Understand Memory Issues & When to Dig Deeper September 3, 2025 We all misplace our keys or forget a name now and then. But as we age, it can be hard to tell what memory issues are normal for our age and what might be a sign of something more serious. That’s where a neuropsychological assessment can help. “Our brains age just like every other organ in our body,” explains Dr. Philip Klineburger, a clinical neuropsychologist at Samaritan Neuropsychology – Albany. “Many older adults struggle to determine whether their forgetfulness is normal for their age or a sign of dementia. This uncertainty can lead to anxiety, which in turn can negatively affect memory and cognition, creating a vicious cycle.” There are numerous behaviors, mental health issues and medical conditions that can impact cognition — especially in older adults — many of which they may be unaware of. Examples include sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease and vitamin deficiencies. Systematically exploring these factors and understanding how they can be treated may help slow cognitive decline. “I’ve had more than a few older adults who were convinced they were developing Alzheimer’s disease, only to find out their cognitive abilities were perfectly normal,” Dr. Klineburger says. “They were surprised to learn they had other potential risk factors for dementia, such as stroke risk factors or reversible causes of memory loss like deficiencies in vitamins B12 or D.” Even seemingly harmless over-the-counter medications, such as Benadryl, can increase the risk of dementia — something many older adults are unaware of. A neuropsychological evaluation can uncover these risks and offer strategies to improve brain health. “A neuropsychological assessment helps us understand how your brain is functioning and whether it’s in line with what’s expected for your age,” Dr. Klineburger says. “We spend close to an hour discussing your current cognitive concerns, as well as sleep, diet, social life, school and work history, and day-to-day activities to get a broad view of the important factors at play.” The assessment includes standardized tests of memory and other cognitive domains, followed by a feedback session to discuss findings, recommendations and future directions. “For example, we can help identify reversible causes of memory loss,” Dr. Klineburger says. “This process is also usually helpful for family members who are concerned about their aging parents but don’t know what steps to take if dementia is suspected.” What Is a Normal Memory Issue & What Is Not? Some memory changes are typical with aging — like needing reminders for errands or appointments or occasionally forgetting the right word to say. But if you’re forgetting things you’ve learned, skipping basic self-care or getting lost in familiar places, it could be a sign of cognitive impairment. A neuropsychological evaluation looks at: Memory. Attention. Language and visual skills. Learning and problem solving. Mood and personality. This comprehensive approach helps identify conditions like mild cognitive impairment, depression or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Who Can Benefit? Neuropsychological assessments aren’t just for older adults. They’re also valuable for: Students struggling with learning or attention issues. Individuals recovering from stroke or head injury. Anyone noticing changes in thinking or behavior. Family members whose parents are having difficulty with cognition or day-to-day activities. “If you’re concerned about your cognitive abilities, start by talking to your doctor,” Dr. Klineburger says. “They’ll review your symptoms, medical history and medications to decide the best next steps.” What to Expect During an Assessment The evaluation typically takes two to four hours and includes: A clinical interview. Computer-based tasks. Verbal and written tests. These are not graded per se, but they are compared to other adults of the same age and with similar demographics (i.e., education level, work history, ethnicity, etc.). There’s no pass or fail, just a detailed look at your cognitive profile. Your results help your care team decide if additional services like counseling, occupational therapy or further testing such as brain imaging, a sleep study or medication review are needed. Take Charge of Your Brain Health Cognitive changes can be subtle, and early detection makes a big difference. A neuropsychological assessment offers clarity and a path forward. Just getting a baseline evaluation can be helpful. If you or someone you care about is experiencing changes in memory, attention or behavior, talk to your primary care provider about a referral to Samaritan Neuropsychology – Albany. You don’t have to navigate these changes alone. And if you are concerned about your parent or older family member’s cognition, consider attending an appointment with them to discuss it with their doctor.
