Understanding Dementia
As a neuropsychologist with expertise in brain aging and dementia, one of the most common concerns I hear from patients and their family members is :”Is this just normal aging or something else?” When memory issues, confusion, or changes in your ability to carry out daily activities start to appear, it’s natural to worry about dementia.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term – it’s a clinical term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting things like memory, processing speed, problem solving, and daily functioning. There are several types of dementias including but not limited to:
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
How a Neuropsychologist Can Help
A neuropsychologist will conduct a comprehensive cognitive evaluation to assess all areas of thinking including memory, attention, processing speed, language, problem- solving and identify the pattern and severity of changes. The evaluation will differentiate dementia from other factors such as depression, anxiety, or just normal aging in order to help guide treatment planning and keep the individual safe, happy, and healthy.
A Message of Support
A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary. My goal as a neuropsychologist is to provide clarity and compassion for patients and their family members while supplying them with tools/strategies to help them better manage daily difficulties and enjoy life.
