Dementia Testing

Dementia Testing Serving Everett & Western Washington

Serving Snohomish County, Puget Sound, and the Entire Pacific Northwest

Comprehensive Neuropsychological Assessment for Memory and Thinking Changes

Our neuropsychological evaluations provide a clear and detailed understanding of changes in memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulties that may be related to dementia or age-related cognitive decline, a thorough evaluation can offer answers, direction, and peace of mind.

Cognitive changes can be unsettling—for individuals, families, and caregivers. At Access Neuropsychology Northwest, we offer comprehensive, research-based dementia evaluations designed to provide clarity, accurate diagnosis, and a clear path forward. Conveniently located 30 minutes north of Seattle, we serve clients throughout Snohomish County, King County, and the wider Puget Sound region.

Our mission is to help individuals understand the source of cognitive difficulties and equip families and care teams with the information needed to plan for treatment, safety, and quality of life.

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Why Choose Neuropsychological Testing for Dementia?

Dementia is not a single condition—it’s an umbrella term used to describe a group of disorders that affect memory, thinking, language, and daily functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation is one of the most accurate tools for differentiating between:

  • Normal age-related changes
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Vascular dementia
  • Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
  • Lewy body dementia
  • Cognitive decline related to stroke, TBI, or medical conditions
  • Psychological or personality factors that may impact overall functioning

Each type of dementia involves different symptoms, outcomes, and recommended interventions. Therefore, it is important to identify the underlying cause for the cognitive changes. Many cognitive symptoms overlap, and imaging alone (MRI/CT) cannot diagnose dementia. In fact, some people with obvious cognitive decline or confusion do not have dementia at all. Rather, they may have some other condition impacting cognition that can be treated to resolve their memory problems altogether. Testing can differentiate between dementia, depression, anxiety, medication effects, sleep issues, or other health conditions that mimic dementia.

Neuropsychological testing provides a detailed cognitive profile, allowing for a more accurate and early diagnosis, as well as appropriate treatment recommendations.


Serving the Pacific Northwest With Local Expertise

Our clinic is uniquely positioned to serve this region, including:

  • Everett, WA
  • Seattle & Greater King County
  • Snohomish County communities such as Lynnwood, Edmonds, Bothell, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Marysville, Arlington
  • Skagit County, including Mount Vernon and Burlington
  • The entire Puget Sound region
  • Individuals traveling from across the Pacific Northwest

We understand the needs of Washington residents and collaborate closely with local neurologists, primary care providers, and specialists to ensure continuity of care.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Dementia

If you recognize any of the signs below in yourself or a loved one, a professional evaluation by a neuropsychologist is highly recommended:

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Increasing forgetfulness, but intact recall of events occurring in the distant past
  • Repeating questions and stories
  • Word-finding difficulty or trouble recalling names
  • Getting lost in familiar places
  • Difficulty following or remembering conversations
  • Misplacing common objects
  • Slowed thinking or feeling easily overwhelmed
  • Decreased ability to make decisions or problem solve
  • Disorientation to date or time
  • Unusual suspiciousness or delusional beliefs (i.e., others are stealing from them)

Functional Changes

  • Reduced independence or relying on others to track daily information
  • Problems managing appointments
  • Medication errors
  • Concerns about driving safety
  • Difficulty tracking finances or paying bills
  • Decline in hygiene or independent living skills
  • Disorganization or difficulty completing multi-step tasks

Behavioral or Emotional Changes

  • Personality changes (agitation, apathy, irritability)
  • Poor judgment or impulsivity
  • Social withdrawal
  • Anxiety, depression, or sudden mood swings

Neuropsychological testing provides one of the most validated, sensitive, and precise tools for identifying the presence and pattern of cognitive change.

Early detection supports better planning, prevents safety risks, and improves access to treatment and community resources.

