Dementia Treatment Program in Tinton Falls, NJ

Neuropsychological Examination and Management of Patients With Known or Suspected Dementia

Neuropsychological Examination and Management of Patients With Known or Suspected Dementia

As is true of many medical conditions, identification of dementia very early in its course is a key feature of prevention strategy. The rationale is that acting early, before significant deterioration has occurred, allows for the application of various therapies.

Neuropsychology, with its demonstrated ability to advance early, reliable diagnosis of a variety of different types of dementia, plays a strategic role in the medical management and ultimately in the prevention approaches to delay the occurrence of events, such as injury and nursing home placements.

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

Clinical Application of Neuropsychology for Dementia

NEUROPSYCHOLOGY IS EMPLOYED IN AT LEAST 4 COMMON SITUATIONS:

• Neuropsychological Consultation: This is an interview which assists in arriving at a clinical diagnosis in medical situations in which neurocognitive impairment is suspected. The referral may occur in a situation in what is believed to be an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, but can arise from a number of other neurologic conditions, such as psychiatric disorders or from a variety of general medical conditions.
• Neuropsychological Examination: This is a comprehensive examination which can be used both in the detection of the dementia and in the differential diagnosis of disorders.
• Competency Assessment: The physician may seek an estimate of the patient’s functional status and may make a referral to assess competency.
• Case Management: Physicians may seek neuropsychological input for patient management,including cognitive intervention, counseling, or behavioral management.

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What is Our Dementia Treatment Program?

Diagnosing and differentiating subtypes of dementia can be difficult to determine, but the NRS|LS Dementia Program can help with these four steps:

1. Consultation: The patient along with at least one close family member will meet with the neuropsychologist to discuss symptoms and the medical history then testing options will be determined.
2. The Neuropsychological Examination (NPE): The NPE is given to determine the presence and degree of cognitive impairment of the dementia.
3. Medical Testing: We integrate blood labs, CT/MRI/PET scans of the brain, and biomarker analysis for diagnostic clarity.
4. Support Services: At NRS|LS, we provide a plan on how to cope with the diagnosis, manage everyday functioning and prevent consequential dangers. Interventions may include:
   • Feedback from NPE
   • Dementia education for the family
   • Patient counseling
   • Intervention program
   • Support group
   • Assistance with resource management
   • Adjustment counseling for caregivers
5. Follow-up: While there are no cures for dementia, there are opportunities to optimize function and quality of life. Care needs will change with the progression of the disease and we can direct the level of care needed upon the patient’s severity level through different agency specialty services.