to the individual patient’s needs, questions, concerns, and health. She is a collaborative Psychologist, and with written permission, often communicates with other members of a patient’s medical team. Thus ensuring the results of neuropsychological testing are understood and can best serve the patient. This collaborative approach allows your entire team to tailor their approach to your individual learning style and offer assistance where needed to set you up for success.
For example, Dr. Reger might make a recommendation to your other medical providers to give you a written summary of any follow-up instructions, if your memory for conversations has become harder. This way, you don’t have to rely on your memory but have a tool to help you succeed in following through with medical recommendations.
Loved Ones Are involved in the neuropsychological & Dementia Testing Interviews
If you are a caregiver looking for a neuropsychological assessment for your parent, partner, adult child, or other loved one, expect to be part of the interview process for testing. Family, close friends, and caregivers can often provide information and perspective that is helpful as Dr. Reger considers the whole picture and puts test results into context to best understand the patient’s brain function.
How to Prepare For A NeuroPsych Evaluation or dementia testing
Cognitive and dementia testing can take several hours. While you can take breaks and testing can be broken into two sessions it is important to be prepared. Here are some things you can do to be prepared for your neuropsych evaluation with Dr. Reger.
What to Bring With you
The first thing you should do is make sure all intake forms and questionnaires are completed. Dr. Reger will provide them to you before the appointment. Additionally, make sure to bring any medical records and a list of medications. Medical records include psychiatric and non-psychiatric information and previous test results or reports. Lastly, make sure to be prepared to be at the neuropsychological testing appointment for several hours. Pack and bring water, snacks, and any medications you might need throughout the day.
Being Prepared physically & mentally
One of the most important things you can do to be prepared for the cognitive test for dementia or cognitive decline is to be well-rested, and well-fed. As well as substance-free aside from prescription meds. This helps your testing accurately reflect your normal functioning. Hunger, thirst, pain, the influence of drugs, alcohol, and fatigue can all impact your performance on cognitive and dementia testing. So make sure to take care of yourself and avoid taking anything that may alter your thinking or reaction time.
The final thing that you can do to be prepared for your neuropsych evaluation is to try to relax. A lot of people struggle with stress and anxiety when it comes to psychological testing. However, it is important to remember that it is intended to help provide answers and recommendations that will improve your life. There is no strategy or “right” answer when taking a cognitive, dementia, or Alzheimer’s test. In order to get the most from neuropsychological testing show up ready, be honest, and give your best effort. This will ensure that the testing truly reflects you as you are, and meaningful recommendations can be provided to you.
Do you need a neuropsych evaluation or Dementia testing in Los Angeles, CA so you can get meaningful recommendations?
Dr. Reger can help you whether you are needing a cognitive test for dementia, an Alzheimer’s test, or a cognitive neuropsych evaluation for another reason. It can be hard to make the decision to get neuropsychological testing whether it is for yourself or for a loved one. With Dr. Reger, you will receive high-quality testing and personalized recommendations from a caring and knowledgeable provider. If you are ready to take the step to discuss options and recommendations with a Los Angeles psychologist follow these steps:
Schedule your neuropsych or dementia testing with an experienced Los Angeles psychologist
Start getting the support and medical recommendations you need to improve your life
Other Therapy & psychological Testing Services in Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Reger offers several types of neuropsychological assessments at her Redondo Beach practice and in many locations around Southern California. She also offers psychological evaluations for workers’ comp and preoperative assessments. Additionally, she is also a caring therapist who offers individual therapy and psychotherapy with older adults.