A neuropsychological evaluation is like taking a tour of the brain to figure out how different areas are functioning. This process uses standardized tests that include answering questions, completing paper-pencil tasks, and iPad-administered testing. We assess:  

• Attention/concentration 
• Processing speed 
• Short-term memory 
• Long-term memory 
• Language skills 
• Visual-spatial functioning 
• Motor speed 
• Executive functioning (ex: planning / organization)
• Personality 
• Emotional functioning 

• Ability to complete everyday tasks 

Your provider will combine data from the evaluation with other information available (prior brain scans or lab results) to help determine the most likely diagnosis. 

We’re often asked about the difference between “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s.” Dementia is a generic term to indicate that someone is experiencing thinking changes that are greater than expected compared to normal aging, which typically worsen over time. Alzheimer’s disease causes a specific type of dementia.

There are many types of dementia. Depending on the type of dementia a person has symptoms and problems can appear differently. Some dementias affect short-term memory most other types of dementia can cause significant changes in behavior/personality or problems with speaking. 

While all of us will experience some degree of cognitive change as we age, the changes in dementia are more severe, occur more frequently, and worsen over time. Completing everyday activities, such as managing medications or money, and problems with safe driving can occur as the disease progresses.  

The earliest signs of Alzheimer’s dementia often include: 

• Thinking problems (short-term memory lapses), difficulty operating familiar equipment (ex: electronics at home) 
• Can’t find the right words  
• Judgment and decision-making problems  
• Organizational problems
• Behavioral and emotional changes like- loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, being more irritable, and/or suspiciousness

The earliest signs of vascular dementia often include: 

• Thinking much slower than usual (ex: taking longer to complete common tasks that used to be effortless) 
• Becoming more easily distracted 
• Difficulty with problem-solving 

While there are many different types of dementia, here are the most commonly encountered. 

• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Vascular dementia 
• Lewy body dementia 
• Parkinson’s disease dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia 
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (alcohol-related dementia)

We have experience with evaluating each of these types of dementia. 

Approximately 6.7 million Americans over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease. In Idaho, about 27,000 of our family, friends, colleagues and neighbors are afflicted. Idaho’s population over 60 is the fastest growing age-group and is projected to hit 23% of the population by 2030. We don’t have as accurate of data for other types of dementia in Idaho, however, based on best estimates, approximately 33,000 Idahoans are experiencing some type of dementia.  

For Alzheimer’s disease – the most common type of dementia – the underlying disease is believed to be caused by the misfolding of two specific proteins in the brain: beta-amyloid and tau. Like origami, these proteins are normally folded in specific shapes. In Alzheimer’s disease, they misfold and become sticky, causing clumps of proteins to accumulate. These clumps destroy cells and disrupt the normal communication pathways in the brain.  

Vascular dementia – the second most common form of dementia – is caused by changes in the blood vessels that supply the brain with oxygen and nutrients. The small blood vessels in the brain can either become blocked or start leaking. This reduces blood flow throughout the brain causing damage to the tissue, which affects thinking.

Dementia can also develop after a significant stroke. Vascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease frequently occur together causing what is known as “mixed-type dementia.” 

Other dementias are typically caused by misfolding or abnormal clumping of other kinds of proteins. 

Unfortunately, there is a no cure for dementia currently. However, there are important lifestyle changes that can slow the progression of the disease and also boost day-to-day functioning. After the evaluation, you will learn how to manage the thinking and behavioral changes your loved one is experiencing. If needed, your loved one may be referred to another specialist for assistance, such as a Geriatrician, Neurologist, or Geriatric Psychiatrist.  

Caregivers will benefit from professional and personal teams to manage the demands of providing care to a loved one. This may include an elder law attorney for estate & financial planning to assist with navigating the costs for providing long-term care. Caregivers must tend to their own emotional health and well-being and may benefit from individual counseling. Caregiver support groups can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s comforting to know there are others on the same journey.   

We offer fixed-price evaluations so you have a clear understanding of the total cost of an evaluation before you even begin. The price covers all aspects of an evaluation, including reviewing available medical records, conducting the initial clinical interview, administering tests, scoring and analyzing the results, writing the report, and providing feedback during a separate appointment. 

Our dementia evaluations are a fixed price of $2,500.