Thorough Testing is a Key Step in Evaluating Alzheimer’s Disease
BY Keren Isaacs Lebeau, Ph.D.
As a clinical neuropsychologist at Atlantic Neuroscience Institute, I perform comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations designed to assess patients’ level of cognitive function and guide appropriate treatment.
Cognitive functions such as language, memory, and processing speed are assessed through administration of standardized paper-and-pencil measures. Patients may be asked to remember lists of words or visual designs or put together designs with blocks. When analyzing the results of the neuropsychological evaluation, patterns of performance are reviewed to determine areas of cognitive strength and weakness and help provide a diagnosis. In order to evaluate each patient holistically, I consider factors such as medical history, mood, and family history to determine what might be contributing to their cognitive and behavioral changes.
Neuropsychological testing gives us a nuanced picture of each patient’s status, reveals areas of preserved function and strength that we can build on, and helps patients and their families prepare for the future. I work closely with patients and families to discuss evaluation results and provide recommendations which may include resources or strategies to help compensate for memory loss.
The more information we can amass earlier allows families to seek the right treatment for their loved one and plan for their safety and care in order to promote independence and quality of life.
Changes in memory and thinking can occur as part of the normal aging process. It is important to determine if changes in memory are part of normal aging or if they represent something more such as a dementia process. The staff at Atlantic Health System’s Memory and Cognitive Disorders Program works together to help patients determine the nature and cause of memory loss and other cognitive changes. In all cases, having an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan aimed at minimizing symptoms can improve quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Our team will work with you, your family and your referring physician to coordinate your treatment, follow-up care and education, and make referrals to other services you might need.
To schedule an appointment, or to learn more about the program, call 908-522-2829. Community members are invited to attend our annual event, “A Day to Remember: A Conference for Those Living with Memory Loss,” on March 13, 2022. For more information and to register, visit atlantichealth.org/daytoremember2022.
Keren Isaacs Lebeau, Ph.D is a clinical neuropsychologist
at Atlantic Neuroscience Associates located at Overlook Medical Center. Dr. Lebeau earned her PhD in clinical psychology from The George Washington University and completed her post-doctoral fellowship training in neuropsychology at the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.