Presidential Address National Academy of Neuropsychology Conference Boston 2017

• Published in: Archives of clinical neuropsychology Vol. 33; no. 6; pp. 676 - 687
• Main Author: Meyers, John E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01-09-2018
• Subjects: Academies and Institutes; Boston; Congresses as Topic; Humans; Neuropsychology - statistics & numerical data; Neuropsychology - trends; Boston; Aging; Professional issues; Elderly; Geriatrics
• ISSN: 1873-5843; 1873-5843
• DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acy039

Abstract
This presidential address attempts to predict the future directions of neuropsychology. Predicting the future is always a difficult thing. By examining population trends such as aging and demographics, a clearer picture becomes visible. The population is getting older and more ethnically diverse. Also, examination of the spending trends in health care indicates that neuropsychology needs to be able to adapt to working with larger population-based patient care as well as individual patient care. Shifts in the demographics of neuropsychology, in that the profession previously was 70% male dominate and now is >70% female dominant are also discussed. Trends in NAN’s speaker and leader demographics are examined as well as the need to stay current in the trends and latest neuropsychological research lest we become dinosaurs in the next 5–10 years. Recommendations for new neuropsychologists and post-doctoral fellows are also presented.