Cognitive Assessments For Older Adults
- Cognitive health is crucial as we age
- Cognitive assessments help understand and manage mental functions
- Early detection can lead to better outcomes and quality of life
As we age, maintaining our cognitive health becomes as vital as our physical well-being. Our cognitive abilities including:
- short-term and long-term memory
- attention
- problem-solving skills
- word-finding abilities
- multi-tasking
- judgment
All these aspects of cognition play a crucial role in our daily lives and overall independence.
Service Explanation
Cognitive assessments offer:
- A comprehensive evaluation of your cognitive functioning
- Early detection of potential cognitive issues
- Valuable insights for you and your healthcare providers
- A baseline for tracking changes over time
Understanding your cognitive health can:
- Provide peace of mind
- Guide lifestyle choices to support brain health
- Inform important decisions about future care and planning
At the office of Ginny Estupinian, PhD, she specializes in geriatric neuropsychology assessments tailored to the unique needs of older adults. Her goal is to provide you with clear, actionable information about your cognitive health, empowering you to make informed decisions and maintain your quality of life.
Whether you have experienced occasional memory lapses or your loved ones have expressed concerns, our assessments can provide the clarity and guidance you need. Let’s work together to support your cognitive health and overall well-being.
Why Consider a Cognitive Assessment?
You might benefit from a cognitive assessment if you notice:
- Memory lapses or difficulty recalling recent events
- Challenges in performing daily tasks (e.g., managing finances, cooking)
- Changes in your ability to navigate familiar places
Early detection and diagnosis of cognitive changes are important because they:
- Provide relief through understanding
- Allow time for future planning
- Enable preventive steps
- Ensure appropriate treatment for treatable conditions
- Allow discussions about treatments to slow the progression
Cognitive assessments offer a window into your brain’s health. They can differentiate between normal age-related changes and more serious conditions like mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia. By identifying issues early, you and your loved ones can make informed decisions about care, living arrangements, and legal matters.
Types of Cognitive Assessments
Our comprehensive evaluations include:
- Memory tests
- Attention and concentration assessments
- Executive function evaluations
- Language skills assessments
These tests work together to provide a complete picture of your cognitive health.
What to Expect During the Assessment
- Duration: Typically 2-3 hours ( We will break down the testing periods as necessary to avoid fatigue)
- Format: Non-invasive, comfortable setting
- Tasks may include:
- Answering questions about medical history and daily functioning
- Solving puzzles or problems
- Remembering and recalling information
Our goal is to make the assessment process as stress-free as possible. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you’re comfortable and understand what’s happening.
Our 3-Step Cognitive Assessment Process
- Initial Evaluation: • Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Estupinian • Discuss your concerns and medical history, usually 50 minutes, which is done separately from the testing day.
- Assessment Planning: • Dr. Estupinian determines the most appropriate tests • Tailored assessment schedule based on your needs
- Assessment Session: • Complete the evaluation in a supportive environment • Take breaks as needed
Post-assessment:
- Dr. Estupinian reviews the results with you and whoever you want to include.
- You will receive actionable recommendations.
- A detailed written report will be provided, and with your permission, a copy can be sent to your physician.
Physician-Referred Evaluations
Dr. Estupinian ensures seamless collaboration with your healthcare team:
- Direct communication with your physician
- Tailored assessments incorporating doctor’s input
- Detailed reporting to your physician
- Ongoing availability for follow-up questions
Dr. Estupinian’s integrated approach ensures that your cognitive assessment complements your overall healthcare plan.
Post-Assessment Support
Dr. Estupinian’s comprehensive care includes:
- Follow-up appointments to monitor progress
- Family sessions (with your permission)
- Coordination with other healthcare providers
- Guidance on implementing recommendations
We’re committed to supporting you beyond the initial assessment, ensuring you have the resources and understanding to manage your cognitive health effectively.
- 10 years at Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System
- Extensive work in geriatric outpatient clinic
- Collaboration with geriatricians in an integrated medical team
- Hundreds of assessments performed with diverse populations
- Expert in coordinating findings for appropriate treatments
Dr. Estupinian’s wealth of experience ensures you receive top-quality care tailored to your unique needs. Her background in working alongside geriatricians allows her to understand the complex interplay between cognitive health and overall well-being in older adults.
Our Commitment to You
- Prompt scheduling, often within days
- Written reports and personal review sessions
- In-home testing options are available
- Compassionate, patient-centered care
- In-home testing when needed or requested
Dr. Estupinian understands that seeking a cognitive assessment can be daunting. This is why she is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and informative as possible.
Office Accessibility
- Convenient location: Few blocks from major freeways
- First-floor office with easy access
- Parking right outside the front door
- No stairs or long walkways to navigate
Our office is designed for your comfort and ease of access, ensuring a stress-free visit.
Take the Next Step
Don’t wait to gain clarity about your cognitive health.
Call us today at
844-802-6512
Schedule your initial evaluation with Dr. Estupinian. You will be taking a proactive step towards understanding and managing your cognitive well-being.
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