Neuropsych testing

If it was the 2.5 hour test, then yes, my step-father got his results at the neuropsych’s office. He also received a paper copy detailing results on all the various tests. My mom and I were given summary copies.

The psych sent us a copy of DW's report after I asked for a copy explicitly. It came with a cover letter that said the psych does not recommend sending copies of reports to the family. "The contents of the report were previously discussed with you at our scheduled feedback visit." Hmmph.

If MyChart or a similar platform is available, I would sign up. It seems that everything is also posted there for the benefit of other doctors who might be involved later on. Our Mychart site seems to be very transparent and descriptive, including notes and test results. I’m not sure how this works for others, but I also like that it keeps a history.

DH has been tested 3 times. The first two with our private insurance we got copies of the test results and met his neurologist to discuss them. The last test was with the VA and we met both with the neuropsych and neurologist but did not get a copy of the detailed results. It took over a half dozen requests and 21 months before they finally relented and gave us a copy. We needed it to compare to the previous tests and to give to his neurologist outside of the VA.

Getting on my soapbox for a minute I have no idea why they wouldn't provide that info. It's like telling someone they have high cholesterol but you have no idea if your LDL is high, your triglycerides are high or your HDL is in a good range. There are some studies I've read that showed that low scores in certain areas can point to a specific type of dementia. That can be helpful information for possible timelines, rate of decline (which is what we needed the report to see), etc. My DH's score in executive functioning fell by 1/2 between his last two tests. It's helpful for me to know that and make adjustments in our lives to make things easier for him. OK, I'm stepping off the soapbox now.

My DH had neuropsychological testing prescribed by the neurologist in our previous location. Tests were done a little over a year apart. We received copies of both reports in both paper and digital forms. We have attempted to put them in MyChart for other doctors to look at. To date, no one seems to have actually read them except myself and DH. He was a clinical psychologist himself and maybe understood more than I did, at least the first time around. I would say that if you do get the results, politely point out to doctors and other providers that they are available. FWIW, my DH's results from 11/22 said "consistent with mild dementia", but no doctors seem to have read them. YMMV

We had a follow-up appointment after the test to go over the results/diagnosis. We left with a copy of the findings also. Our primary care physician has been overseeing my husbands Alzheimer's treatment since and we are pleased.

The neuropsych sent a copy of the report to DW's PCP and neurologist, who added a diagnosis of "Alzheimer's disease" to her medical record. That makes her angry every time she sees the diagnosis (in the online portal). Of course, I don't think the nseuropsych testing can positively identify AD. I just know she has some form of dementia, and I deal with the behaviors as they emerge.

Like others, I have gotten some, but not all, test results over time. I think it's useful to validate what you are seeing in the changes and to look back over the history. Why, when you can get all your other test results for other diseases, some doctors don't give them all to you? Do they think you won't understand? Do they realize you've already been reading extensively about the disease(s)? I think we are still in the stage of male docs (how many of you have had female neurologists?) and the old patriarchal mode of doctor as the demi-god. Sigh

The test will show exactly which areas are affected and the depth of the affection. It is really helpful information for the caregiver tohave.