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.
Investment in Your Cognitive Health
Initial Consultation: $300
Your first visit is a 50-minute evaluation during which Dr. Estupinian determines whether a neuropsychological assessment is appropriate and which type would best serve your needs. During this session, she’ll:
- Review your concerns and medical history
- Explain assessment options tailored to your situation
- Provide clear cost estimates based on the recommended evaluation
- Answer all your questions about the process
Assessment Costs
The cost of a neuropsychological assessment varies based on type and complexity. After your initial consultation, Dr. Estupinian will provide a detailed cost estimate for your specific situation.
Payment Options
- Private pay only
- CareCredit is accepted for convenient payment plans with interest-free terms and a rolling credit line
- Debit, HSA, FSA, and credit cards accepted
Insurance Considerations
Dr. Estupinian’s practice does not accept Medicare or private insurance and does not submit insurance claims. However, some PPO plans offer out-of-network reimbursement benefits. Patients can submit their own claims to their insurance company after paying for services. We provide detailed receipts with all necessary information for out-of-network reimbursement.
Seamless Collaboration with Your Healthcare Team
Whether you’re self-referred or recommended by your physician, Dr. Estupinian ensures comprehensive communication with your healthcare providers:
- Detailed written reports provided to any physician or specialist you choose
- Direct collaboration with your medical team when needed
- Coordination of findings to support effective treatment planning
- Availability for follow-up questions from your healthcare providers
Many geriatricians and neurologists in the Bay Area refer patients to Dr. Estupinian because of her 15+ years of specialized experience with older adults and her thorough, timely assessments. With current Medicare provider wait times of 1-2 years, private assessment with Dr. Estupinian allows your medical team to receive critical information within weeks, not years, enabling them to begin addressing concerns promptly.
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 Toward Understanding Your Cognitive Health
Don’t wait to gain clarity about your cognitive health.
Call us today at
844-802-6512
- Schedule your initial consultation within days
- Complete assessment typically within 2 weeks
- Receive a comprehensive results review with Dr. Estupinian
- Get a detailed written report for you and your physicians
Payment made easy with CareCredit: Interest-free payment plans available with a convenient rolling credit line.
Early assessment leads to better outcomes. The sooner you have answers, the sooner you can take action.
Our Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a geriatric neuropsychological assessment?
A geriatric neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that measures how your brain functions across multiple cognitive domains including memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and executive function. Unlike brief cognitive screens performed in doctor’s offices, a full neuropsychological assessment is tailored to each individual and evaluates cognitive functioning in depth, identifying subtle changes that shorter tests often miss.
How long does cognitive testing take for older adults?
The complete assessment process involves three stages:
- Initial consultation: 50 minutes to evaluate your needs
- Testing session: 2-3 hours, broken into periods to avoid fatigue
- Results review: In-depth discussion of findings with you and family members (if desired)
What's the difference between a cognitive screen and a full neuropsychological assessment?
Cognitive screens are brief tests (10-15 minutes) typically done in medical offices to provide a quick overview of cognitive functioning. While useful for identifying obvious impairment, they often miss subtle cognitive changes in their early stages.
A neuropsychological assessment is comprehensive and individualized, examining specific cognitive domains in detail. This thorough evaluation can detect mild cognitive impairment and early-stage changes that brief screens miss, providing crucial information for early intervention.
How quickly can I get an appointment for cognitive testing?
Dr. Estupinian typically schedules assessments within 1 to 2 weeks of the initial consultation. This is significantly faster than wait times of 1-2 years for neuropsychological assessments with Medicare-covered providers.
Early assessment means earlier diagnosis and faster initiation of appropriate treatments. For geriatricians and neurologists, timely neuropsychological findings are essential for developing effective treatment plans.
Does Medicare cover neuropsychological assessments?
Medicare does cover neuropsychological assessments, but current wait times through Medicare providers are 1-2 years. Dr. Estupinian’s practice is private pay and does not accept Medicare or insurance, but assessments are typically completed within 2 weeks.
