ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group: A Unique, Meaningful, and Individualized Experience

There are roughly 87 billion neurons in your brain but you cannot recall why you walked into a room or where you placed your reading glasses moments ago - Why does this happen? What does it mean?

Have you noticed forgetfulness or confusion in yourself or a loved one? Or maybe your parents’ speech pattern has changed drastically. Is your child or teen struggling in school? Do you have a history of strained relationships and do not understand why? These are valid questions and concerns, but where do you go for answers when your concerns involve changes in balance, brain, and behavior? Through personalized and patient-centered psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations. Dr. Amber Deckard, owner, and founder of ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group has 10+ years of experience in the eld of neuropsychology beginning with clinical rotations during her doctoral program. The lifelong Hobe Sound resident and former US Marine graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. She continued her education at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) where she earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Her interest in the eld stemmed from her longstanding intrinsic traits of altruism, kindness, and sensibility.

“While I was in the Marines, I saw families with relationship issues and related trauma,” explained Dr. Deckard. Her life experience along with her promise to her grandfather, also a Marine, that she would be

By Gina Zuk

a doctor, ultimately began her career path. There are many facets of clinical psychology, but Dr. Deckard was drawn to neuropsychology because she was passionate about understanding the complexities of the human brain and behavior, and excelled in mathematics, which plays a large role in the diagnostic aspect of her profession. Dr. Deckard’s experience consists of numerous neuropsychology practicum, internship, and post-doctoral positions which include Veteran’s Affairs (VA) hospitals, polytrauma rehabilitation, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), child and adult, and forensic settings with direct patient contact and care. Her understanding of how the brain functions, what triggers a change in cognitive functioning, and how to assess and diagnose conditions. Along with her extensive evidence-based training, she harbors an exceptional syndrome-based understanding of neuropsychological disorders.

A-L-M-A: Attention, Learning, Memory, Aging

ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group is just that…a specialty that looks at relationships between brain-and-behavior using research, statistics, and age/education norms. Included in the practice are Dr. Deckard’s husband, Alex is also a Marine Corps Veteran and he currently holds a Master of Science degree in psychology; he is furthering his education at NSU to obtain a doctorate in school psychology. In the interim, he is serving as the group’s psychometrician. He specializes in testing children and adolescents who come to ALMA for a variety of developmental disorders, attentional disorders (e.g. ADHD), and intelligence quotient (IQ) measures. Alex states, “Everything we do at ALMA is aligned with the Florida Department of Education and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.” For parents or caregivers of children and teens who are concerned about a change in behavior, academic decline, or just want to receive a baseline of brain functioning, ALMA is the perfect place to start. Dr. Deckard sees patients of all ages for a variety of reasons. “It can be a mix of things, Dr. Deckard continues, “behavioral issues, dif culty with learning, thinking skills, autism, and accommodations for college-aged patients.” Dr. Deckard begins with a brief complimentary consultation that servers as a ‘needs assessment’ that is bene cial to both the patient and Dr. Deckard as it provides insight into which type of assessment is needed, clari es expectations, and identi es realistic goals. Patients are welcome to schedule an appointment with ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group on their own accord, but the group also receives referrals from cardiologists, primary care physicians, neurologists, and rheumatologists because there are various medical and emotional disorders that impact the brain and its functioning. In fact, Dr. Deckard recommends that we normalize neurocognitive baselines.

Need More Coupons -

What this means is that we should think of baseline brain assessments as routine self-care, similar to mammograms and prostate checks. It is especially important for middle-age adults to get a routine brain functioning baseline that can be painless and ef ciently conducted at ALMA. This allows patients to have a comparison when emotional or medical changes eventually occur such as stroke, heart attack, trauma, depression, illness, dementia, motor vehicle incident, etc.

