ABSTRACT
Attempts to localize specific brain structural changes and related associated behavior in dementia of the elderly have been plagued with theoretical and methodological controversy. There is much confusion involved in differentiating normal aging processes, healthy aging, and pathological aging. There also appears to be a loss of autonomy between physical and psychological functions in the elderly. Thus structural and functional changes noted in the elderly cannot be linked with certainty to any known or yet to be discovered normal and/or pathological processes. Researchers using the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological test battery are optimistic that the instrument may be useful in delineating normal from abnormal brain structures and related neuropsychological functions in the elderly. The battery also furnishes clinicians with opportunities to establish baseline behaviors, make decisions based on quantifiable data, and evaluate the efficacy of their treatments. Therapists of various disciplines, social scientists and other are encouraged to integrate their discipline specific knowledge bases with neuropsychological findings. This might lead to inter and intra disciplinary solutions to problems shared in common and/or unique to each discipline. The LNNB is discussed in detail with common findings in dementia indicated and implications for therapy, education and research presented.
