Educational Assessments

Is your child not meeting their full potential at school?
An educational assessment is the best way to determine your child’s strengths or weaknesses in certain areas.
These assessments can reveal many facets of cognitive functioning including IQ, attention, memory, dyslexia, dysgraphia and many other learning difficulties.
Diagnosis is the most important step. We can then explore ways to improve or compensate for these difficulties, and in some instances, even motivate for scholastic concessions in classroom and examination environments.

Movement Disorders

Early symptoms and early diagnosis can make a difference. I work with a network of neurologists and neurosurgeons to ensure the best possible care for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.
Living with Parkinson's can be made easier for both the patient and their loved ones with psycho education.
For some patients, medication can alleviate symptoms. For others, surgery such as Deep Brain Stimulation is an option. We offer pre and post op assessments which are critical for ensuring the right candidates are put forward.

Alzheimer's and Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for diseases and conditions characterised by a decline in memory, language, problem solving and thinking skills.
Understanding the various facets of cognitive decline is critical to ensuring the best care for the patient and their loved ones and care givers.
My practise offers both a full neuro psychological test battery for a comprehensive cognitive picture, as well as an abridged dementia rating scale which can give a high level picture.

Occupational Assessments and Compensation

Are you struggling to cope with your work environment post brain injury?
A cognitive assessment could help.
These assessments can reveal many facets of cognitive functioning including IQ, attention, memory, processing speed, language difficulties and executive functioning.
This may reveal whether or not you should be medically boarded.

Research Assistance

I love research. I believe that studying our brains, how they work and how we can improve our cognitive functioning and development is a critical aspect of understanding what it is to be human.
I have worked with the University of Liverpool and University College London in the United Kingdom, and several distance learning institutions in South Africa. I have had work published on diverse neurological topics.
If you are looking for someone to augment or assist with your research project, please contact me to discuss.
I am also always on the lookout for students looking for research supervision and can do so electronically anywhere in the world, or in person if in the Ballito area.

Brain Health

Regardless of your age or health, there are lots of things you can do to look after your brain!
1. Healthy sleep patterns that allow adequate recuperating deep sleep and REM filtering.
2. A Healthy diet with sufficient fresh fruit and vegetables with a focus on whole foods.
3. Minimising alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.
4. Reduced screen time on phones, iPads and television.
5. Plenty of exercise, even just going for a walk can make a difference.
6. Brain exercise – learning a musical instrument, doing puzzles and crosswords, reading or listening to audio books.

Online or in Person?

I am a people person! I love meeting new people and getting the opportunity to chat face to face. Consequently, I see a lot of patients in person in hospital. I also have offices in a medical centre where I can meet with people.

We do however also live in a changing world. Technology has enabled us to cross the divide and facilitate conversation and assessments remotely. This can be done via a combination of phone calls, emails and secure video conferencing.

Contact Donna Page

Simbithi, Ballito, 4420, South Africa

0742034701