Additionally, Medicare-covered assessments often have time limitations, and results are sent directly to your physician without the comprehensive in-person review that Dr. Estupinian provides to you and your family.
How much does cognitive testing cost in Los Gatos?
The initial 50-minute consultation costs $300. During this session, Dr. Estupinian evaluates whether an assessment is appropriate and explains your options. The cost of the full assessment depends on its type and complexity, which Dr. Estupinian will explain in detail during your consultation.
Payment plans are available through CareCredit, offering interest-free terms and a rolling credit line for your convenience.
Can I use my insurance for out-of-network benefits?
Some PPO insurance plans offer out-of-network reimbursement. While Dr. Estupinian’s office does not submit insurance claims, you can submit claims directly to your insurance company after paying for services. We provide detailed receipts with all necessary coding and information for reimbursement purposes.
When should my elderly parent get cognitive testing?
Consider scheduling a cognitive assessment if you or your loved one experiences:
- Memory lapses beyond typical age-related changes
- Difficulty managing finances, medications, or household tasks
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Increased confusion or disorientation
- Changes in judgment or decision-making
- Word-finding difficulties that interfere with communication
- Personality or behavioral changes
- Concerns raised by family members or physicians
Early assessment allows for timely intervention, better outcomes, and informed planning for the future.
What happens after I call in to schedule the appointment?
We will give you access to our online portal in advance of the appoitment where you will include
- List of current medications
- Relevant medical records (if available)
- Names and contact information for your primary care physician and any specialists
- List of specific concerns or changes you’ve noticed
What should I bring to a cognitive assessment appointment?
Bring your glasses and hearing aids. Try to get a good night’s rest and eat a light breakfast.
Can cognitive testing be done at home?
Yes. Dr. Estupinian offers in-home testing when needed or requested, providing flexibility for patients with mobility challenges or those who are more comfortable in their own environment. Please call our office for pricing.
How do I prepare my parent for cognitive testing?
Prepare your loved one by:
- Explaining that the assessment helps doctors understand how to best support their health
- Reassuring them it’s not a pass/fail test
- Ensuring they get a good night’s sleep beforehand
- Making sure they wear glasses or hearing aids if needed
- Scheduling the appointment during their most alert time of day
Dr. Estupinian creates a comfortable, supportive environment and explains each step of the process.
What happens after the cognitive assessment is completed?
After completing the assessment, Dr. Estupinian:
- Analyzes all test results
- Schedules a comprehensive results review session with you and family members (if desired)
- Explains findings in clear, understandable terms
- Provides actionable recommendations
- Delivers a detailed written report to you
- Sends a copy of the report to any medical provider you choose
This thorough review process ensures you fully understand the results and know your next steps, something that Medicare providers typically don’t offer.
Why do Bay Area geriatricians recommend Dr. Estupinian?
Dr. Estupinian brings over 15 years of specialized experience assessing older adults in both hospital and private practice settings. Her extensive background includes:
- 10 years at Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System’s geriatric outpatient clinic
- Collaboration with geriatricians in integrated medical teams
- Hundreds of comprehensive assessments with diverse older adult populations
- Expertise in coordinating findings with medical providers for optimal treatment planning
Bay Area geriatric practitioners and older adults recommend Dr. Estupinian because she combines deep expertise with personalized, compassionate care and provides timely assessments when quick medical decisions are needed.
How accurate are neuropsychological assessments for detecting dementia?
Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments are highly accurate for detecting cognitive impairment and differentiating between types of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and normal age-related changes. The detailed, individualized nature of the evaluation allows for precise identification of specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
What conditions can geriatric neuropsychological testing identify?
Comprehensive assessments can identify:
- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- Vascular cognitive impairment
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Depression-related cognitive changes
- Medication effects on cognition
- Treatable causes of cognitive decline