Memory & Dementia
Assessment Services
At Middle Tennessee Neuropsychological & Behavioral Medicine Services, we provide Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessments for middle-aged and older adult patients who are experiencing cognitive problems consistent with symptoms of a wide variety of brain disorders, including:
Problems with memory; for example, trouble remembering recent events and misplacing items
Reduced concentration and/or problems with attention
Language problems, such as an inability to remember familiar words or people’s names
Sudden personality or behavioral changes, including apathy, withdrawal, and depression
Inability to inhibit inappropriate speech/actions or use good judgement when making decisions
Loss of ability to successfully engage in everyday tasks, such as driving, cooking, or job-related duties
Increased confusion/disorientation (e.g., unsure of place, time, situation)
We specialize in providing neuropsychological assessments for patients with cognitive impairments secondary to:
Known or suspected neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
History of cerebrovascular accident (stroke)/TIAs (mini-strokes)
Movement disorders with a cognitive component, such as Parkinson’s disease
Medical or behavioral health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and depression
From St. Clair Senior Center presents “Healthy Cognitive Aging & Dementia Prevention” with Dr. Ansley Taylor Loveless
Recorded by City of Murfreesboro CityTV on April 8, 2022
Goals of Neuropsychological Assessment
A Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment may serve a wide variety of purposes, including:
Differential Diagnosis: How a patient performs on testing can help tell the difference between:
Normal aging vs. mild cognitive impairment vs. dementia
Dementia vs. reversible causes of cognitive complaints (e.g., depression)
Different types of dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease vs. frontotemporal dementia)
Monitoring of Illness Progression: Cognitive assessment can provide a baseline to track the progression of cognitive impairments over time and to document the effects of medications or behavioral interventions
Assessment of Functional Ability: A thorough cognitive and functional assessment can reveal areas of daily functioning where patients may need additional assistance (e.g., remembering appointments, medications, etc.).
Treatment Planning: Results of the assessment can also guide intervention strategies to help patients compensate for cognitive deficits and maximize independence (e.g., referral to speech therapy, use of day planners, assistive technologies)
Determining Competence: Performance on neuropsychological tests can aid clinicians and family members in determining a patient’s competence in areas such as driving, medical, financial, and legal decision-making
A Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment typically consists of three appointments:
Intake Appointment
Appointment Length: Typically 1-2 hours
Our neuropsychologist will meet with the patient and their family member(s)/caregiver(s) to gather information on the patient’s current cognitive and mood symptoms, functional capacity, and relevant psychosocial and medical history.
This appointment may be conducted either face-to-face or via video telehealth; click here to learn more about telehealth options
Testing Appointment
Appointment Length: Typically about 3 hours
A clinician will administer a specially tailored battery of quantitative and qualitative neuropsychological assessment measures to the patient to assess for changes in cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
This is usually a face-to-face appointment; please contact us for additional information if interested in our telehealth or house-call services
Feedback Appointment
Appointment Length: Typically 30-60 minutes
Our neuropsychologist will meet with the patient and their family member(s)/caregiver(s) to discuss the results of the assessment, including diagnosis and personalized recommendations for follow-up treatment and care planning.
This appointment may be conducted either face-to-face or via video telehealth; click here to learn more about telehealth options
