Cognitive Evaluations in Birmingham, AL
Have you—or someone you care about—noticed changes in memory, focus, or decision-making? Maybe it’s forgetting familiar names, struggling to stay organized, or just not feeling as sharp as before. These changes can be frustrating or even worrying, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Upward Behavioral Health in Birmingham, we offer thoughtful, comprehensive cognitive evaluations for those in the Birmingham, Alabama area to help you understand what’s going on and what can be done next.
Understanding Cognitive Testing
Cognitive testing is a way to measure how well your brain is working in areas like memory, attention, problem-solving, language, and reasoning. It helps identify patterns in how you think, learn, and process information. These tests are often used when someone is experiencing memory issues, trouble concentrating, confusion, or learning difficulties and wants to better understand what’s going on.
Cognitive testing isn’t about passing or failing. Instead, it’s about getting a clear picture of how your brain functions. A trained psychologist guides you through different tasks, questions, or puzzles—some on paper, some spoken, and sometimes even on a computer. You might be asked to remember a list of words, solve a problem, or name pictures. The results help show which areas are strong and which might need support.
People get cognitive testing and evaluations in Birmingham, AL for many reasons, including:
Memory concerns (for example, forgetting things more often)
Trouble with focus, organization, or decision-making
Learning challenges (in children, teens, or adults)
Understanding how ADHD or another condition affects thinking
Concerns about dementia or Alzheimer’s
The results of cognitive testing can lead to helpful next steps, like a diagnosis, school or workplace support, or treatment recommendations. Most importantly, it gives you insight into your brain, so you or your loved ones can plan with more confidence.
Why Consider a Cognitive Evaluation?
There are many reasons adults seek cognitive or dementia testing. You may be wondering if what you’re noticing is simply part of getting older, or something more. A loved one may have gently pointed out a change. Either way, an evaluation can offer clarity. It can help answer questions like:
Are these changes within the range of normal aging?
Could they be related to stress, depression, or another health concern?
Are there signs of early dementia, like Alzheimer’s?
What kind of support or accommodations might help?
What the Cognitive Evaluation Process Includes
At Upward, we take the time to get to know you. Each evaluation includes:
A consultation call with a licensed psychologist
Questionnaires and background information gathering
A 2–3 hour testing session (in-person or virtual)
A detailed written report
A follow-up session to review the results and discuss next steps
We understand this process can feel vulnerable. Our role is to listen, guide, and support.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Whether you’re looking for answers for yourself or a loved one, a cognitive evaluation from a professional in Birmingham, AL can be a helpful and meaningful step forward. Our team is here to provide the answers and support you need.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation.