Memory Loss Concerns? 9 Things to Know About Dementia Evaluations in Oklahoma
- Dr. Steve Sternlof
- Jun 14
- 5 min read
When you or someone you love starts forgetting names, losing keys more often, or feeling confused in familiar places, it’s natural for anxiety to set in. "Is this just normal aging, or is it something more?" It’s the question that keeps many Oklahomans up at night.
I want you to know right now: I’m committed to giving you and your family the best care and experience possible. At Psychology Specialists, our team understands that walking through our doors represents a significant step in your life. There is no such thing as a bad question when it comes to your brain health, and we are here to ensure you get the clarity and support you deserve.
Whether you are in Oklahoma City or surrounding communities across Oklahoma, navigating a memory loss journey can feel overwhelming. To help ease that path, we’ve put together the 9 most important things you should know about dementia evaluations and how our approach can help you find the answers you seek.
1. We Take a Collaborative "Team" Approach
One of the first things you should know is that you aren't just seeing one person; you are gaining a team of experts dedicated to your well-being. A thorough dementia evaluation isn't just about a doctor looking at a chart. It involves licensed psychologists with specialization in neuropsychology working together with your other healthcare providers in primary care and neurology to look at the whole picture.
We believe that the best care happens when we collaborate with you, your family, and your other healthcare providers. By pooling our expertise, we ensure that every nuance of your cognitive health is considered, providing a much more accurate picture than a single-person screening ever could.
2. There Is No Single "Dementia Test"
Many people come to us asking for "the test" that determines if they have Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. In reality, a diagnosis is reached through a combination of several different assessments.
A comprehensive evaluation typically includes a detailed clinical interview, a review of your medical history, and a battery of neuropsychological tests that measure different areas of brain function. We also look at your physical health, lifestyle, and even your mood. It’s a puzzle, and our job is to put all the pieces together to give you a clear answer.
3. Screening Is Not the Same as a Full Evaluation
You may have had a "mini-mental" exam or a quick screening at your primary care doctor’s office. While these are great first steps, they are just that, a first step.
A screening is like a quick temperature check; it tells us something might be wrong, but it doesn't tell us what or why. Our comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations go much deeper. We spend several hours with you to map out exactly how your brain is processing information, which is essential for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan.
4. We Measure More Than Just "Memory"
Dementia affects more than just your ability to remember where you parked. It can impact many different "domains" of the brain. During your evaluation at our Oklahoma location, we’ll measure:
Executive Function: Your ability to plan, organize, and solve problems.
Language: Your ability to find the right words or follow complex conversations.
Attention: How well you can stay focused on a task.
Processing Speed: How quickly your brain takes in and reacts to information.
Visual-Spatial Skills: How you perceive the world around you and navigate space.
By looking at all these areas, we can identify specific patterns that help us distinguish between different types of neurocognitive disorders.
5. A Personal Profile Is More Valuable Than a Label
While a diagnosis (like "Mild Cognitive Impairment" or "Alzheimer's") is important for medical records, what matters most to you is the profile of your strengths and weaknesses.
Every person's brain is unique. Our evaluations provide a roadmap. We don't just tell you what's wrong; we also tell you what is still working well. This allows us to give you practical strategies to compensate for memory gaps and play to your cognitive strengths, helping you maintain your independence for as long as possible.
6. Preparation Makes a Huge Difference
We want your visit to be as stress-free as possible. To get the most out of your evaluation, we recommend a few simple steps:
Bring your glasses and hearing aids: We want to measure your brain, not your eyesight or hearing!
List your medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter supplements can affect cognitive performance.
Get a good night's sleep: Being well-rested helps you perform at your best.
Have a light meal: You'll be with us for a few hours, so make sure you aren't hungry.
If you have questions about what to bring, don't hesitate to get in touch with our office team in Oklahoma.
7. Family Involvement Is Essential
We often say that dementia is a "family journey." If you have a spouse, adult child, or close friend who knows you well, we strongly encourage them to join part of the evaluation.
Family members can provide invaluable context, small changes they’ve noticed in your daily routine that you might not even realize are happening. Their observations help us bridge the gap between "test scores" and "real life." We also make sure to include them in the results session so everyone is on the same page moving forward.
8. Early Diagnosis Opens More Doors
It is very common to want to "wait and see" if things get better. However, when it comes to memory loss, early intervention is vital.
An early diagnosis allows you to:
Access new medications that are most effective in the early stages.
Make important legal and financial decisions while you are still fully capable.
Identify safety concerns (like driving or medication management) before a crisis happens.
Participate in clinical trials if you choose.
Find peace of mind by finally having an answer to the "unknown."
9. You Have Great Local Resources in Oklahoma
You aren't alone in this. Beyond the evaluation we provide, Oklahoma has a wonderful network of support. We frequently refer our families to local organizations that can provide ongoing care and community:
The Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter: They offer 24/7 help and local support groups throughout Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Dementia Friendly Oklahoma: A great initiative for finding businesses and communities that are trained to support those with memory loss.
Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative (OHAI): They provide excellent education and wellness programs for seniors across the state.
All the Answers You Seek, In One Place
We know that scheduling a dementia evaluation can feel scary, but it is the most empowering thing you can do for your future. Whether you are noticing changes in yourself or are concerned about a parent, we are here to help.
Our team is dedicated to providing a warm, supportive, and highly professional environment where you feel heard and respected. We serve all of Oklahoma with the specialized neuropsychological expertise you need to move forward with confidence.
Have a question you'd like to ask? Our team is ready to listen. We look forward to helping you learn more about comprehensive evaluations and how they can help your family get the answers you need quickly and easily.
Dr. Steve Sternlof | Psychology Specialists of Oklahoma
