EXPERT
Alison Tverdov
Neuropsychologist
Dr. Alison Tverdov is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist who earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from La Salle University. Her pre-doctoral clinical internship was completed at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hudson Valley Health Care System where she conducted neuropsychological evaluations and treated veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Bancroft NeuroRehab where she provided neuropsychological services to individuals with moderate to severe brain injury. Following fellowship, she was the clinical leader for the rehabilitation interdisciplinary team overseeing the residential neuropsychology services and providing outpatient psychotherapy and testing to individuals with various neurological conditions.
Dr. Tverdov transitioned to private practice in 2018. She is the owner of NeuroCog Solutions, a private group practice which focuses on assessment and intervention in the context of adult neurological disease or injury. The multidisciplinary team consists of neuropsychology, speech-language pathology, counseling, cognitive rehabilitation and social work providers. The practice largely focuses on aging-related disease and brain injuries, with specific interests in various dementias.
In addition to private practice, she also works as a site rater at Advanced Clinical Institute in Neptune, NJ where she conducts evaluations for Alzheimer’s disease patients and their caregivers enrolled in a clinical trial.
She maintains clinical interest in caregiver burden and supports. She published her research entitled, “Family needs at a post-acute rehabilitation setting and suggestions for supports,” in the Brain Injury journal.
Dr. Tverdov also serves as the chair of the Education Committee for the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). She is a PSYPACT participating provider.
Dr. Tverdov transitioned to private practice in 2018. She is the owner of NeuroCog Solutions, a private group practice which focuses on assessment and intervention in the context of adult neurological disease or injury. The multidisciplinary team consists of neuropsychology, speech-language pathology, counseling, cognitive rehabilitation and social work providers. The practice largely focuses on aging-related disease and brain injuries, with specific interests in various dementias.
In addition to private practice, she also works as a site rater at Advanced Clinical Institute in Neptune, NJ where she conducts evaluations for Alzheimer’s disease patients and their caregivers enrolled in a clinical trial.
She maintains clinical interest in caregiver burden and supports. She published her research entitled, “Family needs at a post-acute rehabilitation setting and suggestions for supports,” in the Brain Injury journal.
Dr. Tverdov also serves as the chair of the Education Committee for the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). She is a PSYPACT participating provider.
10 years
Experience
Alison Tverdov
- New Brunswick, NJ
- La Salle University
- Accepting new patients
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Is stroke preventable?
Think about stroke prevention as risk factors vs protective factors. Risk factors increase risk of stroke and protective factors decrease risk. There are several protective factors READ MORE
Think about stroke prevention as risk factors vs protective factors. Risk factors increase risk of stroke and protective factors decrease risk. There are several protective factors (things you can do) to decrease your risk for stroke including quit/don't smoke, maintain normal cholesterol levels and normal blood pressure levels, exercise daily, avoid a sedentary lifestyle (meaning do not sit for prolonged periods of time throughout the day), consume a healthy diet (ask your doctor about the MIND diet and avoid large amounts of red meat/pork,), and manage cardiac problems like Afib. These are general recommendations, so you should talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and how to best manage/reduce them. I also recommend attending annual physicals with your primary care physician so they can track your health over time.
How long is the rehab therapy after a stroke?
Stroke rehabilitation can look very different for each patient, and this depends on where the stroke occurred in the brain as well as the stroke severity (mild vs severe). In READ MORE
Stroke rehabilitation can look very different for each patient, and this depends on where the stroke occurred in the brain as well as the stroke severity (mild vs severe). In general, we see a good amount of "spontaneous recovery" in the first 3 months after stroke. That does not mean recovery stops there. The rehabilitation team can offer various therapies to improve recovery including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive rehabilitation training, and neuropsychology or counseling. A neuropsychological evaluation can measure changes in thinking after a stroke and also make recommendations for treatment. If the stroke injury was severe, neuropsychology can provide guidance on safety concerns (e.g., is it safe to live independently at home?). I have seen some patients who only require a few months of rehab, but I have also seen patients who need continued rehabilitation for many years. In the most severe cases, some individuals may choose to live in a staff supported residential setting where they can receive daily rehabilitation at a day program, and in home support for daily living skills including meals and medication management. Your friend's treatment team should be able to provide an estimated duration of treatment.
Can you help with nerve damage?
Unfortunately, neuropsychologists cannot treat nerve damage.
Should you visit ER for a mild stroke?
