Nov 03, 2009
Free Cognitive Screening for People with MS
As you know, many people with MS experience changes in their cognitive abilities including memory and attention. Additionally, many people with MS don’t have access to psychologists with special training to assess cognitive abilities. Because of this, the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National MS Society and neuropsychologists from the James Q. Miller MS Clinic at the University of Virginia have teamed up to bring services to individuals in rural areas. We will be in Alleghany County on Saturday, December 5, 2009 to offer brief, individual sessions of cognitive screening at no cost.
What this will involve?
If you would like to participate we ask you register as soon as possible. Once you are registered a Blue Ridge Chapter intern will contact you to complete a questionnaire over the phone. We will then give you a specific time for your appointment on December 5, 2009. You will meet with a neuropsychologist for approximately one hour. You will be asked some questions about your background and you will take some paper and pencil tests to assess your attention, processing speed, memory, and other abilities. We will also ask you to complete a brief screening measure for depression. Afterwards, the neuropsychologist will give you some feedback on your test performance and provide you with a brief written summary of your test results and recommendations for ways improve your functioning. You may share this information with your doctor if you wish.
How will this help me?
The results from the testing might help you better understand the ways that you have or have not been impacted by MS. You might also find the suggestions for compensatory strategies to be useful. The test results might suggest that you have cognitive problems or depression that should be further evaluated. In those cases, we will help you find an appropriate medical professional to treat you. You should know that this evaluation is just a screening. It will not be a comprehensive enough evaluation to be used in support of an application for disability. If that is the type of evaluation you need, we will try to help you locate someone who can provide that service.
How do I sign up or learn more?
If you would like to sign up for this program or if you have questions you should call or email the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Blue Ridge Chapter. Registration is required. Once you are registered you will then receive a follow-up call to complete a brief questionnaire and to confirm your appointment time. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
To register call 1-800-344-4867 or email vab@nmss.org