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What is the benefit of a Neuropsychological testing?
my wife has an upcoming Neuropsychological test and is very nervous (and very anxious) about the test. She (and I) would like to know what is the benefit to her for taking this type of test? She knows her memory is not what it was 5-10 years ago and doesn't understand why she should take the test. She thinks they are using her as a guinea pig with this type of test. I cannot provide her with any benefits that would come from taking the test. Can anyone help?
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So far, everyone who has responded to you here that the Neuropsychological exam has benefit, has been 100% correct. I consulted with two experts in the field and they explained the benefits far outweigh any reasons to avoid the testing. Diagnosis tools have come a long way since I dealt with this subject with my mom, and you would be wise to take advantage of this. It will help also with long term planning. Again, give her an incentive and tell her you will take her out for a lovely lunch afterwards!
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1 Reaction@anonimouse, @indiana Scott, Hello! I love seeing your lovely picture. It's fun to see the face of the person we're chatting with and it helps to see your beautiful smile!
You are showing such strength and confidence dealing with your diagnosis. You know, your doctor was so right...it's not a death sentence.....it is a change in life sentence. It is a leaning experience, learning all about acceptance, recognition of the small and huge changes you and your husband and friends see every day, changes you may not realize at first or may not understand or may be challenging. You're such a strong person and it looks like you are doing well during this learning time.
You know, I have for several years had such a tough time standing to prepare and cook, cutting and preparation is tough with some of my issues, and I just can't cook anymore. Well, ok. That's one big change I and my son had to address.......we did and began finding other good ways have good meals. I missed it and my family missed my cooking, wanting me to keep it up and be stronger. I did it as long and as much as I could. When I got to the point I simply could not be happy cooking, I said so and we made other arrangements. We recognized the changes and made changes in how we handled the cooking. It worked so well, I was happier and felt more secure so others around me felt better, too.
No one starved. We all had to get used to come a new way of doing what needed to be done. That's all. I creates a reason for you to all work together to find new ways to accomplish what you needed.
I remember when my mother had the same problem you have and was so frustrated when she couldn't remember her recipe or what she needed to put into something she was making for lunch. She forgot how to cook, how to do other things. When we saw it was time to make a change, we adjusted and she could relax, not feel so anxious to make herself do the things she always did and do them the same way. She just couldn't....so we did it a different way or someone else helped and did it for us.
You know, it was difficult but we finally figured it out and she was so much happier. We all were because of the reduced stress since she couldn't do what we were trying to help her do!
You sound so good. I think your message and your input with folks who are experiencing some of the same things you and your husband are. will be very helpful for them. As a nurse, I know this is really important to you, to help others. Well, you did with your message.
Look forward to hearing more about how you and your husband are handling these issues as they arise. Scott....o
Blessings to you and everyone in your family. elizabeth
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2 ReactionsScott, so well said! I echo every word....blessings and thank you for sharing. You are helping me as the one who walked with my mother on this journey with MCI. It's been several years, but after 12 years of working with her and the many changes we we both expeienced, I am still learning more about my own health and growth and healing from those years. Mayo is helping me so much in this healing as well. We didn't have support groups and I didn't have this wonderful resource, so I'm playing 'catch up' at this point.....but getting there!
Take care and enjoy this day! elizabeth
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2 ReactionsHi @anonimouse, I add my welcome to you and appreciate your input in this discussion. Do you find neuropsychological testing stressful?
It can be really hard for a partner to accept the diagnosis. They don't want things to change. Who does, right? Do you know about Mayo Clinic HABIT program? HABIT stands for Healthy Action to Benefit Independence & Thinking®. It is a 10 day program for individuals who have received the diagnosis of MCI and a partner to learn the best skills for maintaining independence in spite of memory problems, improving self-esteem, and coping with the emotions that arise for the person and their family with the uncertainty that comes with a diagnosis of MCI. The program focuses on adjustment to the diagnosis of MCI, adaptation to cognitive and functional limitations, brain wellness education, physical and cognitive exercise, and stress/emotional management.
@tunared and @anonimouse, this may be something to look into. One of the silver linings of COVID is that the program is now offered online, so you don't have to live near or travel to Mayo Clinic to participate. You can find out more about the program and the virtual version in these posts:
- HABIT Program Overview: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/tab/resource-5394/
- HABIT goes Virtual! https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/newsfeed-post/habit-goes-virtual/
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3 ReactionsColleen, @colleenyoung ...This is fantastic! I'm so glad to know about it.
Blessings and may every day be filled with sunshine! elizabeth
My wife, 77 yrs old had progressive memory loss for last few years. Recently her physician during her annual wellness examination did cognitive test for memory with typical testing with Clock & time and three word repeat test for memory. She failed both. Her eldest sister died of Alzheimer's disease. She (my wife) had a MRI of brain showed mild atrophy. Her Doctor 6 months ago started her on Aricept which she is tolerating well . May be she is little better and takes care of herself and regular chores sometime may be not very correctly. She has refused Neuropsychological tests which doctor asked for recent visit.. I am a retired physician. I know what to expect. So far we live independently with no problems. At this stage I really not sure what we can accomplish with additional testing. Do you agree or have any comments?
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3 ReactionsHello:
I am am Lewy Body dementia patient. Early onset - diagnosed at 57. Now 3 years into it.
It’s great that your wife can help with things. I get a good feelin when i feel that i have contributed.
For me - the neuropsych tests are used to
1) look at the areas of the brain that are involved - for me executive functioning is the main area with deficits in other areas which can help steer toward one diagnosis
2) track progression - I have progressed from mild impairment to moderate impairment
At some point, you have to think of putting themselves through hours of testing annually. This is on my mind as well at this point.
Stay safe and well.
Larry H.
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6 ReactionsThank you for your comments.
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1 ReactionHello @doclax I'm Scott and I'm glad you found Mayo Connect. I found Connect when I was struggling to find solid support/advice for me as a long-term caregiver.
My wife fought a war with brain cancer for 14 1/2 years with many of her symptoms being similar to those of dementia patients, such as was the case with my MIL. Her neuro docs also recommended neuropsych testing for her and while it was not her favorite part of her visits, she did agree to do them. In talking to her when she was deciding, she told me there were two things that motivated her to do them. First, she knew the results helped me, as her caregiver, understand where things stood and what changes had occurred since the last test. Kind of a road map of where we were and how fast or in what direction we were now headed. It did help me as kind of an early-warning system for what might be coming our way. Her second motivation was the fact she was treated at Mayo and as a teaching hospital, she hoped her results would someday help other patients, doctors, researchers, and caregivers in similar situations to hers.
I know every patient and their journeys are unique, but I share my wife's experiences in the hopes it will help someone along the line here.
Strength, Courage, & Peace
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4 ReactionsThank you for your input.
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