Services
Brain Health Assessment & Cognitive Testing in Los Angeles & Beverly Hills
Published: September 15, 2024
Author: Achilles Ntranos MD
Neurologist-led Comprehensive Neuropsychological Testing Services
Are you experiencing unexplained memory lapses, persistent brain fog, or difficulty maintaining focus on tasks that once came naturally? These cognitive challenges can be frustrating and concerning, but you don't have to face them alone.
At Achilles Neurology Clinic, we offer comprehensive neuropsychological testing services throughout Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. Our board-certified neurologist directly reviews and interprets all neuropsychological testing—a critical distinction from psychology-based evaluations. This neurologist-led approach means your cognitive results are immediately correlated with neurological examination findings, enabling better insights, more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatments.
Improve your brain health today by scheduling a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment with our board-certified neurologist.
Cognitive Performance Testing
Our neurologist can perform detailed cognitive performance and neuropsychological testing for professionals, students, and older adults throughout Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. Whether you're seeking baseline cognitive assessment for career planning or concerned about changes in mental sharpness, our comprehensive evaluation identifies your cognitive strengths and areas for optimization.
What is Neuropsychological Testing?
Neuropsychological testing provides a detailed evaluation of your brain's functionality through scientifically validated assessments. These specialized tests measure various cognitive domains and create a comprehensive picture of how your brain processes information.
Core Cognitive Domains We Assess
- Memory Function: We evaluate how effectively you learn, store, and recall information, identifying patterns that distinguish normal age-related changes from potential concerns.
- Attention and Concentration: Our tests measure your ability to focus amid distractions and maintain attention over extended periods—crucial skills for daily functioning.
- Language Processing: We assess your abilities in understanding, processing, and expressing language clearly—fundamental skills that impact communication and comprehension.
- Executive Functioning: Our evaluation examines your capacity for problem-solving, planning, decision-making, and organization—the "command center" functions of your brain.
- Processing Speed: We measure how quickly your brain can take in, interpret, and respond to information—a key metric that affects many daily activities.
- Motor Coordination: Our tests assess how effectively your brain integrates with your body to perform physical tasks requiring precision and coordination.
- Visual-Spatial Abilities: We evaluate your capacity to interpret and interact with the space around you—essential for navigation, driving, and many daily activities.
These comprehensive assessments help us create a detailed cognitive profile that guides accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies tailored to your specific needs.
When Should You Consider a Brain Health Assessment?
Signs That May Indicate a Need for Cognitive Testing
- Persistent memory problems affecting daily life
- Difficulty concentrating or maintaining focus
- Changes in your ability to solve problems or make decisions
- Language difficulties (finding words, following conversations)
- Spatial disorientation or trouble navigating familiar places
- Unexplained changes in mood or behavior
- Cognitive effects following a head injury or medical condition
- Family history of neurological conditions
- Concerns about cognitive changes as you age
Why Los Angeles Residents Choose Our Neuropsychological Testing
You deserve more than guesswork when it comes to your cognitive health. Unlike psychologist-only testing that stops at cognitive scores, our neurologist-led assessment connects your results directly to potential neurological causes. Our board-certified neurologist personally reviews every test, correlates findings with your neurological examination, and can initiate treatment the same day—no referrals or waiting for additional physician review.
Why choose neurologist-led cognitive testing?
Unlike testing performed by psychologists alone, our neurologist-led evaluations integrate cognitive assessment with complete neurological expertise. This means your results are interpreted by a physician who can order MRIs, blood work, and other diagnostic tests—and prescribe treatment immediately if a neurological condition is identified.
What Our Neuropsychological Testing Reveals About Your Brain
- Detects Early Warning Signs: Identify cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, multiple sclerosis, or ADHD—often years before they become clinically apparent.
- Measures the Impact of Injuries or Illness: Quantify exactly how traumatic brain injuries, stroke, or other neurological events have affected your cognitive abilities.
