Mild Cognitive Decline / Dementia

Dementia and its effects are becoming commonplace in our lifetime, significantly so. Statistics regarding the prevalence of dementia document that it doubles every 5 years, beginning with 1% of the 60 year old population, increasing to and culminating with 32% of the 85 years and older population. At United Psychological Services, our research has shown that a difference can be made at any time; however the greatest improvement is seen when the diagnosis and intervention takes place at the earliest sign. There is so much that we can do to increase the potential for graceful aging.

Dementia is the general term used for a number of diseases and disorders affecting the brain in the aging population. The largest proportion of diagnosed dementia is Alzheimer’s disease which represents up to 90% of dementia in the United States.

There are three other types of dementia occurring commonly that may require distinctly different medical treatment: Cardiovascular/ Frontotemporal dementia, Frontal Lobe, and Lewy Body dementia. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to the best prognosis and can be the answer to graceful aging. Inaccurate diagnosis for certain types of dementia can be a devastating and costly mistake. This is where neuropsychological testing to achieve an accurate diagnosis is so critical.

At United Psychological Services we can:

• Ensure an accurate diagnosis using neuropsychological evaluation to separate out the various forms of dementia.
• Provide accurate diagnosis early in the disease progression to effect the best possible outcome through medical and neurocognitive interventions for memory and executive reasoning.
• Provide behavioral plans for treatment of the emotional problems sometimes associated with different types of dementia.
• Support and guide family members in planning for the future of the aged person.
• Potentially reduce or eliminate costly expenses for the individual and/or their family by extending the ability to live independently.
• Provide a specific, individualized treatment program based upon the type of problems identified in our assessment. This program is offered on-site as well as in the home setting. It has been quite successful in improving brain processes; especially memory and problem solving skills as evidenced in post-treatment evaluation. This program has proven helpful over time to aged individuals, For more information, please see: Neurocognitive Interventions.

For more about dementia, watch this video by Dr. Barbara Fisher, our Clinical Director.

See our video page for more informative videos.