Our Comprehensive Dementia Evaluation Process

At Access Neuropsychology Northwest, Dr. Reilly and Dr. Kearns provide a structured, thorough assessment process designed for diagnostic clarity and actionable recommendations.

Our neuropsychological assessment is detailed, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual. A typical evaluation includes:

1. Clinical Interview

We begin with an in-depth conversation covering:

  • Medical and psychiatric history
  • Current symptoms and concerns
  • Daily functioning
  • Family observations
  • Relevant medical records

Whenever possible, a family member or close contact is included for added insight.

2. Standardized Neuropsychological Testing

We administer validated, gold-standard tests assessing:

  • Memory
  • Attention
  • Processing speed
  • Language
  • Executive functioning
  • Problem-solving
  • Visual-spatial skills
  • Learning
  • Functional abilities
  • Independent decision-making capacity
  • Mood and personality functioning

This process typically takes several hours and provides a highly accurate, data-driven, cognitive profile.

3. Diagnostic Interpretation

We integrate:

  • Test results
  • Medical history and notes from other providers
  • Imaging/lab results (when available)
  • Clinical observations

This allows us to determine whether symptoms reflect normal aging, MCI, dementia, mood-related cognitive changes, or another condition.

4. Personalized Recommendations & Support Plan

You receive:

  • A clear diagnosis (if warranted)
  • Detailed evaluation report written in easily understood terms
  • Practical strategies for home and daily life
  • Safety and independence recommendations
  • Referrals to specialists when needed
  • Local and regional support resources in Snohomish County and Puget Sound

We ensure both patients and families leave with direction and confidence for next steps. Our goal is to maximize each individual’s ability to remain independent via implementation of appropriate coping strategies and supports.

Who We Serve

Our dementia evaluation services are designed for:

  • Adults concerned about memory or cognitive changes
  • Family members seeking clarification about a loved one
  • Individuals noticing changes in independence, judgment, or functioning
  • Patients referred by neurologists, primary care, psychiatry, and rehabilitation specialists
  • Individuals who have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias
  • Adults seeking second opinions or baseline cognitive testing
  • Residents throughout Everett, Seattle, Snohomish County, and the Pacific Northwest

Many referrals involve complex cases, early-stage symptoms, or diagnostic uncertainty. Early detection is crucial to improving outcomes and ensuring an optimal quality of life.

What Makes Our Clinic Different

✔ Regionally Specialized

Expertise in serving Washington’s diverse populations—including urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout Puget Sound.

✔ Evidence-Based Approach

We use standardized tools recognized across neurology, psychology, and aging research.

✔ Clear, Compassionate Communication

Our reports are written in plain language and designed to help families understand next steps.

✔ Collaboration With Local Providers

We work closely with neurologists, PCPs, speech-language pathologists, and care teams across the Pacific Northwest.

✔ Support for Long-Term Care Planning

We guide families toward resources for treatment, safety, cognitive rehabilitation, and community support.

Schedule a Memory Testing or Dementia Evaluation in Everett, WA

If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in memory, thinking, or daily functioning, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can provide clarity and guidance. Access Neuropsychology Northwest is located in Everett, Washington, and serves individuals and families throughout Snohomish County, Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the broader Pacific Northwest. To learn more about scheduling, please get in touch with our office by phone or complete the contact form. Our team will follow up to discuss next steps and answer any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a referral required?

No referral is necessary.

Should I meet with a primary care physician or neurologist first?

The best and most time-efficient approach is to schedule a neuropsychological evaluation first and share the results with your primary care physician and/or neurologist, as these providers oftentimes rely on neuropsychological data to clarify diagnosis.

How long does testing take?

Most evaluations involve an initial hour-long intake interview, approximately four hours of testing, and a separate feedback session to review results.

Can this help with early-stage detection?

Yes—neuropsychological testing is one of the most sensitive tools for identifying early cognitive decline.

Contact Access Neuropsychology Northwest today to schedule your dementia evaluation.