This type of evaluation is recommended for individuals experiencing problems involving concentration, memory, or other thinking skills. The evaluation is highly sensitive to subtle cognitive difficulties and is also useful in determining which areas of the brain have been affected and how it impacts daily life.

The result of the evaluation is diagnostic clarity, description of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations tailored to the individual’s unique personality and neurocognitive profile. This information is discussed at a feedback meeting and is detailed in a confidential written report that is sent to the health care professional who made the referral. Release of the report to others can only be accomplished by the individual’s signed request.

Conditions that are typically evaluated include:

Each year, most individuals have an annual check up with their primary care or internal medicine doctor. Weight is noted, blood pressure taken and cholesterol checked. All are routine measures. The annual routine establishes a benchmark of physical health, one by which the next year’s visit will be measured. Most individuals have never had cognitive testing as part of their routine medical care.

The brain is the most vital organ to everyday-life functioning. It is just as essential to measure and monitor your brain fitness as it is to measure and monitor your physical fitness. In recent years, research has proven that much can be done to keep the brain healthy just like the body. Establishing a brain health benchmark will allow you to annually monitor any changes with the purpose of keeping tabs on cognitive abilities as you age and build resilience as much as possible to guard against cognitive decline.

The brain health check-up includes a baseline screening of attention, memory and other thinking abilities. The baseline allows for comparisons to occur over time in order to assure continued health or to detect the earliest signs of a problem. You will also be given personalized recommendations with practical ideas on how to keep your mind sharp. Results of the brain health check-up are completely personal and confidential. It is not diagnostic, and in some cases the individual might be recommended for a more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

The brain health course is recommended for individuals who want to gain a better understanding of successful aging and how to keep their mind sharp. The following topics will be reviewed:

• Risk factors for cognitive decline
• Age-related cognitive decline versus dementia
• Recognize stress and how it impacts brain functioning
• Effective techniques to better manage stress
• Importance of proper nutrition, physical exercise, and sleep quality
• Compensatory strategies that maximize attention, memory and thinking skills

Your brain is involved in everything you do – every thought, word, action, behavior, and feeling – literally everything. Because your brain affects all aspects of your life from health and happiness to relationships and your ability to function in the world, it makes sense to learn about and take care of it.

With over five million Americans age 65 and older currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and that number projected to triple by 2050, brain health is of major concern to most everyone. There is a lot of misinformation out there presented as fact and persistent brain myths. Therefore, it is important that you educate yourself about what is arguably the most important organ in your body.