Ethnogeriatric issues in neuropsychologic assessment and rehabilitation

Although many forms of rehabilitation are available, they tend to be reserved for younger patients who are perceived as most able to benefit from treatment. The difficulties faced by the European-American older population, in terms of appropriate assessment, are compounded by additional factors for older people of color. This article will examine neuropsychologic assessment and rehabilitation concerns with two geriatric populations: (1) patients with acute and chronic medical diseases, including heart attacks and strokes and (2) male substance abusers. Neuropsychologic symptoms are described with respect to both ethnicity and gender. The burden on ill-prepared caregivers is also addressed.