Affiliations: [a] San Francisco Clinical Neurosciences, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA | [b] San Francisco Clinical Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA | [c] University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Christina Weyer Jamora, 909 Hyde Street, Suite 620, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA. Tel.: +1 415 771 7833; Fax: +1 415 922 5849; E-mail: cyweyer@aol.com
Abstract: Consistent with the aging population, neuropsychologists are being asked with increased frequency to evaluate older adults. These assessments are often complicated by medical and psychiatric co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and complex psychosocial and legal issues that are frequently encountered in this population. The aim of this review article is to address the challenges neuropsychologists and other frontline clinicians often confront when evaluating older individuals. Specifically, we review psychiatric and medical co-morbidities, testing accommodations, diagnostic versus descriptive testing approaches, normative issues, polypharmacy, and reimbursement rates. Finally, future implications are discussed for advancing the neuropsychologist's role in evaluating and treating older individuals.
Keywords: Geriatric neuropsychology, assessment and treatment challenges
