Evaluation for Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias: .Clinical psychologist trained in neurocognitive assessment administer tests that have been developed through rigorous research in order to study people's short- and long-term memory, attention, concentration, reasoning, and ability to solve problems and learn new information. Tests results are compared to performance of other individuals of the same age and education level to determine whether a specific individual is impaired.

ADD/ADHD Evaluation: Your MD will likely not prescribe medications to help your attention and concentration without some kind of objective testing.  This is because ADD/ADHD is often misdiagnosed and, in the past, medications for this issue were over-prescribed. An objective evaluation  will include taking a  thorough history, objective assessment and rating of signs and symptoms of attention problems, concentration problems, organizational problems, academic and/or work issues. A full written report will be provided to your MD upon your request.  If you are a student accommodations for optional learning will be outlined in the report. 

Dr. Edward Qualls, Psy.D.  

Clinical Psychology- Consulting Psychology

What is Neurocognitive Assessment?   Neurocognitive evaluation often includes at least 3 components: (1) a review of your medical and other records, (2) an interview with you and, often, another person who knows you well (a family member, close friend, or caregiver), and (3) administration of tests that measure your abilities and mood.  Using these three sources of information, a psychologist will provide you with a comprehensive report that summarizes relevant medical history, your evaluation results, areas where your cognitive or emotional functioning has changed, and recommendations for work, home, and family

.Why would I need a neurocognitive evaluation? The evaluation is helpful to answer questions about return to normal life.  You may have questions like:  

* “When can I go back to work?”  

*   Do I really have ADD/ADHD?

* “Can I start driving again?”  

*  "Do I have a concussion?"  

* "Can my elderly relative be safe living alone?""

* "Do I have a learning disability?"

* “What kind of accommodations do I need for school?” * “Am I depressed or am I just tired?”

Although doctors are able to look at scans and images of the brain, pictures do not always show how the brain is working and how the brain has been injured. By doing neurocognitive testing, doctors are able to see how your brain is working. These tests will also help you and your doctors understand how your abilities and mood have changed.  Once you have completed the evaluation process, your health care provider will be able to give you recommendations that will help you and your family to develop a plan for getting better.  

What skills and abilities will neurocognitive tests measure? Typically, neurocognitive tests will examine a variety of skills and abilities: ‐ General Intelligence ‐ Problem Solving ‐ Planning and Abstract Thinking ‐ Attention and Concentration ‐ Learning and Memory ‐ Language ‐ Visual and Spatial Perception ‐ Motor and Sensory Skills ‐ Academic Skills. Depending on your illness or injury, the evaluation may focus on some abilities more than others.