Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Neuropsychological Assessment with Asian American Clients

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Guide to Psychological Assessment with Asians

  • 1810 Accesses

Abstract

Neuropsychological assessment is used to assess brain functioning through the observation and measurement of behavioral tasks and can aid in providing differential diagnoses (e.g., differentiating normal age-related decline from dementia and impairment) as well as identifying the level and pattern of impairment for rehabilitative purposes and for tracking disease progression (e.g., treatment response or decline). This is accomplished through a systematic assessment of multiple neurocognitive domains, emotional functioning, clinical and collateral interviews, and a review of available records (e.g., academic, medical, occupational functioning). Specific challenges emerge when working with Asian American clientele. Current neuropsychological measures are often inadequate in providing normative data for Asian Americans and may fail to characterize unique presentations of psychiatric and neurological disorders that are cross-culturally germane. This chapter reviews such challenges and focuses on assessment measures that include Asian Americans in their normative sample as well as available studies that specifically study Asian American ethnic groups. Recommendations are made related to assessments of language and acculturation that can aid in the evaluator’s confidence for presenting results. Further specific recommendations are made for how to proceed in the face of the limited normative data that is available.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abe, M., Suzuki, K., Okada, K., Miura, R., Fujii, T., Etsurou, M., et al. (2004). Normative data on tests for frontal lobe functions: Trail Making Test, Verbal Fluency Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (Keio Version). Nō to Shinkei, 56, 567–574.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ahn, H. J., Chin, J., Park, A., Lee, B. H., Suh, M. K., Seo, S. W., et al. (2010). Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery-dementia version (SNSB-D): A useful tool for assessing and monitoring cognitive impairments in dementia patients. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 25, 1071–1076.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baldo, J. V., Dronkers, N. F., Wilkins, D., Ludy, C., Raskina, P., & Kima, J. (2005). Is problem solving dependent on language? Brain and Language, 92, 240–250.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benton, A. L., Hamsher, K. D., Varney, N. R., & Spreen, O. (1983). Judgment of line orientation. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benton, A. L., Sivian, A. B., Hamsher, K. D., Varney, N. R., & Spreen, O. (1994). Contributions to neuropsychological assessment (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benton, A. L., Varney, N. R., & Hamsher, K. D. (1978). Visuospatial judgment. A clinical test. Archives of Neurology, 35(6), 364–367.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benuto, L. T. (2013). Guide to Psychological Assessment with Hispanics. Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blair, S. L., & Qian, Z. (1998).Family and Asian students’ educational performance a consideration of diversity. Journal of Family Issues, 19(4), 355–374.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boone, K. B., Lu, P., & Wen, J. (2005). Comparison of various RAVLT scores in the detection of noncredible memory performance. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 20, 301–319.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boone, K. B., Victor, T. L., Wen, J., Razani, J., & Pontón, M. (2007). The association between neuropsychological scores and ethnicity, language, and acculturation variables in a large patient population. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 22(3), 355–365.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Borson, S., & Brush, M. (1999). The Clock Drawing Test: Utility for dementia detection in multiethnic elders. Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences, 54A(11), M534.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brandt, J., & Benedict, R. (2001). Hopkins verbal learning test-revised. Lutz, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brooks, B. L., Holdnack, J. A., & Iverson, G. L. (2011). Advanced clinical interpretation of the WAIS-IV and WMS-IV: Prevalence of low scores varies by level of intelligence and years of education. Assessment, 18(2), 156–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan, A. S., & Kwok, I. (1999). Hong Kong list learning test. Hong Kong: The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan, A. S., Shum, D., & Cheung, R. Y. (2003). Recent development of cognitive and neuropsychological assessment in Asian countries. Psychological Assessment, 15(3), 257.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chan, M. E., & Elliott, J. M. (2011). Cross-linguistic differences in digit memory span. Australian Psychologist, 46(1), 25–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Z. Y., Cowell, P. E., Varley, R., & Wang, Y. C. (2009). A cross-language study of verbal and visuospatial working memory span. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology, 31(4), 385–391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, Y., Wu, W. Y., Wang, J. Q., Feng, W., Wu, X., & Li, C. B. (2011). Reliability and validity of the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status in community-dwelling elderly. Archives of Medical Science, 7, 850–857. doi:10.5114/aoms.2011.25561.aoms.2011.25561.

