Dementia/Alzheimer's

Dementia is a term used to describe a series of separate diseases in which there is significant loss of cognitive functioning. This loss of cognitive functioning ordinarily has sufficient severity to interfere with social and occupational functioning. While memory loss is ordinarily considered the central clinical feature, individuals suffering from dementia may also have impairment in abstract thinking, judgment, visual spatial skills, and certain aspects of their language functioning. In addition, patients suffering from dementia often demonstrate disturbances in personality, such as increased agitation.

There are numerous causes of dementia. Some scientists have suggested there are over 50 separate dementias. The most common forms of dementia include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Vascular Dementia
• Parkinson’s Dementia
• Huntington’s Disease
• Lewy Body Dementia
• Frontotemporal Dementia

As with most other clinical syndromes, early identification is a critical factor in assisting individuals suffering from dementia and their families. One major problem in this regard is that many of the symptoms noticed in the early stages of dementia, such as declining memory and word finding difficulties, are very similar to the changes in cognition attributable to normal healthy aging.

The Neuropsychological Institute of South Florida, PA, utilizes techniques demonstrated to be effective in distinguishing “normal” and "abnormal” cognitive aging.

Dr. Michael Charash is the head of the geriatric department of The Neuropsychological Institute of South Florida, PA.

The neuropsychological evaluation prepared by Dr. Charash answers the following questions:

1. Does the patient have a clinically relevant memory disorder?
2. If so, what is the cause (e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease, depression)?
3. What additional psychological or psychiatric services are required to address the needs of the patient?
4. Are there any concerns regarding the patient’s ability to live independently, such as managing household finances, medication regimen, or driving safety? What modifications are necessary to address any concerns in this regard?
5. What supportive services are required for caregivers?
6. Is the patient a good candidate for cognitive retraining?

PAYMENT: In most cases, medicare and supplemental insurance covers all relevant charges for neuropsychological services in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.