When the appropriate assessment is completed, it is scored and double scored, and interpreted. Patients receive a complete written report with recommendations for the next steps. Dr. Deckard’s objective for ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group is for each patient’s encounter to be distinctive and enriching. She offers continuity of care which is an approach to ensure that the patient receives quality care over time. The group aims to maintain a professional and care-centered relationship with each patient after the initial evaluation has concluded. “We want our practice to offer something beyond status quo healthcare.” As part of ALMA Neuro’s comprehensive evaluations, the patient and their family, when appropriate, will be engaged in the feedback process. This means that they will have a purposeful meeting with Dr. Deckard where they will review the ndings and recommendations, and be given the opportunity to ask relevant questions. Additionally, where applicable, the report and feedback session may include recommendations for the patient’s cognitive capacity to operate a vehicle, to live alone, and/or to make signi cant decisions.

Unique Services Offered At ALMA

Suffering from nightmares is a common symptom that affects the quantity and quality of sleep. It is a misnomer that individuals with this condition are forced to just live with it. ALMA Neuro offers Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) for PTSD-Related nightmares in an individual or group format. This brief ve-session therapy is proven to reduce the number of nightmares, change the content of nightmares, and improve the quantity and quality of sleep. ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group also offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that have demonstrated bene ts for both the employer and the employee. This service provides con dential and solution-focused support to address personal and/or work-related issues in an individual therapy setting. Research on EAPs found a reduction in absences with improvement in overall productivity, job satisfaction, employee retention, and work place culture.

As humans, we care deeply for our loved ones, including children, relatives, friends, and neighbors, and it is o en di cult to adjust to cognitive and physical changes that tend to present di erently across their lifespan.

Schedule a free consultation to learn how early detection can lead to prevention/ preservation and can improve current and future care plans for individuals of all ages.

“Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones.” Viktor Frankl. ALMA Neuro’s vision for its older adult patients and aligns with Dr. Deckard’s passion for working with the aging population. She recognizes that the 55+ community is undervalued when, instead, they are crucial to the success of future generations. Therefore, she takes pride in uncovering or building deeper purpose and meaning to the post-retirement population. Dr. Deckard offers insight into the aging process and and normalizes which aspects of the process are normal and natural, to reduce worry and dispel fears of ‘growing old’ - it doesn’t have to be miserable! There are many mutually bene cial opportunites for retirees to engage with their local community. Volunteering and increasing physical, social, and mental activity generates a sense of meaning and purpose. Dr. Deckard emphasizes that staying engaged and interested sparks brain functioning which helps preserve cognitive health. The Hobe Sound Christian Academy and South Fork High School graduate, Dr. Deckard was also the recipient of the Hobe Sound Community Chest Scholarship when she was a student at Indian River State College. To give back to her own community, Dr. Deckard and ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group enjoy giving back to the Hobe Sound Community Chest and surrounding areas.

“ALMA is part of this. They [Hobe Sound Community] are part of the reason why I made it here, so we are part of them,” declared Dr. Deckard.

Visit the ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group website at https://almaneuro.com/. It provides information about services provided, fees, and more information about Dr. Deckard. Also on this website is the group’s weekly blog that provides a myriad of information including ALMA news, treatment insights, and even the bene ts of volunteer work. ALMA Neurocognitive Specialty Group is located at 8930 Southeast Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. They are open Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday by special appointment only. For more information or to receive a complimentary consultation, please call 772-485-9344, or email Answers@ALMAneuro.com, or send a request via their website “Contact Us” page.

When it comes to nding medical

(MMJ) doctors, you can trust the helpful and professional sta at MMJ Health. Serving patients in Palm Beach, Martin, & St. Lucie Counties.

By Gabby Gregory

Every 5,000 miles, like clockwork, you take your car to get its oil changed and tires rotated. It’s basic, routine maintenance, but that consistent attention and upkeep is vital for your vehicle to run e ciently, especially over a number of years. Your body, much like your vehicle, requires regular care and treatment to keep it healthy. And, again like your automobile, your body needs support from someone other than yourself, a professional who can guide it to achieving its utmost abilities and to retaining its peak performance.