Absolutely. My first question is, how do you know it was a stroke if they did not seek medical treatment? Even if it was a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or "mini stroke," it READ MORE
Absolutely. My first question is, how do you know it was a stroke if they did not seek medical treatment? Even if it was a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or "mini stroke," it is important to know that TIAs increase risk for an actual stroke. Avoid self diagnosing. If you have any symptoms of a stroke, you should seek immediate evaluation.
Can you help recover after a stroke?
Patients experience a good amount of recovery in the first 1-3 months and can see continued improvements in daily functioning by participating in stroke rehabilitation. Here are READ MORE
Patients experience a good amount of recovery in the first 1-3 months and can see continued improvements in daily functioning by participating in stroke rehabilitation. Here are a few tips to navigate stroke recovery treatment:
1). Establish a relationship with neurology and continue ongoing consultation
2). Look for stroke or brain injury rehabilitation programs. These clinics often have multiple providers and treatments including physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation training, and neuropsychology, all under the same roof.
3). Consider a neuropsychological evaluation to measure changes in thinking and inform treatment suggestions. Neuropsychologists work in many different settings including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and private practice.
1). Establish a relationship with neurology and continue ongoing consultation
2). Look for stroke or brain injury rehabilitation programs. These clinics often have multiple providers and treatments including physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation training, and neuropsychology, all under the same roof.
3). Consider a neuropsychological evaluation to measure changes in thinking and inform treatment suggestions. Neuropsychologists work in many different settings including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and private practice.
What is the best diet to prevent stroke?
First, it is important to consider any other health conditions you have. Before recommending a diet, I would want to know if the person has diabetes, high blood pressure, food READ MORE
First, it is important to consider any other health conditions you have. Before recommending a diet, I would want to know if the person has diabetes, high blood pressure, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal disorders, etc., as each of these conditions may require certain foods to be emphasized or avoided. Generally speaking, I typically recommend the MIND diet to promote good brain aging. The goal is to maintain normal cholesterol levels, normal blood pressure, and incorporate brain-healthy foods. Many doctors recommend using olive oil instead of butter, for example. If you are concerned about your stroke risk, consult with your doctor to understand how to best manage your medical risk factors and to ask if the MIND diet is right for you. Daily exercise (while avoiding a sedentary lifestyle) and maintaining a healthy weight are also important for reducing risk for stroke.
Can you drive 2 months after a mild stroke?
Even if the stroke was mild, it is important to understand how that stroke affected the brain. In other words, some strokes may affect vision causing peripheral vision loss or READ MORE
Even if the stroke was mild, it is important to understand how that stroke affected the brain. In other words, some strokes may affect vision causing peripheral vision loss or blank spots in vision. It really depends on where the stroke occured in the brain and the severity. For this reason, the safest choice is to consult with your provider (usually neurology and/or neuropsychology) to understand how the stroke affected thinking (if at all). If you, your friend, or the doctors have any concerns, your friend can participate in a driving evaluation. This is not the same as the driving evaluation new drivers take to get their license. It is specifically designed to ensure the safety of individuals who suffered a medical event that could potentially affect their driving. First they will test their skills in the office (e.g., peripheral vision, etc.). Then they take an on-the-road test. This ensures their safety and the safety of others on the road. Definitely talk to the doctor to make the safest choice.
Should you get rehab after a mild stroke?
A neuropsychological evaluation can help determine if rehab is needed. Strokes can affect patients in different ways. Depending on where the stroke is in the brain, it may affect READ MORE
A neuropsychological evaluation can help determine if rehab is needed. Strokes can affect patients in different ways. Depending on where the stroke is in the brain, it may affect language, motor functions, mood, visual skills, etc. A neuropsychologist can evaluate the changes and make recommendations for treatment.
What type of doctor should you see after a stroke?
Patients are often recommended to go to the Emergency Room for stroke symptoms. There are several doctors involved in stroke recovery. Neurology is an important part of the treatment READ MORE
Patients are often recommended to go to the Emergency Room for stroke symptoms. There are several doctors involved in stroke recovery. Neurology is an important part of the treatment team. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the patient may also see a neuropsychologist to measure changes in thinking and behavior, a speech language pathologist to help with language or thinking changes, and physical and/or occupational therapists for physical and functional changes. These are just some of the doctors who are involved in stroke care. Definitely talk to your doctor to determine what services you need.
Can stroke patients smoke?
It is important to recognize that smoking is a risk factor that increases risk for future strokes. It is important for your friend to talk to their physician about their overall READ MORE
It is important to recognize that smoking is a risk factor that increases risk for future strokes. It is important for your friend to talk to their physician about their overall health, medical history, and other risk factors for stroke to help them make a decision. Doctors often advise patients to quit smoking, especially in the context of stroke.