- Guides Smarter Treatment Decisions: Determine whether current therapies are working and make evidence-based adjustments to your care plan.
- Establishes Your Cognitive Baseline: Create a personalized benchmark to track changes over time—essential for those with family history or professional cognitive demands.
- Distinguishes Look-Alike Conditions: Differentiates between conditions with overlapping symptoms, such as depression versus early cognitive decline, or normal aging versus mild cognitive impairment.
Common Conditions We Evaluate Through Neuropsychological Assessment
- Early memory loss and Alzheimer's symptoms
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Post-stroke cognitive changes
- Multiple sclerosis cognitive symptoms — cognitive changes affecting memory, processing speed, and executive function
- ADHD and attention disorders
- Parkinson's disease cognitive effects
- Anxiety and depression's impact on cognition
- Post-COVID cognitive symptoms
- Brain fog and cognitive symptoms
- Effects of medications on cognitive function
Alzheimer's Screening in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles
If you have a family history of Alzheimer's, are noticing mild memory changes, or simply want peace of mind about your brain health, our comprehensive baseline testing provides early detection when it matters most. We identify subtle cognitive patterns that standard screenings miss—giving you time to plan, intervene, and protect your future. Learn more about our approach to memory loss evaluation.
Brain Fog Evaluation & Treatment in Los Angeles
Experiencing persistent mental cloudiness, difficulty concentrating, or "foggy" thinking? Our comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation helps identify the underlying causes of brain fog, including sleep disorders and insomnia, inflammation, post-COVID cognitive symptoms, and other neurological factors. We combine cognitive testing with sleep study evaluation and inflammation workup to develop targeted treatment strategies. Learn more about our brain fog treatment in Los Angeles.
FAA Neuropsychological Testing for Pilots
We also perform neuropsychological testing for FAA neurological evaluations. Pilots with a history of neurological conditions may require cognitive testing as part of their FAA medical certification process. Our comprehensive assessments meet FAA documentation requirements and evaluate memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function critical for safe flight operations.
The Neuropsychological Testing Experience at Achilles Neurology Clinic
Before Your Assessment
How to Prepare for Optimal Results
To ensure the most accurate results from your cognitive assessment:
- Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before testing
- Eat a balanced, nutritious meal before your appointment
- Take all prescribed medications as usual (unless specifically instructed otherwise)
- Bring any vision or hearing aids you regularly use
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing
- Limit caffeine to your normal amount
- Bring a list of all current medications and supplements
- Consider bringing a family member who can provide additional information if needed
During Your Los Angeles Brain Health Assessment
Our comprehensive evaluation typically spans several hours and includes:
Initial Consultation: Our board-certified neurologist will discuss your medical history, specific symptoms, and concerns to customize your assessment. For many patients, neuropsychological testing is part of a full neurological evaluation.
Cognitive Testing Battery: You'll complete various scientifically validated tasks designed to assess different aspects of your cognitive function, including:
- Verbal and visual memory tests
- Problem-solving and abstract reasoning challenges
- Language processing assessments
- Attention and concentration measurements
- Visual-spatial processing tasks
- Motor function and coordination evaluations
Mood and Behavioral Assessment: You may complete questionnaires about your emotional state and behavior patterns to provide a complete picture of your neurological health.
Sleep Assessment: We may also assess your sleep patterns and quality to provide a comprehensive picture of your neurological health.
Important Note
The testing process is thorough and can take 3-4 hours. It's normal to find some tasks challenging—this helps identify specific areas that may need attention. We provide breaks as needed throughout the assessment.
