Assessment of the Hispanic Cognitively Impaired Elderly Patient

Abstract

Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States, approximately 7% of the population older than 65. They often encounter challenges related to health care access and quality of care. The prevalence of dementia among Hispanics is higher than that of non-Hispanic whites and they frequently present at a more advanced stage of illness. Cognitive evaluation should take into account sociodemographic information and cultural factors to avoid misdiagnosis and guide management. A provider who has knowledge of Hispanic culture should conduct the neuropsychological assessment, and tests used to measure cognitive functioning should be developed for Hispanics in the United States.

Keywords: Cognitive impairment; Dementia; Hispanics; Neuropsychological assessment.