Is Neuropsych Testing the Missing Link in Alzheimer’s Care?
By Dr. Chelsea Weeks Neuropsychological evaluations may hold the key to earlier diagnosis, better care planning, and smarter use of breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatments.
Written by:
Dr. Chelsea Weeks
Clinical Neuropsychologist at Minder Memory Center
“Something’s not right — but the MRI looks fine.” That sentence haunts thousands of families each year. Subtle changes in memory, judgment, or personality may be dismissed as aging, anxiety, or stress — until they become impossible to ignore. And while neuroimaging and lab tests are critical, they don’t always pick up the early cognitive shifts that signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
That’s where neuropsychological testing comes in — and where many believe it should come in much sooner.
What is Neuropsych Testing, Really?
What is Neuropsych Testing, Really?
Unlike brain scans, neuropsychological evaluations test how the brain is functioning — through structured, standardized tasks that assess attention, memory, language, reasoning, and more.
"It’s like a workout for your brain, but with very specific goals," says Dr. Chelsea Weeks, a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of Minder Memory. "We’re measuring not just whether a memory issue exists, but what kind, how severe it is, and what’s causing it."
Early Detection Matters — Now More Than Ever
New treatments for Alzheimer’s — like lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab — are most effective in early-stage disease, often during the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) phase. But research shows that MCI is often missed — or misattributed to stress, depression, or “normal aging.”
The Stats
1 in 9 Americans aged 65+ has Alzheimer’s — and millions more live with undiagnosed MCI.
Up to 40% of dementia cases may go undiagnosed in primary care settings.
Neuropsychological evaluations can detect subtle cognitive deficits years before they appear on imaging or become obvious in daily life.
“You can’t treat what you don’t diagnose. And you can’t diagnose what you don’t test for,” says Dr. Weeks.
Early Detection Matters — Now More Than Ever
Neuropsych Testing vs. a Memory Screen
A typical memory screen (like the MMSE or MoCA) takes 10–15 minutes. A neuropsych eval can take 3–5 hours — but with exponentially more insight.
Memory Screen
~10 minutes
Basic screening (pass/fail)
Limited sensitivity
Can’t differentiate causes
Neuropsych Evaluation
3–5 hours
Detailed cognitive profile
Detects mild/subtle deficits
Helps clarify etiology (AD vs. depression, etc.)
“Think of it like blood pressure,” says Dr. Mark Tanzi, a geriatrician. “A one-time check is fine, but if you’re treating a complex condition, you need a full workup.”
So Why Isn’t It Standard Yet?
Despite the benefits, neuropsych evaluations are underutilized. Barriers include:
Long wait times (often 6–12 months)
Limited public awareness
Misconceptions about cost and complexity
Shortage of trained neuropsychologists in many areas
But that’s changing, Minder Memory’s telehealth model reduces delays and increases access.
So Why Isn’t It Standard Yet?
Beyond Diagnosis: A Roadmap for Care
Beyond Diagnosis: A Roadmap for Care
Neuropsych results don’t just confirm Alzheimer’s — they guide care:
Tailor medications and cognitive rehab strategies
Identify driving, financial, or safety concerns
Help families plan for support and decision-making
Support eligibility for services, accommodations, and clinical trials
What Caregivers Should Know
If your loved one is:
Showing noticeable memory changes
Struggling with everyday tasks
Becoming more withdrawn or irritable
don’t wait. Ask your doctor about a referral for neuropsychological evaluation.
It could change the trajectory of their care.
What Caregivers Should Know
Final Word
Neuropsychological testing isn’t just about labeling a condition. It’s about providing a clear, data-driven foundation for what comes next — especially in the uncertain early stages of Alzheimer’s.
“Neuropsychology gives us the map,” says Dr. Weeks. “And in a disease like Alzheimer’s, the earlier you can chart the course, the better chance you have of slowing it down.”
RESOURCES
National Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org What Is a Neuropsych Evaluation? MinderMemory.com Lecanemab Prescribing Criteria: CMS.gov
.svg)