  • Chiao, J. Y. (Ed.). (2009). Cultural neuroscience: Cultural influences on brain function. Progress in Brain Research. Oxford: Elsevier Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corrigan, J. D., & Hinkeldey, M. S. (1987). Relationships between parts A and B of the trail making test. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 43(4), 402–409.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cromer, J., Krishna, V., Nguyen, A., Acquadro, C., & Fuller, D. S. (2013). Cross-cultural adaptation of a research version of the Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT) into Japanese. Value in Health, 16(3), A42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Culbertson, W. C., & Zillmer, E. A. (1998). The construct validity of the Tower of London DX as a measure of the executive functioning of ADHD children. Assessment, 5(3), 215–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delis, D. C., Kaplan, E., & Kramer, J. H. (2001). Delis-Kaplan executive function system (D-KEFS). San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delis, D. C., Kramer, J. H., Kaplan, E., & Ober, B. A. (1987). The California verbal learning test. New York, NY: Psychological Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dick, M. B., Teng, E. L., Kempler, D., Davis, D. S., & Taussig, I. M. (2002). The cross-cultural neuropsychological test battery (CCNB): Effects of age, education, ethnicity, and cognitive status on performance. In F. R. Ferraro (Ed.), Minority and cross-cultural aspects of neuropsychological assessment (pp. 17–41). Lisse, The Netherlands: Swets & Zeitlinger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doan, W., & Swerdlow, N. (1999). Preliminary findings with a new Vietnamese Stroop Test. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 89, 173–182.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duff, K., Patton, D., Schoenberg, M. R., Mold, J., Scott, J. G., & Adams, R. L. (2003). Age- and education-corrected independent normative data for the RBANS in a community dwelling elderly sample. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 17(3), 351–366.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duley, J. F., Wilkins, J., Hamby, S., Hopkins, D., Burwell, R., & Barry, N. (1993). Explicit scoring criteria for the Rey-Osterrieth and Taylor complex figures. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 7(1), 29–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, L. M., Freed, D. M., & Corkin, S. (1990). Stroop Color-Word Test performance in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 12, 745–758.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flaherty, M., & Connolly, M. (1996). Visual memory skills in Japanese and Caucasians. Perceptual and motor skills, 82(3c), 1319–1329.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flanagan, D. P., Ortiz, S. O., & Alfonso, V. C. (2013). Essentials of cross-battery assessment (Vol. 84). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaudino, E. A., Geisler, M. W., & Squires, N. K. (1995). Construct-validity in the trail making test—What makes Part B harder? Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 17, 529–535.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golden, C. J. (1978). Stroop color and word test: A manual for clinical and experimental uses. Chicago, IL: Stoelting.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golden, C. J., & Freshwater, S. M. (2002). The Stroop Color and Word Test: A manual for clinical and experimental uses. Chicago, IL: Stoelting.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant, D. A., & Berg, E. (1948). A behavioral analysis of degree of reinforcement and ease of shifting to new responses in a Weigl-type card-sorting problem. Journal of experimental psychology, 38(4), 404.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, A., Garrick, T., Sheedy, D., Blake, H., Shores, A., & Harper, C. (2008). Repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS): Preliminary Australian normative data. Australian Journal of Psychology, 60(2), 72–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gutchess, A. H., Hedden, T., Ketay, S., Aron, A., & Gabrieli, J. D. E. (2010). Neural differences in the processing of semantic relationships across cultures. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 5, 254–263.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gutchess, A. H., Welsh, R. C., Boduroĝlu, A., & Park, D. C. (2006). Cultural differences in neural function associated with object processing. Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, 6(2), 102–109. doi:10.3758/CABN.6.2.102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heaton, R. K., Chelune, G. J., Talley, J. L., Kay, G. G., & Curtiss, G. (2003). Computerised Wisconsin Card Sort Task Version 4 (WCST). Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoelzle, J. B., Nelson, N. W., & Smith, C. A. (2011). Comparison of Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) and Third Edition (WMS-III) dimensional structures: Improved ability to evaluate auditory and visual constructs. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology, 33(3), 283–291. doi:10.1080/13803395.2010.511603.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Judd, T., Capetillo, D., Carrión-Baralt, J, Mármol, L. M., Miguel-Mentes, L. S., Puente, A. E., … Valdes, J. (2009). Professional Considerations for Improving the Neuropsychological Evaluation of Hispanics: A National Academy of Neuropsychology Education Paper, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 24, 127–135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kang, Y., & Na, D. L. (2003). Seoul neuropsychological screening battery. Incheon, Korea: Human Brain Research & Consulting.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, J. K., & Kang, Y. (1999). Brief report normative study of the Korean-California Verbal Learning Test (K-CVLT). The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 13(3), 365–369.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • King, L. C., Bailie, J. M., Kinney, D. I., & Nitch, S. R. (2010). Is the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status factor structure appropriate for inpatient psychiatry? An exploratory and higher-order analysis. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 27(7), 756–765.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, C. Y., Collinson, S. L., Feng, L., & Ng, T. (2012). Preliminary normative neuropsychological data for an elderly Chinese population. Clinical Neuropsychologist, 26(2), 321–334. doi:10.1080/13854046.2011.652180.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lezak, M. D. (Ed.). (2004). Neuropsychological assessment. Oxford university press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu, L., & Bigler, E. D. (2000). Performance on original and a Chinese Version of Trail Making Test part B: A normative bilingual sample. Applied Neuropsychology, 7(4), 243–246.

