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CPMC Consultation and Testing

If you’re having problems thinking clearly, you want an accurate diagnosis. Brain health experts at California Pacific Medical Center can get to the bottom of your cognitive problems—whether it’s Alzheimer’s, another type of dementia, depression or many others—and help you find effective strategies to improve or better cope with changes.

Doctor's looking at brain scan

Featured Services

  • Neurodiagnostics

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Consultation and Testing within the Sutter Health network

The Sutter Health network has doctors and services in more than 100 California cities.

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    Receiving an Accurate Diagnosis

    If you or a loved one is having problems with your memory or other thinking skills (cognitive skills), Alzheimer’s and brain health specialists at California Pacific Medical Center can help you determine the cause of the problem. Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia are defined as a loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with normal daily activities.

    Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, but it's not the only cause of cognitive impairment. There are many other types of neurodegenerative dementia. A number of underlying medical issues can cause significant cognitive change, but they may be treatable. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step.

    The Diagnostic Process

    Clinicians use a wide variety of tests, including cognitive assessment, brain imaging and blood lab work, to help determine if a person has Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder, or whether their condition may be the result of a treatable medical condition. Our brain health specialists begin with a thorough history and review of your situation. They then use a wide range of tools to assess cognitive functioning and rule out problems that may be mistaken for a neurodegenerative condition, such as hearing loss or depression. They will also assess for medical issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can cause vascular changes in the brain and contribute to cognitive changes.

    Laboratory Tests

    Laboratory tests on blood and urine samples can help to identify or rule out other conditions that can cause cognitive problems and that sometimes look like Alzheimer’s disease. Brain imaging is also essential early on as part of a thorough diagnosis.

    Neurological Assessment

    A neurological examination helps determine how well your nervous system is functioning. A doctor will carefully assess your personal history and perform a cognitive screen. The neurological examination assesses speech, strength, sensation, balance, coordination and movement. This involves fairly simple tasks such as moving your eyes, pulling or pushing the doctor's hand or walking a straight line.

    Neuropsychological Assessment

    Female doctor conducting memory test on elderly female patient

    A neuropsychological evaluation usually occurs over the course of several hours. A doctoral level psychologist who has received special training in neuropsychology and the understanding of brain-behavior relationships starts with a detailed interview with you and, ideally, a loved one or confidant. The psychologist will ask you questions about your current cognitive concerns, daily functioning and activities, emotional well-being, and medical, family, educational, and work history. This helps your doctor understand more about your particular circumstances.

    The second step involves neuropsychological tests to evaluate how your brain’s health is affecting your behavior, your ability to carry out daily living tasks, and your ability to think, remember, solve problems, learn and reason. Most of these tests involve tasks such as remembering a list of items, drawing pictures, sorting items and naming objects in pictures. Using all of the gathered information, the neuropsychologist can assist with diagnosis, assess your strengths and weaknesses, determine areas of change, and make recommendations to help you in your daily life.

    Imaging Exams and Neurodiagnostics

    Imaging scans of the brain can help your doctor diagnose some causes of cognitive impairment, such as a tumor, stroke, a neuro-degenerative process and head trauma. An MRI scan is usually the first choice of exam; other options are CT and PET scans.

    Additional tests may include:

    • Laboratory evaluations such as blood work.
    • A sleep evaluation to identify problems such as sleep apnea or breathing problems that can affect cognitive function.
    • A nutritional assessment that helps your doctor make adjustments to your diet that might boost your energy, improve strength, or lower your blood sugar, cholesterol or blood pressure levels.

    Health and Wellness

    Your Guide to a Healthy Brain

    Your Guide to a Healthy Brain

    Get tips on what you can do to keep your brain functioning at its best, including ideas for diet, exercise, stress management, medications, sleep and more.

    Your Guide to a Healthy Brain Have a healthy brain

    Alzheimer's Disease Research

    Sutter Health Alzheimer's Disease Research
    Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually leaving the person without the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that as many as 5 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer's disease. Research works on ways to improve diagnosis and care for Alzheimer’s disease patients, as well as focusing on a way to cure and possibly prevent it.

    Sutter Health Alzheimer's Disease Research Sutter Health Alzheimer's Disease Research

    Doctors at California Pacific Medical Center

    The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
    Catherine A. Madison, M.D.

    Catherine A. Madison, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Carlos Quintana, M.D.

    Carlos Quintana, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Barbara M. Bishop, M.D.

    Barbara M. Bishop, M.D.

    • Geriatric Medicine

    Nelli Boykoff Perkins, M.D.

    Nelli Boykoff Perkins, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Nikil Swamy, M.D.

    Nikil Swamy, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Teresa Q. Wu, M.D.

    Teresa Q. Wu, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Song J. Kim, M.D.

    Song J. Kim, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Kenneth D. Laxer, M.D.

    Kenneth D. Laxer, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Arnold J. Greenberg, M.D.

    Arnold J. Greenberg, M.D.

    • Neurology

    View All Related Doctors

    Services Near You

    CPMC Imaging, Davies Campus | Castro and Duboce

    CPMC Imaging, Davies Campus | Castro and Duboce

    Castro and Duboce Streets

    San Francisco, CA 94114

    (415) 600-6180

    CPMC Lab, Pacific Campus | 2100 Webster Street

    CPMC Lab, Pacific Campus | 2100 Webster Street

    2100 Webster Street

    Suite 103

    San Francisco, CA 94115

    (415) 600-2200

    CPMC Emergency, Davies Campus

    CPMC Emergency, Davies Campus

    Castro and Duboce Streets

    N. Tower Level A

    San Francisco, CA 94114

    (415) 600-0600

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