Aboriginal perspectives on widely used neurocognitive assessments

Aboriginal perspectives on widely used neurocognitive assessments

Aaron Basile³, Carmela Pestell³, Dawn Bessarab¹, Lyn Yappo¹, Michael Bynder¹, Leon Flicker², Alex Lalovic¹, Zoë Hyde², Kate Smith<sup>1

1</sup>Centre For Aboriginal Medical And Dental Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
²Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
³School of Psychological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: In lieu of dedicated Indigenous neurocognitive assessments, dementia diagnoses for First Nations Australians rely on tests that originate in different cultural underpinnings and upbringings, and from different ways of knowing, being and doing. We are yet to fully hear Aboriginal perspectives on widely used cognitive tests and testing procedures, how engaging they are, their acceptability, and ultimately the meaningfulness of the resulting data as a reflection of an individual’s cognitive abilities.
Methods: This qualitative study is informed by a Participatory Action Research approach within an Indigenous research paradigm. First Nations people aged 45 years and over participating in the Dementia Prevention and risk Management Program for Aboriginal Australians (DAMPAA) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. In subsequent yarning sessions, 15 participants from the Perth Noongar region gave feedback on their experience of the assessment with particular emphasis on the cultural acceptability of the tests and testing procedures.
Results: Emerging themes pertain to the importance of considering varied schooling experiences, previous relationships with government institutions and health services, concern of potential impacts on family regarding test scheduling and results, and the differences in timed versus time-limited tests.
Discussion: First Nations Elders’ perspectives may inform cultural adaptations to current mainstream and Indigenous-specific neurocognitive assessments and assessment process to improve testing experiences and veracity of assessment outcomes.

Biography

Biography to come