Developing a Culturally Competent Neuropsychological Battery for Diagnosis of Dementia in Arabic-Speaking Patients in the United States

Abstract

Objective In adherence to the American Educational Research Association (AERA) guidelines on culturally informed testing practices, this paper aims to review a suggested battery of tests that is linguistically and culturally appropriate for Arabic-speaking patients and to inform the reader of the varied characteristics of the Arab world to aid in providing a culturally informed neuropsychological evaluation. Method Test instruments in Arabic were identified through systematic searches of PubMed and Google Scholar, U.S.-based website searches in Arabic and French, and in consultation with Arabic-speaking cultural brokers. Results A battery assessing cognitive domains and mood was assembled using core measures that were developed using appropriate translations, cultural adaptations, and include normative data of Arabic-speaking individuals. Supplemental measures that can be administered using translated instructions and English normative data are also identified. The rationale for test selection and clinical utility, including strengths and limitations of the proposed measures is presented. Conclusions Given the large number of Arab Americans residing in the United States combined with the dearth of Arabic speaking neuropsychologists, it is essential that non-Arabic speaking neuropsychologists educate themselves regarding culturally informed practices to better service this growing community.