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PAMF Consultation and Testing

If you’re having problems thinking clearly, you want an accurate diagnosis. Brain health experts at Palo Alto Medical Foundation 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

  • Neurological Assessment
  • Sleep Evaluation

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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), PAMF's network of Alzheimer’s and brain health specialists 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 caused by changes in your brain.

    Alzheimer’s disease, while common in older people, is not the only cause of cognitive impairment. There are other forms of dementia, some of which are much milder than Alzheimer’s. There are also a number of unrelated medical issues that can cause symptoms that look like dementia. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step. 

    The Diagnostic Process

    No single test can determine if a person has Alzheimer’s disease. Our brain health specialists use a wide range of tools to assess cognitive function and rule out problems that can look like dementia (such as hearing loss and depression), as well as identify physical issues that can contribute to cognitive changes (such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can cause vascular change in the brain).

    Medical Exam and Laboratory Tests

    Your doctor may assess you for cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and stroke, as well as for diabetes, infection, B-12 deficiency, and thyroid, liver and kidney issues. These and other conditions (including Parkinson’s disease, HIV infection, depression and infection) can cause cognitive problems that sometimes look like Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory tests on blood and urine samples can help to identify or rule out many of these conditions. Brain imaging is also essential early on as part of a thorough diagnosis.

    Imaging Exams and Neurodiagnostics

    Imaging scans of the brain can help your doctor diagnose some causes of cognitive impairment, such as a tumor, stroke, vascular dementia, head trauma and others.

    Your neurologist may recommend additional tests, including:

    • 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 to assess your diet and see where adjustments can be made 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 Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
    Amy C. Lee, M.D., MPH

    Amy C. Lee, M.D., MPH

    • Neurology

    David R. Chen, M.D.

    David R. Chen, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Thaichan Jobalia, M.D.

    Thaichan Jobalia, M.D.

    • Geriatric Medicine

    Andreea C. Doaga-Thyne, M.D.

    Andreea C. Doaga-Thyne, M.D.

    • Geriatric Medicine

    Erin L. Eder, M.D., M.S.

    Erin L. Eder, M.D., M.S.

    • Geriatric Medicine

    Minerva Catalan Navarro, M.D.

    Minerva Catalan Navarro, M.D.

    • Geriatric Medicine

    Amy H. Akers, M.D.

    Amy H. Akers, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Chien-Ye Liu, M.D.

    Chien-Ye Liu, M.D.

    • Neurology

    Christine Hessler, M.D.

    Christine Hessler, M.D.

    • Neurology

    View All Related Doctors

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