Neuro Assessment Center

Memory issues can be due to a combination of factors. Sometimes they are simply due to a poor lifestyle.[1] Do you truly have a memory problem? Or, have you been eating poorly and not sleeping for a minimum of 7 hours or going to bed after midnight?

Instead of assuming that difficulty remembering is a sign of a neuropsychological problem, we gain a holistic view of the client through our Neuro Assessment process to accurately identify the source of the problem.

Stress, diet, and lack of sleep all negatively impact memory formation and recall. Mature adults will often assume memory decrements are the result of age or early signs of dementia. For example, one woman (not a client) who had just undergone a biopsy could not recall her daughter’s phone number and immediately assumed it was a sign of deterioration because of age. The stress of a biopsy is sufficient to negatively impact anyone’s memory.

Sleep deprivation is at epidemic levels with the CDC reporting that about 33% of adults do not get enough sleep.

It is important for individuals who are under age 25 to go to bed before midnight and recommended for everyone. Getting the amount of sleep recommended for their age group (7 – 9 hours for adults; 8 – 10 hours for older teenagers) can clear up memory problems and improve emotional wellbeing. Going to bed earlier in the evening is healthier because it works with, instead of against, the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

Sleep is an important bodily function – as important as a good diet and exercise. The effects of sleep deprivation show up faster than the negative effects of poor nutrition and being sedentary. Other conditions, especially anxiety, often cause sleep deprivation.

Did you know that memories are stored with your limbic system or emotional/memory center?[2]

If you’re experiencing memory problems, we will help you figure out the root of the problem and explain the process in a clear understandable language. There are different kinds of memories and functions (ie. verbal. vs. visual, short term, episodic vs. procedural, etc). Assessments can help differentiate what you are struggling with and why. We can even help you improve your memory with our Neuro Therapy interventions.

Assessments vary due to the nature of the issue we are investigating. Please click here for more information!

Moreover, after the assessment process, Dr. Hai explains useful recommendations and graphs results so clients can see them visually. Clients are then welcome to use our treatment services or ask for any appropriate referrals.

If you need help with a letter for school or work, please don’t be afraid to ask! We advocate for our clients and will help if you just ask!

References:

[1] Xie, W., Berry, A., Lustig, C., Deldin, P., & Zhang, W. (2019). Poor sleep quality and compromised visual working memory capacity. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 25(6), 583-594.

[2] Lénárd, L., László, K., Kertes, E., Ollmann, T., Péczely, L., Kovács, A., … & Karádi, Z. (2018). Substance P and neurotensin in the limbic system: Their roles in reinforcement and memory consolidation. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 85, 1-20.