Why Brain Testing Matters for Mental Health, Memory & Diagnosis

Several mental health and neurological conditions share symptoms, or overlap, but they do not always share the same cause. Depression, anxiety, brain fog, attention problems, memory loss and emotional changes can show up across very different diagnoses. Advanced diagnostics can help bring such differences into sharper focus, giving clinicians important information to guide diagnoses and match each person to care that is personalized and appropriate.

The human brain is truly extraordinary in its intricacy. It controls a wide range of functions, including memory, emotions, thoughts, touch, motor skills, breathing, and so much more that regulate the body. For each of us, this multifaceted, awesome organ comprises approximately 86 billion neurons, 85 billion other cells that perform various functions, and over 100 trillion connections.

Given this immense complexity, diagnosing mental health or neurological conditions can be challenging. For example, intellectual decline and depression are common in older adults.² As a result, clinicians need to do different assessments to determine whether an older patient has dementia, depression, or both, as each condition can lead to the other.² Or, a patient's memory and thinking challenges, similar to those of dementia, could stem from functional cognitive disorder (FCD).

Symptom overlap can complicate matters, potentially leading to misdiagnoses. For instance, individuals with neurological conditions such as brain tumors or multiple sclerosis (MS) often present with psychiatric symptoms. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) notes that “Many people with schizoaffective disorder are often incorrectly diagnosed at first with either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.” Likewise, a person exhibiting symptoms of depression or anxiety may have a more complex underlying brain health condition, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

To accurately diagnose neurological and mental health conditions, doctors may need to go beyond standard evaluations. Advanced diagnostics, such as structural and functional MRI I scans, EEG and QEEG, laboratory tests, genetic testing, and cognitive and neuropsychological testing,enable clinicians to diagnose patients’ conditions earlier and more accurately, resulting in more effective, tailored treatments.

Let’s consider the benefits of imaging and testing options that comprise the advanced diagnostics toolkit.

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Types of Brain Testing for Mental Health and Memory

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1. Advanced Brain Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces highly detailed three-dimensional images of the brain. It is used to diagnose brain health issues by detecting structural changes, such as tumors, tissue damage, vascular issues, or infections. MRI, for instance, is increasingly important in diagnosing MS; in fact, a MS diagnosis can now be confirmed “when the criteria of dissemination in space are fulfilled with the detection of typical lesions in at least four locations without additional evidence.” Functional MRI (fMRI) measures subtle changes in blood oxygenation associated with brain activity. This imaging method helps doctors pinpoint the specific locations in the brain responsible for functions like speech or memory, which aids in planning treatments for surgery or brain disorders. fMRI can also detect brain abnormalities that may be missed by other imaging methods and can also be used to guide brain treatment.Additionally, MRI and fMRI are used as research tools for depression.

Technological advancements in neuroimaging have allowed researchers to map the human brain with increasingly fine detail.⁸ Neuroimaging is integral to the development and advancement of neuromodulation therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression.^8, SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) uses fMRI scans to precisely pinpoint the area of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLCPFC) that requires stimulation to alleviate depression symptoms.¹³

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2. EEG and QEEG

An electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures electrical activity in the brain, is a primary test for diagnosing epilepsy. EEGs are also used to diagnose other brain conditions like brain tumors, brain damage from head injuries, encephalopathy and stroke. Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) records digital EEG signals that are processed, transformed, and analyzed using complex mathematical algorithms. QEEG has broad clinical applications, including the evaluation of neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury and mental health disorders.¹⁵

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3. Laboratory Panels

Laboratory panels are groups of related medical tests performed on samples (e.g tissue, blood, saliva) to provide a broader overview of a person's health. They are used to check for metabolic, hormonal or inflammatory markers⁷ that can affect brain health. In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lumipulse, the first blood test designed to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Lumipulse measures levels of specific proteins, including a particular form of tau protein, which can indicate the presence of amyloid plaques—protein buildups considered a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Another blood test that can help diagnose bipolar disorder and schizophrenia was recently granted breakthrough designation by the FDA.

Clinicians also use blood panels to rule out conditions, such as thyroid disease and anemia, which can mimic or trigger depression-like symptoms. Researchers are developing specialized blood tests that measure specific biomarkers, such as RNA, to distinguish between bipolar disorder and unipolar depression.

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4. Genetic Testing

Genetic tests are valuable tools for diagnosing brain health conditions. They can confirm hereditary conditions, predict the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's disease before symptoms manifest, and help doctors identify specific genetic markers of a disease. This information enables them to tailor and personalize treatment plans. Genetic testing can aid in the diagnosis of neurological conditions such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as Alzheimer's disease in cases with a strong family history.

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5. Cognitive and Neuropsychological Testing

Cognitive and neuropsychological testing helps clinicians understand how a patient's brain is performing. By assessing the results, they can determine the relationship between brain health and cognitive functions, mood and behavior.Neuropsychological testing can assist doctors in diagnosing various conditions, including brain tumors, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, learning disabilities and MS.¹⁸ Neuropsychological testing, for instance, is ”nearly 90% effective in distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease from different brain and psychiatric conditions such as depression, which are not dementia but often mimic symptoms in older adults.” Cognitive and neuropsychological testing aid in diagnosing brain health conditions, distinguishing between similar-appearing conditions, establishing a baseline, monitoring disease progression, planning treatments and enabling early detection.

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The Evolution of Brain Health Diagnostics

Advanced diagnostics will continue to evolve, becoming more effective and integral to diagnosing a range of mental health conditions. The imaging tools and testing methods discussed here are fundamentally transforming how brain health conditions are identified, monitored and treated—offering new treatment options, opportunities and hope for patients.

Salma Health is at the forefront of using advanced diagnostics to diagnose and treat brain health issues. There are several convenient ways to connect you with the care you need. You can schedule a 15-minute Care Options Call, connect directly with a care specialist or team, or complete a comprehensive intake. We build a personalized care plan tailored to your individual needs. Schedule your first appointment today to experience a higher standard of brain care, grounded in science, clarity and continuity.

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Cited Sources

Why Brain Testing Matters When Mental Health & Mood Symptoms Overlap