Use of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery with Elderly Populations

Neuropsychologists have been increasingly called upon to assess the neuropsychological functioning of elderly individuals to aid in both diagnosis and treatment planning. Various factors frequently complicate these assessment attempts, such as the high incidence of peripheral sensory and motor deficits, increased susceptibility to fatigue, and a general unfamiliarity with test taking situations. The present article describes practical features of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery which make it well suited for use with elderly populations. The battery is relatively brief to administer and can be given over multiple sessions. Two forms of the battery are available allowing serial testing and the instruments needed are quite portable. Within standardized administration there is considerable flexibility allowing the clinician to circumvent difficulties posed by peripheral sensory and motor impairment, or deficits other than those which specific items are intended to tap. When additional information is required, many items are well suited for various modifications to allow "testing of limits." Specific examples of "limit testing" procedures and permissable alterations within standard administration of the battery are provided.