What to expect:
A geriatric neuropsychological evaluation assesses whether you or a loved one is showing declines in mental functioning (e.g., thinking, problem solving, memory, concentration) more than would be expected for your age.
While changes to thinking and memory are normal as we age, it is important to assess more significant changes we observe in ourselves or our loved ones . Geriatric evaluations can answer questions such as:
- Do I or does my loved one have dementia?
- Can I still drive safely?
- Are my memory changes a result of aging?
- Can my aging parents still live independently, or is it time to consider home support?
Through a combination of client and family-member interviews as well as structured tasks (i.e. paper-and-pencil tests, tasks on a tablet or computer), Dr. Ghilain will assess:
- Overall Intellectual Functioning
- Language
- Visual Perception
- Executive Functions (planning, organizing, self-monitoring, etc.)
- Memory
- Motor Skills
- Adaptive Functioning (daily independence)
- Emotional/Behavioral Functioning & Mood
- Personality
Following the evaluation, Dr. Ghilain will provide any appropriate diagnoses, as well as recommendations for home, vocational, and community-based supports, if needed. She will also make referrals to other professionals who can help support your loved one’s ongoing success. This may include physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech/language therapists (SLTs), neurologists, psychologists or other medical professionals.