Educational Papers

The following Education Papers by the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) provide didactic information on several topics of interest to neuropsychologists. The topics for these papers were initially suggested by the NAN Board of Directors, members of the NAN Policy and Planning Committee, or individual Academy members. The Policy and Planning Committee facilitated the process of writing, editing, and obtaining outside peer reviews. The NAN Board of Directors approved the final paper. Note that most of the Education Papers were first published in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.

Integrating Lifestyle Factor Science into Neuropsychological Practice

The primary aim of this paper is to review evidence and clinical implications related to lifestyle activities associated with promoting brain and cognitive health. Our review targets four key lifestyle factors: physical activity and exercise, social engagement, cognitively stimulating activity, and consuming Mediterranean-style diets. There is significant current evidence supporting the role of physical activity and exercise, social engagement, cognitively stimulating activity, and consuming Mediterranean-style diets on positive brain and cognitive health outcomes. Clinical neuropsychologists can have confidence in recommending engagement in physical activity, social activity, and cognitively stimulating activity, and adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet to promote brain and cognitive health. READ MORE 

Tele-Neuropsychology: From Science to Policy to Practice

The primary aim of this paper is to accelerate the number of randomized experimental studies of the reliability and validity in-home tele-neuropsychological testing (tele-np-t). The number of tele-np publications has been stagnant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are less published experimental studies of tele-neuropsychology (tele-np), and particularly in-home tele-np-t, than other tele-np publications. There is strong foundational evidence of the acceptability, feasibility, and reliability of tele-np-t, but relatively few studies of the reliability and validity of in-home tele-np-t using randomization methodology. More studies of the reliability and validity of in-home tele-np-t using randomization methodology are necessary to support inclusion of tele-np-t codes on the CMS and CPT telehealth lists, and subsequently, the integration and delivery of in-home tele-np-t services across providers and institutions. These actions are needed to maintain equitable reimbursement of in-home tele-np-t services and address the widespread disparities in healthcare access. READ MORE


Review Previous Educational Papers

• Linking Patient-Centered Outcomes to Neuropsychological Practice: A Conceptual Framework and Opportunities for Research
• Return on Investment and Value Research in Neuropsychology: A Call to Arms
• Integrative Care Models in Neuropsychology
• Cognitive Screening Tests Versus Comprehensive Neuropsychological Test Batteries
• Recommendations for Diagnosing a MTBI
• Neuropsychological Consequences of Boxing
• Professional Considerations for Improving the Neuropsychological Evaluation of Hispanics

Position Papers

The following Position Papers by the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) capture the consensus opinion for various important issues that affect our profession. The topics for these papers were initially suggested by the NAN Board of Directors, members of the NAN Policy and Planning Committee, or individual Academy members. The Policy and Planning Committee facilitated the process of writing, editing, and facilitating outside peer reviews. The NAN Board of Directors approved the final paper. Note that most of the Position Papers were first published in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.

• Introduction 
• Third Party Observers
• Technicians in Practice
• Test Security
• Test Security Update
• Test Security Appendix
• Definition of a Neuropsychologist
• Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Independent and Court-Ordered Forensic Neuropsychological Examinations
• Precertification of Neuropsychological Services
• Informed Consent in Clinical Neuropsychology Practice
• Symptom Validity Testing: Practice Issues and Medical Necessity
• The Importance of Neuropsychological Assessment for the Evaluation of Childhood Learning Disorders
• The Use, Education, Training and Supervision of Neuropsychological Test Technicians (Psychometrists) in Clinical Practice
• Secretive Recording of Neuropsychological Testing Interviewing
• Neuropsychological Evaluation in the Diagnosis and Management of Sports Related Concussion
• Conflict of Interest Inherent in Contingency Fee Arrangements
• Role of Neuropsychologists in the Evaluation and Management of Sports-Related Concussion: An Inter-Organizational Position Statement
• Computerized Neuropsychological Assessment Devices - Joint Position Paper of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and the National Academy of Neuropsychology
• The Role of the Neuropsychologist in Selecting Neuropsychological Tests in a Forensic Evaluation
• Update on Third Party Observers in Neuropsychological Evaluation: An Interorganizational Position Paper