Normal aging vs dementia

Different dementia

When to see evaluation

What an evaluation is

Blood biomarkers and other testing to do (e.g., UTI, vitamins…

Who to see

COMPREHENSIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: A full assessment for individuals seeking clarity about cognitive functioning related to neurodevelopmental conditions, neurological disorders, or complex psychiatric concerns.

ELDER / DEMENTIA EVALUATION: A focused evaluation for older adults experiencing memory or behavioral changes. This assessment helps clarify whether changes reflect typical aging, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia and guides next steps.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL / PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL EVALUATION: A combined cognitive and academic assessment for individuals with learning or attention concerns, especially when documentation is needed for school services or testing accommodations.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND ELDER EVALUATIONS

Our process is collaborative and compassionate. You’ll share your experiences and questions, and I’ll bring a comprehensive lens to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning—always grounded in your unique story.

Understanding Memory and Cognitive Change

Changes in memory, attention, or problem-solving can have many causes — from normal aging and stress to medical or neurological conditions. Neuropsychological evaluation helps make sense of these changes by taking a closer look at how the brain is functioning day to day.

Through detailed yet practical testing, we assess areas such as memory, attention, language, reasoning, and daily living skills. The goal is not just to measure performance, but to understand patterns — how strengths and weaknesses fit together, and what that means in everyday life.

This process helps clarify whether changes reflect normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia, and can also distinguish cognitive symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or medical issues. The results provide valuable information for diagnosis, treatment planning, and decisions about safety, independence, and support.

Ultimately, the evaluation offers more than data — it brings clarity, direction, and peace of mind for individuals and families who want to understand what’s happening and how to move forward.

Understanding the Brain at Any Age

What a neuropsychological evaluation is and what it measures (memory, attention, reasoning, decision-making).How testing differentiates “normal aging” from early cognitive change.

  • Why families pursue evaluation — to guide safety, independence, and medical decisions.

  • What’s measured and why

  • How it helps distinguish normal aging from cognitive change

  • How results guide care, safety, and independence

    CTA: “Learn more about cognitive and dementia evaluations.” → links to Memory & Dementia page.

Why you might seek a neuropsychological evaluation

  • You are wondering whether forgetfulness or changes in focus are part of normal aging or worth a closer look

  • You have a medical or neurological condition and want to understand how it may be affecting your thinking

  • You’ve noticed changes in language, day to day tasks, orientation, or decision making in yourself or a loved one

  • You are caring for an aging parent or partner and want a clearer picture of strengths, vulnerabilities, and safety

  • You are a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist who is noticing subtle changes in a patient and seeking additional insight

Close-up of two elderly people holding hands, wearing casual beige and teal clothing.

An Elder Evaluation is just a shorter, more targeted neuropsych evaluation for individuals aged 65 and older. These evaluations can help distinguish between

  • Normal aging

  • Mild cognitive impairment

  • Dementia

  • ‘Reversible causes of dementia,’ such as depression

Between different forms of dementia:

  • Alzheimer’s disease

  • Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)

  • Vascular dementia

  • Lewy body dementia

Or for better understanding cognitive changes associated with known neurological conditions such as:

  • Stroke

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Acquired brain injury.

Supporting older adults is a special focus in my practice. My goal is to help individuals, families, and healthcare providers gain clarity and direction, and to provide thoughtful, personalized recommendations that support well-being, independence, and quality of life.

  • You may be wondering whether occasional forgetfulness or shifts in concentration are simply part of getting older—or worth a closer look.

  • You may have a medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or a history of stroke or brain injury—and want to understand how it may be affecting your thinking and how best to stay sharp and independent.

  • You may be concerned about a loved one who’s having more trouble finding words, keeping up with daily tasks, or navigating familiar places.

  • You may be caring for an aging parent or partner and want a clearer picture of their strengths and weaknesses so that you can plan for their safety, independence, and well-being.

  • You may be a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist noticing subtle changes in a patient and seeking insight into what might be contributing.

Why you might seek a neuropsychological evaluation

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

  • Alzheimer’s Association
    The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

  • CDC Alzheimer’s Disease Program
    CDC's Alzheimer's Disease Program develops scientific information to inform public health agencies and others, and to promote brain health across the nation

  • CDC Healthy Aging
    CDC offers information and programs to promote healthy aging and longer lives