Rochelle Winnett, PhD

Two years ago, I was referred to Dr. Winnett for neuropsychological testing because I was concerned about memory changes. I hoped the evaluation would help clarify what was happening—but the experience left me feeling unheard. Midway through the assessment, Dr. Winnett ended the session, saying I looked tired. I explained that I live with a chronic condition where fatigue is my normal baseline, and I asked to continue. Still, the testing was stopped. In total, I spent only about 20 minutes with Dr. Winnett—just a brief intake and a short conversation afterward. The testing itself was administered by someone else. Her final report concluded that my memory was “average for my age” and suggested depression as the likely cause. I didn’t agree with that conclusion. At a follow-up video visit, I asked to complete the full battery of tests. My concerns weren’t acknowledged, and my request was denied. I left that conversation feeling dismissed. It wasn’t until two years later—after ongoing cognitive decline—that I finally received a diagnosis from my neurologist: Alzheimer’s disease, confirmed through advanced imaging, biomarker testing, and genetic screening. I can’t know how much difference an earlier diagnosis would have made, but I do know this: time matters. I’m sharing my experience in the hope that healthcare providers will remain open when a patient says, “This isn’t normal for me.” Patients often know their own bodies—and their own baselines—better than anyone else.