Cognition (the way our brain works) changes over our lives. As a geropsychologist – a specialist in the psychology of aging and the unique mental health needs of adults over age 65 – I often see people with concerns about their brain health as they age. It often leads them to wonder if they need dementia testing.
Common Concerns that Lead to Dementia Testing
The most common worries I hear from patients when they come to me for cognitive testing for dementia include:
I go into a room and forget why I went in
After making new acquaintances I can’t remember their names
I forget whether I’ve taken my medication that day
My thinking isn’t as quick as it was; I’ve slowed down
I can’t focus on reading or other tasks like I used to
Sometimes I can’t find the word I’m looking for, even though it’s on the tip of my tongue
Understanding the Normal Aging Process
The reality is that some small declines in brain functions like memory, attention, and processing speed (how quickly we understand and act on new information) are part of the normal aging process. This normal age-related decline can begin in our 50s or 60s and increase slightly over time. These issues are minor, not too frequent, and generally don’t get in the way of our ability to do our usual activities and tasks.
On the other hand, dementia is NOT part of the normal aging process. Dementia is a broad term used to describe many types of cognitive decline. It could mean Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, vascular dementia (cognitive change related to heart health), and many other neurodegenerative disorders. I have seen people fearful that every forgotten detail is a sign of dementia, and others who excuse major memory symptoms that are truly concerning by saying “that’s just part of getting older.” Unfortunately, we live in an ageist culture, and older adults are often portrayed on TV and in movies as extremely forgetful, among other unflattering stereotypes. But these portrayals do not reflect reality for most people, and they give us a distorted idea of what normal aging looks like.
How to Determine if You Need Dementia Testing
So how can you tell whether you should be concerned about changes in your cognition?
Pay Attention to Your Cognitive Habits
Think about your recent life, and notice if anything has changed in terms of your thinking. For example:
Have you started having trouble keeping track of finances, when you’ve always managed them with no problem?
Have you started missing appointments because you can’t remember when things are scheduled?
Are you noticing worrisome changes in your ability to care for your home or yourself?
Make a list of the events or issues that have you worried.
Check-in With Your Loved Ones
Ask them to be honest with you about what they have noticed when it comes to changes in your cognition or memory. If you live with a spouse, partner, or adult child, they may have noticed things you haven’t, or they may not have noticed the little things you are worrying about. It can be helpful to have the perspective of someone close enough to notice changes. Add their observations to your own list of changes or concerns.
Talk to Your Physician About Your Cognitive Concerns
Show your primary care physician your list and the observations from others. Tell them what you’ve noticed, what your spouse or child said they noticed, and see what they advise. They may recommend seeing a neurologist or psychologist for a further evaluation, to rule out dementia. If your doctor shrugs away your concerns, but you are still worried, you can also reach out to a psychologist or neuropsychologist on your own to schedule a cognitive test for dementia (also called neuropsychological assessment). Often, you do not need a referral to schedule a neuropsych evaluation; you can reach out directly to the psychologist.
Is Getting Dementia Testing Worth it?
If you’re worried about symptoms that are happening frequently, it can be a good idea to seek dementia testing. A cognitive assessment can give you a better understanding of the symptoms you’ve noticed. Sometimes, testing results in a diagnosis of dementia. This can be quite scary, and that fear can cause people to avoid a neuropsych evaluation to rule out dementia in the first place. However, in my experience, although this type of diagnosis is frightening in some ways, it can also be a huge relief to know exactly what is going on. A diagnosis can help you let go of worrying about the “what ifs” and begin planning with your loved ones for your future. A diagnosis can give you some control over an uncontrollable situation and allow you to make the most of your time.
Other times, neuropsych testing results in an unexpected diagnosis, or even no diagnosis. Some causes of dementia, like vitamin deficiencies, are reversible. Some people have stable, mild cognitive changes that never turn into dementia. Some people are worried about symptoms that are just part of normal aging, and cognitive testing for dementia can reassure them that their experiences are normal, not cause for concern.
Whatever the outcome, there is power in knowing an answer and being free from the burden of uncertainty. If you are concerned about problems with memory, attention, mental speed, or other brain functions as you age, you can reach out to me for a consultation to discuss whether testing might be helpful.
Get Dementia Testing in Los Angeles, CA
Are you worried about changes in your cognition? Have your loved ones brought up concerns? As a psychologist, I can help you find answers and understand if what you are going through is part of the normal aging process or not. To find out more about dementia testing with Dr. Reger follow these steps:
Reach out for a complimentary consultation
Schedule your cognitive test for dementia
Find answers and gain freedom from uncertainty
Other Services Available in Los Angeles, CA
I offer a variety of different types of psychological evaluations and neuropsychological assessments. Do you need an assessment for a workers’ compensation psych claim? Are you preparing for surgery or a medical procedure and need a psychological evaluation? Are you needing a med-legal assessment for a legal case? As a Los Angeles psychologist, I can help you find the answers that you need. Additionally, I offer therapy for older adults, consultations, and professional speaking.