907-615-3477 Fax: 907-615-3478 info@neurowest.com Secure Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I referred?

People are referred to us for many reasons, including:

  • Concerns about underlying cognitive issues
  • Monitoring changes from a diagnosed condition, such as Alzheimer's disease, a developmental disorder, or traumatic brain injury
  • Decisions about increased levels of care, such as guardianship
  • Understanding day-to-day functional abilities
  • Developing strategies to improve areas that are challenging
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation assesses how the brain is functioning. The process involves comprehensive testing across multiple domains, including attention, memory, language, motor skills, visuospatial abilities, and executive functioning. Results help identify an individual's strengths, challenges, trajectory, and diagnoses, as well as specific strategies to assist them.

Who is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a licensed, doctoral-level psychologist with two additional years of specialized postdoctoral training. Unlike psychologists who provide testing alone, neuropsychologists conduct comprehensive assessments that consider both neurocognitive and behavioral health.

How many appointments are there?

Most assessments consist of three appointments:

  • An intake where background information will be gathered, which will generally last one hour.
  • A testing appointment in our Anchorage office, scheduled from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, though many people finish sooner.
  • A feedback appointment, which will last approximately one hour.
Do you offer forensic evaluation services?

At present, we do not provide services for medicolegal or forensic evaluations, whether court-ordered or otherwise.

Where are your offices?

We are at 3500 LaTouche St., Suite 250, on the second floor of the LaTouche Professional Center, next to the main waiting area. See our Contact page for a map and directions.

What is testing like?

Neuropsychological testing is very different from school-based assessments. Instead of reviewing what you know, our tests evaluate how you perform with information that is given (performance-based testing). Testing occurs in a comfortable office-like environment with multiple breaks offered throughout your session.

What tests will you give?

Rather than using identical protocols for everyone, the assessments given can vary according to a medical provider's referral questions, a person's unique concerns, and their functional ability (a "flexible-battery" approach). We use current published instruments, the best available normative data, and the newest technology.

How long does testing last?

All of our evaluations are scheduled to start at 9:00 AM and finish at 3:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break at noon), though many complete the testing sooner. Dr. Arnatt provides timing estimates after morning testing.

How do I prepare for testing day?

Getting a full night's rest the night before testing is important, and this is especially true for children and teens. Bring snacks or drinks if helpful. Please do not discontinue any medications unless told to do so by your prescribing provider. If you have concerns about sleep apnea, please make sure they are being actively addressed with your provider.

Who will see my report?

A copy of your report will be sent to the person who referred you for the evaluation, and you will also receive a copy. Reports are protected under numerous state and federal laws (e.g., HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2). Additional distribution requires a Release of Information form.

Will someone explain my results to me?

Feedback sessions cover your entire report, including the tests that were given, their implications, diagnoses, and recommendations. While feedback is optional, we strongly encourage it, and in many cases it is the most valuable part of the evaluation.