Desert Foothills Library: What in the !Brain! is Going On?? A Consumer’s Guide to the Purpose, Uses and Misuses of Cognitive Screening Tests

Cognitive screening tests have become a frequent topic of headline news, as well as intimate kitchen table conversations. Such tests are intended to provide a glimpse of thinking abilities, including memory, to determine if additional tests are needed to diagnose various forms of brain injury. Along with other medical evaluations, they can be useful in understanding cognitive changes over time. And these tools may provide information about treatable causes of many neurological conditions. This presentation will provide a brief overview of common tests that medical providers, businesses, and even professional sports teams request to better understand memory and other types of cognitive abilities. Time will be included for Q & A. Jennifer Bortz is a diplomate of clinical neuropsychology. Upon completing her PhD, she completed a 2 year fellowship at Barrow Neurological Institute. She subsequently worked in multidisciplinary clinics at major medical centers serving individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. Free | Register at dfla.org | Questions, please call 480-488-2286.