After Your Cognitive Assessment
Unlike psychologist-administered testing that requires a separate physician referral for treatment, our neurologist directly analyzes your results and can act immediately. Our board-certified neurologist will:
- Personally interpret your test results with full neurological context
- Compare your performance to normative data for your age and education level
- Correlate cognitive findings with neurological examination and any imaging or lab results
- Prepare a comprehensive, detailed report of findings
- Discuss results and diagnosis with you directly—no waiting for a separate physician consultation
- Prescribe medications or order additional testing (MRI, bloodwork) if indicated
- Develop a personalized treatment plan and coordinate with your other healthcare providers
Understanding Your Neuropsychological Test Results
Your comprehensive test results will provide detailed insights about your cognitive strengths and challenges. This valuable information allows us to:
- Diagnose specific neurological conditions with greater accuracy
- Develop targeted, evidence-based treatment strategies
- Recommend appropriate accommodations for work, school, or daily activities
- Guide rehabilitation efforts with precision
- Monitor treatment effectiveness over time
- Provide peace of mind about your brain health status
Understanding Your Results
Our neurologist will explain your test results in clear, understandable language. We encourage questions and ensure you fully comprehend what your results mean for your health and daily life.
The Benefits of Neurologist-Led Cognitive Testing in Los Angeles
Physician-Directed Care: Your testing is administered and interpreted by a board-certified neurologist—not a psychologist who must then refer you elsewhere for medical evaluation and treatment.
Immediate Medical Correlation: Unlike standalone psychological testing, we integrate cognitive results with neurological examination, imaging, and laboratory findings for accurate diagnosis.
Same-Day Treatment Options: When testing reveals a treatable condition, our neurologist can prescribe medications, order additional diagnostics, or begin therapy immediately.
Precise Diagnosis: Our comprehensive testing helps differentiate between conditions with similar symptoms, such as depression versus early-stage dementia, or normal aging versus mild cognitive impairment.
Personalized Treatment Planning: By identifying your specific cognitive strengths and challenges, we develop tailored treatment approaches that address your unique needs.
Objective Measurement of Progress: Follow-up testing provides concrete evidence of improvements or changes over time, allowing us to refine your treatment plan as needed.
Early Intervention: Detecting cognitive changes early often leads to more effective treatment outcomes and may slow progression of certain conditions.
Informed Decision-Making: Comprehensive assessment results empower you to make confident decisions about your health, career, and future planning.
Our Approach to Payment and Insurance
At Achilles Neurology Clinic, we are committed to providing exceptional care without the constraints often imposed by insurance networks. We operate on a fee-for-service model, which allows us to:
- Spend more time with each patient
- Conduct thorough, comprehensive assessments
- Avoid rushed appointments common in insurance-based practices
- Focus entirely on your needs rather than insurance requirements
Insurance Reimbursement
While we are out-of-network with all insurance providers, we provide detailed superbills after your appointment that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many PPO plans offer out-of-network benefits that may cover a portion of your expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuropsychological Testing
How long does a complete neuropsychological assessment take?
Most comprehensive assessments take 1-2 hours to complete. We may split testing across multiple sessions if needed for your comfort and to ensure optimal performance.
Is neuropsychological testing covered by insurance?
While we don't participate directly with insurance networks, many patients with PPO plans receive partial reimbursement by submitting our detailed superbill to their insurance company. We're happy to discuss payment options before your appointment.
How often should neuropsychological testing be repeated?
This varies by condition and purpose. For monitoring progressive conditions, annual testing may be recommended. For baseline assessments, every 2-3 years is often sufficient. We provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.
What's the difference between neuropsychological testing and standard cognitive screenings?
Brief cognitive screenings (like those sometimes performed in primary care offices) typically take only 5-10 minutes and can miss subtle cognitive changes. Our comprehensive neuropsychological assessment provides detailed analysis across multiple cognitive domains and can detect problems at much earlier stages.
Why choose a neurologist for cognitive testing instead of a psychologist?
When a psychologist performs neuropsychological testing, they can identify cognitive deficits but cannot diagnose neurological conditions, order brain imaging, or prescribe treatment—you'll need a separate physician referral for those steps. Our neurologist-led testing eliminates this fragmented approach: your cognitive assessment is performed and interpreted by a physician who can immediately correlate findings with neurological examination, order MRIs or bloodwork if needed, and begin treatment the same day.
