Developing a Culturally Competent Neuropsychological Assessment Battery for Farsi-speaking Patients with Suspected Dementia.

This article focuses on the development of a comprehensive neuropsychological battery tailored for differential diagnosis of dementia in Farsi-speaking Iranian adults residing in the United States. Due to the scarcity of neuropsychological tests developed or normed specifically for Farsi speakers, the proposed battery combines core measures validated with Farsi-speaking populations and supplemental tests translated from English, acknowledging limitations in normative data and cultural applicability. The article also presents a case study illustrating the clinical application of this battery with the aid of a certified Farsi interpreter, highlighting challenges such as language barriers, cultural considerations, and the need for culturally competent assessment practices. The authors emphasize the urgent need for more validated neuropsychological tools and normative data for Farsi-speaking and bilingual Iranian Americans to improve diagnostic accuracy and care for this growing, underserved population.