Neuropsychological Evaluation of the Older Adult: A Clinicians Guidebook

One of the largest patient populations seen by neuropsychologists are older adults suffering from problems associated with aging. Further, the proportion of the population aged 65 and above is rising rapidly. This book provides a guide to neuropsychological clinicians increasingly called upon to assess this population. The book details in a step-by-step fashion the phases and considerations in performing a neuropsychological assessment of an older patient. It covers procedural details including review of patient's medical records, clinical interview, formal testing, interpretation of test scores, addressing referral questions, and preparing an evaluation report.

Outlines a clear, logical approach to neuropsychological evaluationProvides specific clinical practice guidelines for each phase of the evaluationIntegrates clinical practice with up-to-date research findingsRecommends specific tests for evaluating older adultsDetails how to interpret test findings and identify the patient's neuropsychological profileIllustrates important points with examples and case materials, many neuropathologically-confirmedIncludes forms useful in clinical practice

Activities Preceding Patient Arrival
The Clinical Interview
General Principles and Guidelines for Formal Testing
Evaluation of General Intellectual Function, Attention, Executive Function, Verbal Abilities, and Visuospatial and Visuoconstructive Abilities
Memory Evaluation in Older Adults
Neuropsychological Profiles of Common Disorders Affecting Older Adults I: Alzheimer's Disease, Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Neuropsychological Profiles II: Vascular disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Neuropsychological Profiles III: Parkinsonian Disorders, Corticobasal Degeneration, Huntington's Disease
Neuropsychological Profiles IV: Traumatic Brain Injury, Substance-Related Disorders, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Metabolic and Toxic Disorders
Assessment of Depression during the Neuropsychological Evaluation
Organizing and Interpreting Test Findings
Writing the Evaluation Report
Providing Feedback and Planning Follow-up Services