Christopher Nguyen, PhD

I am Christopher Nguyen, PhD, ABPP, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and I specialize in cognitive aging, decision-making, civil capacities and neuropsychology. My research focuses on understanding neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric outcomes associated with neurodegenerative disease, cancer and rare blood disorders, while advancing approaches that support patients’ cognitive health and real-world decision-making.

As an attending clinical neuropsychologist and the Director of Neuropsychology within the department, I conduct research with direct and practical applications that improve the well-being of patients. My work examines higher-order cognitive abilities, with particular emphasis on decision-making and civil capacities among older adults, as well as ways to support these processes in the context of cognitive decline.

In addition to researching medical conditions’ effects on cognition and behavior, I investigate cross-cultural considerations in neuropsychology and seek to better understand factors that contribute to health disparities among underserved populations.

Through this work, I aim to advance our knowledge of cognitive health, executive functioning, daily functioning and decision-making in older adults, while identifying meaningful strategies to improve outcomes for older adults and individuals affected by neurological and medical conditions.

In addition to my clinical and research responsibilities, I serve as President-Elect of the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology and a Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors of the International Neuropsychological Society. These national and international leadership roles complement my research and clinical interests, providing opportunities to advance neuropsychological science, promote culturally responsive assessment practices and support the training and mentorship of future neuropsychologists.

Research interests

• Cognitive Aging
• Decision Making
• Civil Capacities
• Cross-Cultural Considerations in Neuropsychology
• Neurocognitive and Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of Neurodegenerative Disease
• Neurocognitive and Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of Cancer and Rare Blood Disorders

I am strongly interested in conducting research with direct and systematic applications aimed at enhancing the well‑being of the patients under my care. My research primarily centers on the exploration of higher‑order cognitive abilities, specifically focusing on decision‑making and testamentary capacities among older adults, while actively seeking ways to improve these processes within the context of cognitive decline.

Drawing from my extensive clinical experiences, I actively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, delving into the neurocognitive consequences of medical conditions, including movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, delirium, cancer, and human immunodeficiency viruses.

I am deeply committed to addressing health disparities within underprivileged and underserved populations, which has driven my participation in cross‑cultural neuropsychology research endeavors. My contributions to the field of neuropsychology revolve around four core themes: real‑world decision‑making in older adults, executive functioning, instrumental activities of daily living, and testamentary capacity; neurocognitive alterations linked to medical conditions; and cross‑cultural neuropsychology.

Overall, my work is dedicated to advancing the understanding and enhancement of cognitive health and decision‑making abilities in older adults.

Editorial Activities

• Editorial Board, Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society
• Editorial Board, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology
• Editorial Board, Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences
• Editorial Board, Clinical Gerontologist

Professional Memberships

• International Neuropsychological Society
• Asian Neuropsychological Association
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (APA Division 40)
• Society of Clinical Geropsychology (APA Division 12-II)
• Gerontological Society of America