Getting older, playing sports, or having a condition like sciatica or arthritis shouldn’t hold you back from living your life! You can feel like your younger self again, the one who didn’t feel any aches or pains when walking, running, jumping, or even sitting… all you have to do is visit Stretch Zone.

Drew Brees, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, is the newest partner at Stretch Zone who advocates for people to regularly get stretched. A er personally going to Stretch Zone for an assisted stretching session, Drew was impressed with the uniquely e ective and nationally accredited Stretch Zone Method®, which is administered by a highly-trained and Stretch Zone-certi ed stretch practitioner.

Here’s How It Works:

1.) Your rst session begins with lling out an intake form and having a consultation with your experienced and knowledgeable stretch practitioner. Based on your medical background and your personal goals, the stretch practitioner will personalize the ensuing 30-minute assisted stretching session to meet your individual needs. On subsequent visits, you’ll simply do a check-in with the practitioner to update your medical pro le with any recent changes and/or any new pain or discomfort that you might be experiencing.

2.) e stretch practitioner initiates the rst steps of the approved Stretch Zone Method®, utilizing Stretch Zone’s special patented straps to encourage your body to relax and ease into the stretches. You won’t nd these straps anywhere else!

Comparable to a thunder jacket for your pets, they are meant to calm your mind so that your entire body is perfectly loose, thus allowing the stretch practitioner to stretch your body to its full potential and, as a result, provide you with both preventative maintenance and pain relief.

3.) Assisted stretching (a/k/a passive stretching) is di erent from physical therapy in that your body is being stretched by someone else, you’re not actually doing any work. roughout your 30-minute session, the stretch practitioner will be steadily interacting one-on-one with you, ensuring that you are completely comfortable and not experiencing any pain. Ultimately, you are in control of the stretch, even as your practitioner guides your body through each and every step, because you tell the practitioner when you feel your best stretching position. e more you communicate, the better results you’re going to get!

Take advantage of Stretch Zone’s incredible New Year Special: get one FREE

30-minute stretching session! Anybody and everybody can and should be stretched. In fact, one Stretch Practitioner I spoke with at Stretch Zone says, “98% of the people I see in front of me really need to be stretched. is is something you should not live without.” Remember, it’s just like getting your oil changed! Plus, celebrities and professional athletes have been getting stretched for years, so it’s time for the general population to be clued into the secret!

Get Stretch Zone’s New Year Special for yourself or get them for a friend or loved one… what better way to say you care than to give the gi of making life easier, of feeling healthier, lighter, and younger, and of feeling like yourself again?

Do you want to:

✓ 3 HAVE MORE ENERGY TO DO ALL OF THE THINGS YOU LOVE?

✓ IMPROVE YOUR GOLF GAME, TENNIS SKILLS OR OTHER SPORTS PERFORMANCE?

✓ MANAGE TENSION AND STRESS MORE EFFECTIVELY?

✓ EASE FRUSTRATING MUSCLE ACHES AND PAINS?

✓ INCREASE YOUR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

“Hi, I’m Mark Lindsay, and that was me on the Ed Sullivan Show. I sang every hit song for Paul Revere & the Raiders, including ‘Kicks,’ ‘Indian Reservation,’ and my solo ‘Arizona.’ My trademark was a ponytail and a teen idol smile. The ponytail’s been gone for awhile, but as a singer my smile is still super important. I recently visited Appearance Dental for an implant and crown procedure. The sta was courteous and made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in the door. I was really impressed with their dental o ce and the dentist did an outstanding job. Appearance Dental transformed my smile, and I trust them to keep my smile looking revolutionarily good.” — Mark Lindsay

Read all of our testimonials at AppearanceImplants.com

WE WILL MEET OR BEAT ANY WRITTEN ESTIMATE ON IMPLANTS, ROOT CANALS, & CROWNS!