Older Adult Dementia Evaluation in Ann Arbor

When an older parent starts repeating questions, misplacing things, or struggling with tasks that used to be easy, families face a hard question. Is this normal aging, or is it something more. An older adult dementia evaluation in Ann Arbor is how you get a clear, objective answer. AAPT provides these evaluations for older adults and their families across Southeast Michigan, with no waitlist, so you are not waiting months while the worry grows.

Normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia

Not every memory change is dementia. Some slowing is a normal part of aging, and mild cognitive impairment is a real, testable middle ground between normal aging and dementia. In the American Academy of Neurology practice guideline, Petersen and colleagues (2018) describe mild cognitive impairment as a distinct stage that can be identified and monitored over time, and they note that some contributors to cognitive decline are treatable. Standardized testing is how we tell these apart, rather than guessing from a single office visit.

What the evaluation looks at

We measure memory, attention, language, visuospatial skills, and executive functioning, and compare the results to same-age peers, which is what makes the findings meaningful. We combine that with a clinical interview, a health and medication history, and input from a family member who knows the person well. We also screen for reversible contributors like depression, medication effects, sleep problems, and thyroid or vitamin issues, in coordination with the person's physician. The goal is diagnostic clarification and a clear picture of what is happening.

Why a baseline matters

Even when the results are reassuring, a baseline gives you something to measure against later, so any real change can be caught early. If there is decline, early clarity opens doors. It allows for treatment where treatment exists, safety planning at home, legal and financial planning while the person can take part, and support for the family and caregivers. We cannot guarantee a diagnosis, and testing is an honest read rather than a foregone conclusion, but a clear answer is almost always better than living with the uncertainty.

A process built for older adults and families. It begins with a short telehealth consultation, then a clinical interview where family is welcome, then in-person testing paced appropriately for an older adult, and finally a feedback session where we walk the family through the findings and the plan. Where mood or emotional factors are central, we may draw on our general psychological assessment as well. You can start on the neuropsychological assessment overview if you are not sure which evaluation fits.

No waitlist, real turnaround

There is no waitlist. The interview and the testing are usually completed on two separate days within the same week, and can often be done on the same day. You get your written report within four weeks of testing, and for a neuropsychological evaluation it is often sooner. If you need it faster, reach out and we will try to accommodate an expedited timeline. You can check current availability whenever you are ready.

Serving Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan

We are based in Ann Arbor and see older adults and their families from across Southeast Michigan, including Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and the surrounding Washtenaw County communities. For primary care physicians, neurologists, and geriatric providers in the region, we are a fast, compassionate referral when a family needs answers without a long wait.

FAQ

How is this different from the memory screen at a doctor's office?

A brief screen is a quick check that can flag a concern. A neuropsychological evaluation is far more thorough, measuring several areas of thinking in detail and comparing them to same-age peers, which is what clarifies whether this is normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia.

Should a family member come along?

Yes, we encourage it. A spouse or adult child can share observations the person may not notice, and having family in the feedback session helps everyone understand the plan.

Can you tell depression from dementia?

Often, yes. Depression in older adults can mimic memory loss, sometimes called pseudodementia. Our testing helps separate a mood condition from a true cognitive disorder so the right treatment can start.

Do you diagnose Alzheimer's disease?

We clarify the cognitive picture in detail and coordinate with the person's physician. Some pieces, such as imaging and bloodwork, come from the medical provider, and together that builds an accurate diagnosis and plan.

Is there a waitlist?

No. That is the difference we built the practice around. You are not waiting months while the worry grows, and you get a written report within four weeks of testing, often sooner.

Worried about a parent's memory, or your own? Check availability or call 734-333-7016. Compassionate dementia and memory evaluations for older adults in Ann Arbor. No waitlist, and real answers.

References

Petersen, R. C., Lopez, O., Armstrong, M. J., Getchius, T. S. D., Ganguli, M., Gloss, D., Gronseth, G. S., Marson, D., Pringsheim, T., Day, G. S., Sager, M., Stevens, J., & Rae-Grant, A. (2018). Practice guideline update summary: Mild cognitive impairment. Neurology, 90(3), 126-135. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000004826

This page is educational and is not a substitute for a medical or psychological evaluation. A neuropsychological assessment is an honest read of the evidence and cannot guarantee a diagnosis or a specific outcome.