April 27, 2021 – When someone has cognitive symptoms not associated with normal aging, an evaluation at a memory disorder clinic and neuropsychological testing can help determine the cause. On May 4, the Alzheimer’s Association will host a deep dive into neuropsychological testing with its virtual program, “What if It Isn’t Alzheimer’s?” 

 

“While some mild changes in cognition are considered a normal part of the aging process, dementia is not,” noted Paula Cooper, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Memory Disorder Clinic and guest speaker for the event. “Normal age-related declines are subtle and mostly affect the speed of thinking and attentional control.”

 

Danielle Valery, program manager for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Memory Disorder Clinic, will also be a featured speaker of the program, to be followed by Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator Fitzgerald Mason, who will speak on the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Bernice Pelea, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, noted: “There is a common misconception that Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss as a result of aging are one and the same. In reality, not every case of memory loss is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Neuropsychological testing can help those who are experiencing memory loss to identify the true culprit.”

“What if It Isn’t Alzheimer’s?” will begin at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 4. Register by calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or by visiting 

http://bit.ly/AlzWhatIf. 

 

 

Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.