Cognitive (Memory) Testing and Dementia Care
Welcome to our Cognitive Testing and Dementia Care services page. Our mission is to support individuals and families through the challenging journey of memory impairment and dementia, offering expert diagnosis, personalized care plans, and comprehensive support.
Cognitive (Memory) Testing
Memory testing is a crucial first step in identifying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Whether you're seeking reassurance or an early diagnosis, our cognitive testing services are designed to address your needs. For those who show signs of cognitive impairment, early detection opens up a range of treatment options and strategies to manage the condition effectively.
Diagnosis and Staging of Dementia
Dementia progresses through three general stages, each presenting unique challenges and requiring tailored approaches.
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Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): At this early stage, individuals may experience slight memory lapses or cognitive difficulties, but daily functioning remains relatively normal. Early diagnosis at this stage is crucial for exploring preventive measures and interventions.
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Moderate Dementia: In this stage, more pronounced symptoms such as behavioral changes, increased anxiety, and noticeable memory loss emerge. Careful management and support become increasingly important.
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Severe Dementia: Advanced dementia significantly impairs the ability to function independently. At this stage, comprehensive care plans and support systems are essential to enhance quality of life.
In addition to staging, diagnosing the specific type of dementia is vital. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common, but other forms include Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. In some cases, multiple forms of dementia can coexist, leading to complex symptomatology (multi-focal dementia).
Imaging
Accurate diagnosis often involves medical imaging. Tools such as MRI and PET scans are used to obtain detailed images of the brain, helping us to better understand the extent and nature of the disease. This imaging is instrumental in confirming a diagnosis and tailoring the appropriate treatment plan.
Care Planning
Developing an effective care plan is a collaborative effort. Our comprehensive approach includes:
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Lifestyle and Dietary Changes: Recommendations to support overall health and well-being.
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Medical Interventions: Exploring options such as the latest Alzheimer’s drugs (e.g., Leqembi or Kisunla) and other treatments.
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Clinical Trials: Opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research that may offer new treatment options.
Our care plans are created with input from both the patient and their loved ones, recognizing that managing dementia is a team effort.
Treatment
Dementia treatment involves a range of therapies that may evolve over time. We will discuss and implement various treatment options based on the individual’s specific needs and the progression of their condition.
Maintenance and Re-Testing
Ongoing monitoring is key to managing dementia. Regular check-ups allow us to track disease progression, adjust treatment plans, and ensure the best possible care.
Clinical Trials
For those seeking advanced treatment options, participating in clinical trials can provide access to the latest developments in dementia research. Whether through our office or via referral to specialized organizations, we can help you find and enroll in the most suitable clinical trials.
Referrals to Outside Organizations
Navigating dementia involves accessing various resources beyond medical care. We can connect patients and their families with support groups, financial assistance programs, and other valuable resources. Our extensive network and experience in the field allow us to offer personalized recommendations for comprehensive support.
We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. KSK Neuroscience Center is part of the KSK Medical Group.
Our Leadership Team
KSK Medical Group Founder
Kenneth M. Tokita, MD (see CV)
Kenneth M. Tokita, M.D. is a graduate of the University of Washington School Of Medicine. He interned at the University of Southern California and underwent residencies at both the Mayo Clinic and the University of Washington. After proudly serving as a US Army physician, Dr. Tokita eventually settled his practice in Southern California. With over 35 years' experience, Dr. Tokita is one of the nation's foremost experts in radiation therapy. He has developed many treatment techniques, such as leading the original spacer material studies that helped develop SpaceOAR. His studies ultimately led to the FDA approval of SpaceOAR. Dr. Tokita has also developed many other treatment techniques that are used today and continues to develop advanced techniques that place him on the leading edge in radiation oncology.
Dr. Tokita's ground-breaking accomplishments, years of expertise and patient care has led to a dream of the most ideal comprehensive medical centers in Southern California. Dr. Tokita was the Founding Director at Torrance Memorial Hospital, St. John's Hospital and currently at KSK Medical.
Neurologist
Dr. Ibish is a Triple Board Certified Fellowship Trained NeuroIntensive Care and Vascular Neurologist. He completed his undergraduate education with distinction at the University of California-Santa Barbara- graduating Suma cum laude in Cell Biology and Chemistry. He then attended Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. Dr. Ibish cultivated an academic and clinical interest in neurology. He completed his Neurology Residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. During his residency, Dr. Ibish decided to pursue further subspecialty training. Returning to hometown in Southern California, he completed a Vascular Neurology and Stroke Fellowship at USC Keck School of Medicine and a 2 year clinical fellowship in Neuro Critical Care at the David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 young children, playing basketball and literature.
Chief Operations Officer and Compliance
Lisa Thurman
Lisa Thurman brings over 20 years’ experience in medical operations development and pharmaceutical research to the RiiiD Team. Most recently, she has partnered with a non-profit organization to speed the delivery of new therapies for central nervous system diseases. With her extensive background in clinical operations development and compliance, including building and overseeing new practices, Lisa is eager to bring new, innovative approaches to integrative wellness through RiiiD Medical. Her mission is to accelerate quality of care by designing and implementing an innovative and adaptive platform for whole-body wellness.