Dr. Ali Kizilbash, PhD is a Neuropsychologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neuropsychological care for older adults at his clinic in Pensacola, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest quality and legally compliant care. Dr. Kizilbash understands the unique needs of this population, recognizing that aging often brings about complex cognitive and behavioral changes.
General neuropsychologists provide specialized expertise in assessing and managing complex cognitive and behavioral conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive changes after stroke or TBI in older adults, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and the patient's entire care team. Dr. Kizilbash serves older adults (typically age 65 and older), and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients and can be reached by calling (850) 484-7800 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ali Kizilbash, PhD is a clinical neuropsychologist in Pensacola, FL. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Kizilbash provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Ali Kizilbash is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Kizilbash is a compassionate partner in navigating the complexities of senior health, offering comprehensive neuropsychological care. He expertly assesses and manages cognitive and behavioral concerns, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, working closely with primary care physicians and the entire care team to create a personalized plan that prioritizes the unique needs and goals of each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ali Kizilbash can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ali Kizilbash provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Obstructive sleep apnea disrupts sleep, causing fragmented rest that can affect brain function and increase risks for cognitive decline; treatment can often improve alertness and memory.
- Nightmare Disorder: Experiencing frequent nightmares can be unsettling, but it's a treatable condition. For older adults, managing nightmare disorder often involves techniques to improve sleep hygiene and reduce anxiety, leading to better overall well-being.
- Epilepsy, Familial, Mesial, Temporal Lobe: Experiencing seizures originating in the middle temporal lobes of the brain (mesial temporal lobe epilepsy), possibly due to family history, can be managed with appropriate medication and monitoring. This can significantly help in improving memory and overall well-being.
- Neurologic and-or Neurobehavioral Disorders: Experiencing changes in thinking, memory, or behavior can be concerning. Neurological and neurobehavioral disorders are diagnosed through assessment, and treatment plans often involve medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to improve well-being.
- Drug Abuse: Substance abuse can worsen existing cognitive conditions like dementia or impact recovery after a stroke, but help is available through specialized treatment and support services that focus on the needs of older adults.
- Emotional Disability: Emotional difficulties, such as increased anxiety or depression, can be challenging to manage, but professional support from therapists and counselors can provide coping mechanisms and strategies to enhance emotional stability and maintain independence.
- Vagus Nerve Disorder: Disruptions to the vagus nerve can lead to physical and cognitive problems, impacting memory and focus; thankfully, various treatments are available to manage these symptoms and support seniors in maintaining a fulfilling and independent life.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Ali Kizilbash offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): As part of a comprehensive assessment, TMS can help determine if specific brain regions are contributing to memory problems or other cognitive changes in older adults.
- Memory Retraining: Memory retraining is a valuable tool in a senior's care journey, helping them learn new strategies to recall information and improve overall cognitive function.
- Family Counseling: Family counseling improves family dynamics and reduces stress, ultimately contributing to better care and an improved quality of life for the senior experiencing cognitive changes.
- Behavior Modification: By modifying problematic behaviors, caregivers can reduce stress and improve the quality of life for both themselves and the senior they care for.
- Myelography: To better understand the cause of your memory problems or other cognitive changes, your doctor might recommend a myelography, which provides detailed images of your spinal canal to rule out spinal cord compression that can affect brain function.
- Cognitive Function Testing: Cognitive function testing helps doctors understand your thinking and memory skills to diagnose conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
- Investigational Medication for Memory Loss: For seniors diagnosed with memory loss, investigational medications represent a chance to participate in research that could lead to better treatment options and a more positive outlook.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Neuropsychologies in Florida.
Dr. Ali Kizilbash is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With improved sleep, a senior felt less foggy during the day and regained the energy to play cards with friends, a cherished weekly activity.
- Following sessions with a neuropsychology specializing in sleep disorders, a senior couple found relief from frequent nightmares, allowing them to enjoy a more restful and secure sleep, and reclaim their cherished nightly bedtime stories together.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Neuropsychological care with Dr. Ali Kizilbash:
- What is a Neuropsychologist, and how are they different from a Neurologist or a Psychologist?
- A neuropsychologist is a psychologist specializing in how brain health impacts thinking, behavior, and emotions. Neurologists are medical doctors who treat brain diseases, often with medication. Neuropsychologists, on the other hand, use in-depth testing to understand how conditions like stroke or dementia affect cognitive abilities, creating a detailed map of strengths and weaknesses.
- My parent is having memory problems. Is a neuropsychological evaluation the first step?
- A visit to your primary care doctor or a neurologist is often the best first step to rule out any medical causes for memory problems. A neuropsychological evaluation is a crucial next step, providing a detailed assessment of memory, attention, and problem-solving skills to help clarify a diagnosis.
- What happens during a neuropsychological evaluation? Is it stressful?
- A neuropsychological evaluation with Dr. Kizilbash is not a pass/fail test. It involves a series of brain games and paper-and-pencil tasks designed to assess thinking skills. The evaluation is conducted in a supportive environment, allowing for breaks, to get the most accurate picture of your abilities.
- Is the cost of a neuropsychological evaluation covered by Medicare?
- If a neuropsychological evaluation is deemed medically necessary for diagnosis, Medicare and most insurance plans typically cover a substantial portion of the cost. Please contact your insurance provider and Dr. Kizilbash's office to confirm specific coverage details.
- Can this testing tell the difference between normal aging and early dementia?
- Yes, this is a primary function of the evaluation. By comparing your performance to others of your age and background, Dr. Kizilbash can help determine if memory changes are within the normal range or suggest an underlying neurological condition.
- What kind of information will we get from the evaluation report?
- The evaluation report will be a valuable roadmap, detailing your cognitive strengths and weaknesses, potentially distinguishing between types of dementia, and offering personalized recommendations to help manage daily life for you, your family, and your medical team.
- How can an evaluation help after a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
- A neuropsychological evaluation helps determine the specific cognitive effects of a stroke or TBI. This baseline allows therapists to tailor rehabilitation plans, such as speech or occupational therapy, to address individual needs. The evaluation also tracks recovery progress over time, showing how the brain is adapting and responding to treatment.
- How can the results of the evaluation help us as caregivers?
- Dr. Kizilbash's report provides a clear picture of your loved one's abilities and areas needing support. This helps you understand what they can still do, allowing you to tailor communication and home environments for their needs. The recommendations will offer practical strategies for communication, home safety, and future care planning.
5153 N 9th Ave Ste 304
Pensacola FL 32504
Phone: (850) 484-7800
Dr. Ali Kizilbash, PhD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1689656548
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Neuropsychologies like Dr. Ali Kizilbash are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.