Muriel Lezak

Lobes of the brain NL

Muriel Elaine Lezak (August 26, 1927 – October 6, 2021) was an American neuropsychologist and a pioneer in the field of clinical neuropsychology. She is best known for her work in the development of neuropsychological assessment tools and her influential textbook, Neuropsychological Assessment.

Early Life and Education

Muriel Lezak was born in Chicago, Illinois. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago in 1947. She later received her master's degree in human development from the University of Chicago in 1949 and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Portland in 1960.

Career

Lezak began her career as a clinical psychologist and later transitioned into the field of neuropsychology. She joined the faculty at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in 1966, where she worked until her retirement. During her tenure at OHSU, she conducted extensive research on brain injuries and their impact on cognitive functions.

Contributions to Neuropsychology

Muriel Lezak is renowned for her contributions to the field of neuropsychology, particularly in the area of neuropsychological assessment. Her textbook, Neuropsychological Assessment, first published in 1976, is considered a seminal work and has been widely used in the training of neuropsychologists. The book provides comprehensive guidelines for the assessment of cognitive functions and the interpretation of neuropsychological test results.

Lezak's work emphasized the importance of understanding the individual patient's history and context when conducting neuropsychological assessments. She advocated for a flexible and hypothesis-driven approach to testing, rather than a rigid, standardized battery of tests.

Legacy

Muriel Lezak's contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of neuropsychology. Her work has influenced the development of assessment tools and the practice of clinical neuropsychology worldwide. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Distinguished Neuropsychologist Award from the National Academy of Neuropsychology.

Personal Life

Muriel Lezak was married to Sidney Lezak, a prominent attorney, and they had three children. She was known for her dedication to her family and her passion for her work.

Selected Publications

• Lezak, M. D. (1976). Neuropsychological Assessment. Oxford University Press.
• Lezak, M. D., Howieson, D. B., Bigler, E. D., & Tranel, D. (2012). Neuropsychological Assessment (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

See Also

• Neuropsychology
• Clinical neuropsychology
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Brain injury