Can neuropsychological testing predict future cognitive decline?
While no test can predict the future with certainty, our comprehensive assessments can identify patterns that suggest increased risk for cognitive decline and guide preventive strategies to maintain brain health.
Where can I get a cognitive test for dementia in Los Angeles?
Achilles Neurology Clinic in Beverly Hills offers comprehensive cognitive testing for dementia in Los Angeles. Our board-certified neurologist performs detailed neuropsychological evaluations that can detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, helping distinguish between normal aging and cognitive impairment.
Do you offer Alzheimer's screening in Beverly Hills?
Yes, we provide comprehensive Alzheimer's screening at our Beverly Hills location. Our neuropsychological assessment evaluates memory, attention, language, and executive function to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease. We also offer baseline cognitive testing for patients with family history or those who want to monitor their brain health over time.
What causes brain fog and how is it treated?
Brain fog can result from sleep disorders, inflammation, post-COVID syndrome, hormonal changes, medications, or underlying neurological conditions. At our Los Angeles clinic, we use neuropsychological testing combined with sleep assessment and inflammation workup to identify the root cause, then develop targeted treatment strategies to restore mental clarity.
What is cognitive performance testing and who needs it?
Cognitive performance testing evaluates mental abilities including memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. It's valuable for professionals seeking baseline assessments, students with learning concerns, older adults monitoring brain health, and anyone experiencing changes in mental sharpness. Our Beverly Hills neurologist provides detailed cognitive performance evaluations.
What is the difference between a neuropsychological evaluation and neuropsychological testing?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A neuropsychological evaluation typically refers to the complete process including clinical interview, testing, and interpretation, while neuropsychological testing specifically refers to the standardized assessments administered. At Achilles Neurology Clinic in Los Angeles, our comprehensive service includes both components.
How do I find a neuropsychologist near Beverly Hills?
Achilles Neurology Clinic is located in Beverly Hills and provides comprehensive neuropsychological testing services. Dr. Achillefs Ntranos, our board-certified neurologist, performs detailed cognitive assessments for patients throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and surrounding areas including Pasadena and the greater LA region.
Can neuropsychological testing detect early dementia?
Yes, neuropsychological testing is one of the most sensitive methods for detecting early cognitive changes associated with dementia. Our comprehensive assessments can identify subtle memory and thinking problems years before they become apparent in daily life, enabling earlier intervention and treatment planning.
Take Control of Your Brain Health Today
If you're experiencing memory concerns, difficulty focusing, or other cognitive changes, our expert neuropsychological testing in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills can provide the clarity you need. Early assessment often leads to more effective treatment and significantly improved outcomes.
At Achilles Neurology Clinic in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, our Beverly Hills neurologist provides personalized guidance through every step—from testing to understanding results and implementing targeted care plans. We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and support, ensuring you feel confident in your brain health journey.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don't let cognitive concerns impact your quality of life. By taking a proactive approach to your brain health, you're investing in a clearer, more confident future. Schedule your neuropsychological assessment today with our board-certified neurologist, and let's work together toward optimizing your cognitive wellness.
Schedule Your Brain Health Assessment
Take the first step toward understanding your cognitive health. Our Los Angeles specialists are ready to help you find answers.
About the Author
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD
Board-Certified Neurologist
Achilles Neurology Clinic
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD is a board-certified neurologist and MS specialist known for his thorough evaluations and compassionate approach. Originally from Greece, he trained at Johns Hopkins University and Mount Sinai Hospital before founding Achilles Neurology Clinic in Beverly Hills to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered neurological care. He specializes in MS, autoimmune neurology, neuropathy, headaches, and other neurological disorders, blending research-driven insights with personalized treatment plans.