    Google Scholar 

  • May-Li, L., Collinson, S., Lei, F., & Tze-Pin, N. (2010). Cross-cultural application of the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS): Performances of elderly Chinese Singaporeans. Clinical Neuropsychologist, 24(5), 811–826. doi:10.1080/13854046.2010.490789.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Randolph, C., Tierney, M. C., Mohr, E., & Chase, T. N. (1998). The repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS): preliminary clinical validity. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 20(3), 310–319.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reitan, R. M., & Wolfson, D. (1985). The Halstead–Reitan Neuropsychological Battery: Theory and clinical interpretation. Tucson, AZ: Neuropsychology Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rey, A. (1964). L’examen clinique en psychologic. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. R., & Voress, J. (2007). Test of memory and learning (TOMAL-2). Austin, TX: PRO-ED.

    Google Scholar 

  • Riccio, C. A., Wolfe, M. E., Romine, C., Davis, B., & Sullivan, J. R. (2004). The Tower of London and neuropsychological assessment of ADHD in adults. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 19(5), 661–671. doi:10.1016/j.acn.2003.09.001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Royall, D. R., Cordes, J. A., & Polk, M. (1998). CLOX: An executive clock drawing task. Journal of Neurosurgery, Neurology and Psychiatry, 64, 588–594.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sahadevan, S., Tan, N. J., Tan, T., & Tan, S. (1997). Cognitive testing of elderly Chinese people in Singapore: Influence of education and age on normative scores. Age and Ageing, 26(6), 481–486.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmitt, A. L., Livingston, R. B., Smernoff, E. N., Reese, E. M., Hafer, D. G., & Harris, J. B. (2010). Factor analysis of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) in a large sample of patients suspected of dementia. Applied Neuropsychology, 17(1), 8–17. doi:10.1080/09084280903297719.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, M. (1996). Rey auditory verbal learning test: A handbook. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shallice, T. (1982). Specific impairments of planning. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, B; Biological Sciences, 298(1089), 199–209.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheslow, D., & Adams, W. (2003). Wide range assessment of memory and learning (2nd ed.). Lutz, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siedlecki, K. L., Manly, J. J., Brickman, A. M., Schupf, N., Tang, M., & Stern, Y. (2010). Do neuropsychological tests have the same meaning in Spanish speakers as they do in English speakers?. Neuropsychology, 24(3), 402–411. doi:10.1037/a0017515.

  • Spreen, O., & Strauss, E. (1998). A compendium of neuropsychological tests: Administration, norms and commentary (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan, E. V., Mathalon, D. H., Zipursky, R. B., Kersteen-Tucker, Z., Knight, R. T., & Pfefferbaum, A. (1993). Factors of the Wisconsin card sorting test as a test of dorsolateral pre-frontal cortical function in schizophrenia and alcoholism. Psychiatry Research, 46, 175–199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vanderploeg, R. D., Schinka, J. A., Jones, T., Small, B. J., Graves, A. B., & Mortimer, J. A. (2000). Elderly norms for the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-revised. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 14(3), 318–324.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, A. J., Batchelor, J., Shores, E., & Jones, M. (2010). Effects of cultural background on WAIS-III and WMS-III performances after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury. Australian Psychologist, 45(2), 112–122. doi:10.1080/00050060903428210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wechsler, D. (2008). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale: Technical and interpretive manual (4th ed.). San Antonio, TX: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, D. G., Rahme, R. J., Aoun, S. G., Hunt Batjer, H., & Bendok, B. R. (2011). Moyamoya disease: Functional and neurocognitive outcomes in the pediatric and adult populations. Journal of Neurosurgery, 30(6), E21.

    Google Scholar 

  • White, T., & Stern, R. A. (2003). Psychometric and technical manual of the neuropsychological assessment battery. Lutz, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, T. M., Strickland, T. L., Fletcher-Janzen, E., Ardila, A., & Reynolds, C. R. (2000). Theoretical and practical issues in the neuropsychological assessment and treatment of culturally dissimilar patients. In Handbook of cross-cultural neuropsychology (pp. 3–18). Springer US.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lake’s Crossing Center: Maximum Security Facility for Forensic Mental Health Services, 500 Galletti Way, Sparks, NV, 89504, USA

    Brian D. Leany Ph.D.

  2. Northcentral University, Graduate School Faculty, 10000 E University Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ, 86314, USA

    Brian D. Leany Ph.D. & Lorraine T. Benuto

  3. Administrative Faculty, Department of Psychology MS0296, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Lorraine T. Benuto

  4. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA

    Nicholas S. Thaler Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Brian D. Leany Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lorraine T. Benuto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Nicholas S. Thaler Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Brian D. Leany Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Nevada and Northcentral University, Graduate School Faculty, Prescott Valley, AZ, USA, Reno, Nevada, USA

    Lorraine T. Benuto

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Nicholas S. Thaler

  3. Graduate School Faculty, Prescott Valley, AZ, USA, Lake's Crossing Center: Maximum Security Facility for Forensic Mental Health Services (Reno, NV) & Northcentral University, Reno, Nevada, USA

    Brian D. Leany

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Leany, B.D., Benuto, L.T., Thaler, N.S. (2014). Neuropsychological Assessment with Asian American Clients. In: Benuto, L., Thaler, N., Leany, B. (eds) Guide to Psychological Assessment with Asians. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0796-0_27

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation