I am committed to ensuring that everyone I work with is satisfied with the work that I do.

There is no fee for an initial consultation to ask questions about the assessment process. If there is another professional who can better address your issue, you will be referred to them.

DEMENTIA ASSESSMENT

Memory issues become more common for everyone as we age. However, for some changes are far outside of what would be expected for their age, and are an early indication of a dementia process. Short cognitive screens given by health care professionals are often not sensitive to, or do not measure, changes in memory or other mental abilities. Cognitive testing completed by a psychologist can adjust for age and increase the likelihood of correctly identifying a dementia process, and what type of dementia it may be.

Early assessment and diagnosis is crucial for identifying if declines in memory can be reversed or slowed down. For example, lifestyle modifications can change the course of a vascular dementia process in the early stages. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, medications can also slow down the loss of memory due to dementia.

Identification of changes in memory in the elderly can also allow for changes in the home to prevent serious injury or car accidents, or inform the level of care that is required. Having a neutral, professional opinion informed by an assessment can also help with making difficult decisions about what level of care is needed for a loved one.

See the Resources section for more information on the types of dementia.