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Largest U.S. Diagnostic Center for Memory, Attention, Emotions, & Learning
About Thomson Memory & Attention
Thomson Memory & Attention offers comprehensive diagnostic neuropsychological testing related to attention, memory, emotions, and learning. Priding ourselves on superior care, we offer a broad range of expert testing services for kids, teens, adults, and seniors. Thomson currently operates out of eight Chicagoland locations and two locations in the Twin Cities. In addition to standard testing services, Thomson also proudly offers Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, a temporary behavioral treatment program designed to specifically address difficulties with diagnosed symptoms.
Press Mentions
Dr. Nickolas Armstrong Presents at The Merion in Evanston, IL
July 2021
After over a year of postponement, our very own Dr. Armstrong finally had the chance to present to invited guests of The Merion Senior Living Community in Evanston, IL. He parsed out the differences between experiencing a normal, "senior-like" lapse in cognitive ability or experiencing a more serious, memory and cognitive deficiency. Dr. Armstrong even detailed the many resources available to help make this determination including the effectiveness of a neuropsychological evaluation.
You can check out his presentation here to listen and learn some more!
Largest U.S. Diagnostic Center Specializing In Attention, Memory, Emotions, And Learning Unveils New Name, Logo And Website
May 2020
The Transition from Thomson Memory Center to Thomson Memory & Attention Reflects the Organization’s Mission and Broad Range of Services to Patients of All Ages.
Thomson Memory Center, the largest U.S. diagnostic center specializing in neuropsychological testing and cognitive therapy, is proud to announce that it has rebranded as Thomson Memory & Attention.
The transition, which also encompasses a refreshed logo and website, will more effectively illustrate the core mission of the organization in addition to the broad array of services offered at its rapidly growing group of clinics. These clinics span eight locations in the Chicagoland area and two recently opened locations near Minneapolis, MN.
Specifically, the name reinforces that Thomson can diagnose memory and attention-related disorders throughout the entire human lifecycle, from children suffering from symptoms of ADHD to seniors experiencing signs of dementia. The new website offers information on disorders, background details about the Thomson providers, and convenient appointment-setting capabilities.
The new logo design features opposing silhouettes that subtly allude to (through the clever use of negative space) the shape of a heart. This image reinforces Thomson’s reputation in the community as being founded on friendliness, trust, strong ethics, and a firm commitment to operating as a patient-centric organization.
“Thomson Memory & Attention is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother, Ethelyn Thomson, who succumbed to complications associated with Alzheimer's disease,” explained clinical neuropsychologist and practice founder Dr. Christina Blodgett Dycus. “To best honor her memory, our commitment to providing expert, compassionate care to seniors is something we take very seriously. That said, our expertise also includes post-concussion screenings, treatment for traumatic brain injuries, cognitive therapy, and many other services for children and adults. The impetus for our rebranding is to better reflect our mission of helping patients of all ages to cope with memory and attention-related disorders.”
Dr. Blodgett Dycus added that Thomson Memory & Attention’s team of doctors and support staff also take great pride in providing superior service.
“Whereas it might take several months to make an appointment at most clinics, the average time is two weeks at one of our centers,” she said. “And once you’re here, you or your loved one will be cared for as if you are family.”
Two New Locations Open in Minnesota
October 2018
Thomson Memory Center is proud to announce it's expansion to Minnesota. We now gladly provide neuropsychological testing and services in Lake Elmo, MN and Roseville, MN.
Lake in the Hills Office Move
September 2017
The Thomson Memory Center Lake in the Hills location will be moving to Algonquin on September 1, 2017. Our office will reopen in Algonquin on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.
Highland Park Office Move
June 2017
The Thomson Memory Center Highland Park location will be moving to Deerfield on June 1, 2017. Our new address will be 500 Lake Cook Rd. Ste 350 Deerfield, IL 60015.
Oak Brook Office Opening
August 2016
We are very excited to announce the opening of our newest location in Oak Brook, IL! Still offering the same great quality neuropsychological services as our other locations, our new Oak Brook office will open in August 2016 at 700 Commerce Dr. Ste 500 in Oak Brook, IL 60523.
Walk To End Alzheimer's, Northwest Suburban
2016
The Thomson Memory Center participated in their first walk on September 24, 2016 at Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The team dedicated the walk to practice founder Dr. Christina Blodgett Dycus' grandmother, Ethelyn Thomson. We raised a total of $2375, which exceeded our $2000 goal! A huge thanks to Callie Cane for organizing the walk for the group.
Early Diagnosis & Intervention of Dyslexia Can Narrow Achievement Gap
November 2015
According to a new study by researchers at the University of California-Davis and Yale University, if we can identify children having dyslexia (reading disorder) as early as first grade, we can narrow or perhaps even close the achievement gap.
According to their study, it is no longer acceptable to wait until a child is older to diagnose them as having dyslexia, for example, after third grade.
"If the persistent achievement gap between dyslexia and typical readers is to be narrowed, or even closed, reading interventions must be implemented early, when children are still developing the basic foundation for reading acquisition," says Emilio Ferrer, a psychology professor at the University of California-Davis.
Dyslexia is one of the many issues that Thomson Memory Center can evaluate and diagnose for your child.
Source: University of California-Davis. "Early intervention in dyslexia can narrow achievement gap: Intervention should begin in first grade, or earlier." ScienceDaily, 2 November 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151102184216.htm>.
Decline in Awareness of Memory Loss
August 2015
A new study by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that people who will develop dementia begin to lose awareness of their memory problems 2-3 years before the onset of the disorder.
Of the 239 study participants diagnosed with dementia, memory awareness was stable and then began to drop sharply an average of 2.6 years before the onset of the disorder.
This study showcases the difficulty of obtaining accurate and reliable information from those who have lost awareness of their changes in thinking. Access to family and friends can be invaluable for healthcare professionals.
TMC strives to work with loved ones in order to get a better diagnosis and treatment plan for those with Dementia.
Source: American Academy of Neurology (AAN). (2015, August 26). Awareness of memory loss may decline two-three years before dementia onset.
Problem Solving Therapy Vs. Supportive Therapy
July 2015
New research published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry studied the effectiveness of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) versus Supportive Therapy (ST) in reducing suicidal ideation in depressed older adults with executive dysfunction.
After an intervention of 12 weekly sessions of PST or ST, participants were measured with the suicide item of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).
The Problem Solving Therapy group had a greater rate of improvement (60.4 %) compared to the Supportive Therapy group (44.6 %).
Problem Solving Therapy is an integral component of TMC's Cognitive Rehabilitation Program.
Source: American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Problem-Solving Therapy Reduces Suicidal Ideation in Depressed Older Adults with Executive Dysfunction. (30 July 2015). URL: http://www.ajgponline.org/articles/S1064-7481(15)00224-9/abstract?rss=yes
ADHD: Classroom Interventions Can Help
August 2016
A recent study by researchers at University of Exeter found simple classroom interventions may reduce the impact of ADHD without the use of drugs.
The review found no-drug interventions in schools may be effective in improving outcomes, like performance on standardized tests for kids with ADHD.
Although more research is needed, the study holds promise for further examination of effective classroom interventions and shifting social attitudes toward ADHD and other learning disabilities.
From a healthcare to the classroom perspective, it is important parents understand their child's diagnosis and work to advocate for the proper educational settings and interventions.
Thomson Memory Center is dedicated to helping patients and their families identify the most effective interventions and environments necessary for success.
Source: University of Exeter. (2015, July 1). Simple classroom measures may reduce the impact of ADHD: But more robust research is needed to identify best approach. ScienceDaily -www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150701214531.htm