Dementia Screening and Memory Assessment
What Is It?
Cognitive screening for memory loss, language difficulties, visuospatial dysfunction, and behavioral changes that may indicate Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or frontotemporal dementia.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Cognitive screening: MMSE, MoCA, Mini-Cog. Detailed neuropsychological testing if abnormal screen. MRI or CT brain. Lab workup to exclude reversible causes. Neurology referral for definitive diagnosis.
How Is It Treated?
Treat reversible causes (B12, thyroid, normal pressure hydrocephalus). Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) for Alzheimer and Lewy body. Memantine for moderate-severe Alzheimer. Behavioral and safety counseling.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
MoCA, MMSE, B12, TSH, BMP, CBC, RPR, HIV, folate, vitamin D, EEG if seizures, MRI brain.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. MoCA (in-office): included. Labs: $80-$130. MRI brain: $500-$1,200. Donepezil: $10-$20/month.