Dementia Testing

Over 40% of Americans older than 55 will develop dementia, but early detection and intervention can minimize age-related cognitive decline. At Hill Country Wellness Journey in New Braunfels, Texas, family medicine physician Joel Massey, MD, offers dementia testing and treatment that supports optimal brain health. Schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is dementia testing?

Dementia is a group of symptoms associated with diminished cognitive function. It’s often characterized by changes in memory, mood, mental sharpness, and/or behavior. Dementia can also affect the ability to learn, speak, and make good decisions.

Dementia is common with age, especially among the elderly. It often affects people over 65. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. 

Dementia testing at Hill Country Wellness Journey uses the Creyos neurocognitive testing system to detect dementia and other brain-function concerns to determine how to best address them. 

Which symptoms warrant dementia testing?

Signs of dementia can include:

• Forgetting things, such as names and dates
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Reduced mental acuity
• Difficulty sharing thoughts
• Memory loss
• Trouble speaking
• Difficulty following directions 
• Mood or personality changes
• Depression, anxiety, irritability, or agitation 
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Disorientation
• Sleep problems
• Repeated movements or fidgeting

Dementia often develops in stages, ranging from mild to severe and debilitating. Over time, it can reduce the ability for proper self-care.

If you or a loved one shows signs of dementia, see Dr. Massey at Hill Country Wellness Journey for an evaluation. About 6.7 million people over 65 in the United States have some form of dementia.

Who is a candidate for dementia testing?

Dr. Massey meets with you or a loved one to determine if dementia testing is appropriate. He discusses symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle. Dr. Massey could also recommend blood work, a psychiatric evaluation, pharmacogenomic testing, and/or imaging procedures. 

What can I expect during dementia testing?

Hill Country Wellness Journey uses cutting-edge Creyos neurocognitive testing to screen for dementia, brain fog, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and similar conditions. 

Neurocognitive testing can assess:

• Memory
• Attention 
• Behavioral patterns
• Executive function
• Processing speed 

Dementia testing at Hill Country Wellness Journey combines a patient-friendly digital experience with cognitive science. It uses well-studied cognitive tasks and standardized behavioral health questionnaires to assess overall brain health.

The assessments are engaging and set up as games, making them easy to complete and approachable. 

What happens after dementia testing?

Dr. Massey reviews the dementia testing results and determines if you or a loved one needs further diagnostic testing or treatment. He learns if the symptoms are related to lifestyle, medications, mood, stress, hormone imbalance, genetics, and/or sleep. 

Dr. Massey might recommend dietary supplements, medication, lifestyle changes, or behavioral therapy. Dementia can’t be cured, but early detection and treatment can help slow its progression.

It’s also helpful to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, minimize stress, and stay active. Consider brain-stimulating activities like puzzles, stay socially engaged, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, and manage chronic diseases.

Schedule dementia testing at Hill Country Wellness Journey by calling the office or booking a visit online today. Telehealth appointments are also available.