Dr. Nettimi Tests for Memory Loss
Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink | 01.28.11
Dr. Balaji Nettimi is President of the California Mind Institute, and is a psychologist at Rancho Mirage Psychological Services in California. He specializes in diagnosing memory 
loss and Alzheimer's Disease. Usually, physicians refer their patients to him though sometimes worried people find him by themselves.
He explained to me that a diagnosis of memory loss requires a battery of tests by a trained professional. It's not only the tests but just how a person behaves and reacts while taking the tests that is important. I asked him about the tests first and then we went on to behaviors and reactions.
Batteries of Tests
The tests are given in batteries. In this case, "battery" means "a group of similar things meant to be used together." These tests have names like the Meyers Neuropsychological Battery, or the Wechsler Memory Scale. They have been taken by many thousands of people so results can be measured against big data bases. The test battery Dr. Nettimi uses for Alzheimer's diagnostics takes over ten hours. He spreads the testing out over four to five weekly sessions so his patients don't get too tired.
He tests visual memory, verbal memory, motor function, cognitive processing speed, motor functions, the ability to make decisions, reasoning, and concentration and attention. He screens for aphasia (using the wrong word), and he gives a personality test to examine truthfulness and pathalogical ideas.
Behavior Is Important Too
It's not enought to just take tests and look at the results. The psychologist is trained to observe the patient during the testing process. Dr. Nettimi looks for things like impatience, difficulty getting started or completing tasks, confusion, and even aggression.
Often a relative or spouse will come along to see Dr. Nettimi. That person gets a special rating form to provide additional information. For example, the patient may say he can drive a car, and he can. He can drive just fine except that he gets confused and lost when he is going somewhere.
Wrapping It Up
Dr. Nettimi spends several hours analysing the tests and writing up his report. Then he has a final session with the patient and sends his report to the patient's physician. He said, "Even though my patient has come to me to find out what is happening to him (or her), the hardest part is telling him what is wrong."
