Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Assessment with Turkish Immigrants

This chapter provides cultural background information about Turkish immigrants as perceived by the author, who does not have Turkish background but has worked with the Turkish community for several years. Through a personalized story-telling style, the chapter reviews diverse aspects of many Turkish people's history, immigration and relocation patterns, languages spoken, communication styles, educational backgrounds, literacy rates, values and customs, gender roles, religion and religiosity, mental health views, and acculturation. Relevant approaches to conducting neuropsychological assessments are also reviewed. This cultural knowledge is presented to increase awareness of important cultural variables while valuing the uniqueness of each person and lays the foundation understanding a clinical case study of a multilingual (Turkish, Kurmanji [a Kurdish dialect], Danish) man who was concerned about developing Alzheimer's disease. The case reviews the presenting concerns, daily functioning, and history (health, educational, language proficiency, social/cultural, emotional). Behavioral observations, emphasis on culture during the interview, and the use of cross-cultural tests and norms yield an impactful feedback session and culturally acceptable follow-up care that target his needs in the context of personal mental health stigma. Lessons learned about considering cultural context when working with Turkish immigrants are highlighted to inform culturally sensitive assessment and care.