Plenary C: Developing Tools for Global Neuropsychological Assessment

Abstract & Learning Objectives:During the 20th century, neuropsychology emerged as a research and clinical specialty, predominantly—though not exclusively—in Western Europe and North America. Formation of the International Neuropsychological Society has done much to foster globalization of the discipline, though we have yet to develop neuropsychological assessment instruments that are suitable for worldwide use. Test publishers have few financial incentives to undertake the development, standardization, and normative data collection required to create cognitive tests for worldwide use. And health-related funding organizations typically prioritize disease-focused etiologic, mechanistic, and treatment research in their resource allocation. Thus, developing such tools will likely require clinical data and other contributions from the entire international community of neuropsychologists. In this address, I will focus on two approaches to developing tests and norms that are suitable to global use, along with ongoing efforts and progress to date in each. I will also appeal to every member of the international community of neuropsychologists to help turn this vision into a reality now.Upon conclusion of this course, learners will be able to: 1.Describe two fundamental approaches to developing neuropsychological tests that are appropriate for international use.2.Explain at least one strength and limitation of each approach to global test and regression-based norms development.3.Assess how to personally engage in a project that aims to provide contributors with free access to a global neuropsychological test battery that is suitable for use worldwide in multiple languages.