Neuropsychological Assessment of Dementia and Depression in Older Adults: A Clinician's Guide

Two of the most common psychological disorders of later life are dementia and depression. The diagnosis of these conditions presents a challenge to clinicians because the symptoms of depression and dementia often overlap; in addition, the symptoms of either of these disorders in their early stages may be attributed to the normal effects of aging. To successfully identify and treat depression and dementia in older adults - thereby avoiding or delaying unnecessary and costly long-term care - psychologists must increase their skills in communicating and working with the older population. Neuropsychological Assessment of Dementia and Depression in Older Adults reviews the most up-to-date research on the diagnosis of dementia and depression and offers concrete recommendations for evaluating this unique population. A helpful appendix refers readers to cognitive test norms for older adults. The contributors to this volume, all experts in the psychological assessment of older adults, give clinicians and practitioners clear and practical guidance on differentiating psychological disorders from normal events in the aging process identifying symptoms of depression and symptoms of dementia performing differential assessment of dementia and depression determining legal competency of older adults providing clinical interpretations to clients and their families applying assessment to therapy and interventions.