Dementia is a broad and somewhat vague term used to describe a specific set of difficulties including problems with memory and cognition, as well as significant impairment in one?s ability to carry out daily responsibilities or activities of daily living. While the term dementia is widely used, it is non-specific and tells us little about the cause of such difficulties. Dementia assessments must be used to determine the underlying cause of dementia, as many causes of dementia are reversible with immediate medical care. Other causes of dementia, such as Alzheimer?s disease (AD), are not reversible. However, there are now a number of medications that may be useful in slowing the progression of AD, which makes rapid diagnosis even more important. Neuropsychological testing is considered by many to be the gold-standard diagnostic approach for dementia assessments and is used to determine whether memory problems or dementia are due to AD or some other cause. Neuropsychological testing may be recommended if you or a geriatric loved one are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Frequently repeating questions
• Forgetting recently learned information
• Word-finding problems or other language difficulties
• Becoming lost while driving
• Becoming confused or disoriented
• Failing to manage usual household responsibilities
• Being unable to properly care for oneself
• Depression or bland affect
• Personality changes
• Irritability and agitation
• Sleep cycle disruption or insomnia

There are many possible causes of dementia in geriatric clients, with some being reversible and others not. The most common reversible causes of dementia include medical problems and emotional factors. Common medical causes include high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland, or a minor head injury. Medical conditions like these can be serious and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes emotional issues can result in symptoms that can be mistaken for dementia. Feeling sad, lonely, worried, or bored may be more common for older people facing retirement, coping with medical conditions and lost independence, or grieving the death of a spouse, relative, or friend. These changes can leave people feeling confused or forgetful, symptoms that can resemble dementia. Among the irreversible or incurable causes of dementia, the two most common are Alzheimer?s disease and vascular dementia (sometimes called multi-infarct dementia).

Dementia assessments, particularly neuropsychological testing, are essential in determining the possible cause(s) of dementia-like symptoms that a client may be experiencing. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment utilizes pencil and paper tests and clinical observation to measure a client?s functioning in the areas of memory, attention and concentration, problem-solving, language, and visual perception. By formally measuring these abilities, it is possible to determine whether a client is experiencing normal age-related cognitive changes or abnormal changes that may indicate a type of dementia. Based on the pattern of test results, a neuropsychologist can assist in determining what type of dementia or problem a client is having, which is essential for determining appropriate medical treatments. In addition to determining the most appropriate medical treatments, neuropsychological dementia assessments can also be useful for:

• Planning for the care of an elderly loved one
• Determining what resources may be needed in the future
• Identifying effective ways to manage problem behaviors
• Establishing capacity to make medical and financial decisions
• Addressing safety concerns in the home and community (e.g. cooking, driving)
• Establishing a baseline measurement for future comparison

If you would like to learn more about our neuropsychological testing services or if you would like to schedule an appointment for an evaluation, please call our office at 617-424-0876. You may also fill out a contact form and a member of our staff will call you directly.

Commonwealth Psychology Associates offers dementia assessments and neuropsychological testing to people living in and around the greater Boston area, including the surrounding Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire communities.

Our counseling center is conveniently located in the heart of Boston?s Back Bay, less than 20 minutes from Newton, Wellesley, Cambridge and other major Massachusetts suburbs and just minutes away from our testing facilities. Please view our directions pages for information on public transportation and driving directions to our Newton Corner or Back Bay locations.