Neuropsychological Norms for Ethnically Diverse Florida Elders

Neuropsychological Norms for Ethnically Diverse Florida Elders

The goal of this proposal is to collect normative data from a sample of ethnically diverse Florida elders on a brief, standardized neuropsychological test battery . The norms collected in this multi-cultural dataset will provide appropriate corrections for demographic and sociocultural variables that contribute to performance variance on neuropsychological tests. By accounting for these variables, the normative corrections will improve specificity and eliminate disparities in diagnostic validity and clinical utility of neuropsychological tests when administered to Florida's ethnic minority elders.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 60 or above.
• Any gender.
• Primary language of English or Spanish.
• Self-identifies as Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black/African American, or non-Hispanic Caucasian.
• Global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score = 0.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Memory decline reported by participant, informant (if available), or study clinician.
• Currently uncontrolled health condition that could affect cognition.
• Abnormal findings on current neurologic examination.
• History of chronic neurological diseases (stroke, active seizure disorder, parkisonism, TBI with subsequent cognitive change.
• Current substance abuse or history of substance dependence.
• History of chronic psychiatric disease (Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
• Currently active mood disorder. History of depression or anxiety is acceptable if symptoms are controlled (Score <6 on the Geriatric Depression Scale). If taking psychoactive mood medication dosage must be stable for at least one month prior to testing.
• Use of cognitive enhancing medications (i.e. cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine).
• Need for assistance in activities of daily living due to cognitive reasons.
• Sensorimotor deficits that would interfere with ability to perform neuropsychological tests.