Neurocognitive Evaluations- Adults
Dementia
CARES provides comprehensive neurocognitive assessment and capacity evaluations to individuals with dementia (such as from a stroke or Alzheimer’s), who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (e.g., from a car accident, fall, or assault), or who are experiencing chronic medical issues that are causing cognitive decline (e.g., chronic lung or heart disease).
Evaluations can be tailored to each patient's needs, but typically include an assessment of verbal and nonverbal comprehension; mental flexibility; attention and concentration; verbal, auditory, short-term, and long-term memory; problem solving ability; executive functioning; personality and mood changes; and adaptive functioning.
Each evaluation begins with an interview of the patient and/or family members who can provide detailed information regarding the patient's history and current functioning. This typically takes an hour. Next, the patient undergoes cognitive testing, which typically takes 3-4 hours. The evaluation can be completed in one session or in multiple sessions, depending on the patient's stamina and family preferences.
After the evaluation has been completed, a report is prepared within 2 weeks. The patient and family receive a 1 hour session reviewing the details of the report.
ADHD/Intellectual Functioning
CARES also provides adult ADHD and intellectual functioning evaluations, tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Testing typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the number of tests administered.
Capacity
Capacity evaluations are often requested by family members or the patient's medical providers to assess the need for the assignment of a Health Care Proxy and/or Power of Attorney, or to determine if an Assisted Living Facility is necessary. CARES provides the following capacity evaluations:
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Capacity to Make Financial Decisions
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Capacity to Make Medical Decisions
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Capacity to Live Independently
Capacity evaluations generally require a cognitive evaluation first, with the capacity assessment typically requiring an additional 1-2 hours.
If the patient is living in a Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation Facility within 30 miles of the CARES office, Dr. Gallucci will perform the assessment on-site.
