NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 55, issue 2

Authors: Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos | Rivera, Diego

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-246006

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 151-154, 2024

Authors: Rivera, Diego | Forte, Anabel | Olabarrieta-Landa, Laiene | Perrin, Paul B. | Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hispanics are the largest growing ethnic minority group in the U.S. Despite significant progress in providing norms for this population, updated normative data are essential. OBJECTIVE: To present the methodology for a study generating normative neuropsychological test data for Spanish-speaking adults living in the U.S. using Bayesian inference as a novel approach. METHODS: The sample consisted of 253 healthy adults from eight U.S. regions, with individuals originating from a diverse array of Latin American countries. To participate, individuals must have met the following criteria: were between 18 and 80 years of age, had lived in …the U.S. for at least 1 year, self-identified Spanish as their dominant language, had at least one year of formal education, were able to read and write in Spanish at the time of evaluation, scored≥23 on the Mini-Mental State Examination, <10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire– 9, and <10 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Participants completed 12 neuropsychological tests. Reliability statistics and norms were calculated for all tests. CONCLUSION: This is the first normative study for Spanish-speaking adults in the U.S. that uses Bayesian linear or generalized linear regression models for generating norms in neuropsychology, implementing sociocultural measures as possible covariates. Show more

Keywords: Normative data, bayesian inference, variable selection, spanish-speaking adult, generalized linear models

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240149

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 155-167, 2024

Authors: Carrión, Carmen I. | Rivera, Diego | Forte, Anabel | Olabarrieta-Landa, Laiene | Moreno, Oswaldo | Usuga, Daniela Ramos | Morel Valdés, Gloria M. | López, Melisa | Rodriguez, Miriam J. | Lequerica, Anthony H. | Drago, Christin I. | García, Patricia | Rivera, Patricia M. | Perrin, Paul B. | Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hispanics/Latinos are the largest racial/ethnic group among underrepresented populations in the U.S. and multiple sociodemographic, cultural, and linguistic factors have been found to impact their performances on cognitive testing. Despite this, few normative data are available for the heterogeneous Spanish-speaking population in the U.S. OBJECTIVE: To generate normative data on the Trail-Making Test (TMT), Bells Test, Symbol-Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and the Brief Test of Attention (BTA) for Spanish speakers residing in the U.S. METHODS: The sample included 245 Spanish-speaking individuals aged 18– 80 from eight states across the U.S. (California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, New …Jersey, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Participants were administered attention and processing speed measures as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. We used a Bayesian regression approach to estimate normative data, including covariates found to be important for predicting performances on measures of attention and processing speed. RESULTS: Sociodemographic factors including education, time in the U.S., acculturation, age, and/or sex had differential effects on the TMT-A, TMT-B, SDMT, and the BTA whereas the Bells Test was not influenced by any of these sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that while sex, age, and educational attainment are important factors to consider, language and acculturation can also influence attention and processing speed performances among Spanish speakers in the U.S. Show more

Keywords: Acculturation, cultural diversity, hispanic or latino, attention, processing speed, symbol digit modalities test, trail making test, neuropsychological tests

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240086

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 169-182, 2024

Authors: Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos | Rivera, Diego | Rodriguez, Miriam J. | Christ, Bryan R. | Moreno, Oswaldo | Usuga, Daniela Ramos | Olabarrieta-Landa, Laiene | Perrin, Paul B. | Carrión, Carmen I. | Morel Valdés, Gloria M. | Krch, Denise | Amaya, Ariana | Drago, Christin I. | García, Patricia | Rivera, Patricia M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hispanics are a significant demographic in the U.S., with diverse cultures and languages. Assessing cognition in this group is complex as cultural and linguistic factors have been found to affect test performance. OBJECTIVE: To generate normative data on the World Health Organization-University of California Los Angeles Auditory Verbal Learning Test (WHO-UCLA AVLT) in a sample of Spanish-speaking Hispanics residing in the U.S. METHODS: The sample included 245 Spanish-speaking individuals aged 18–80 across the U.S. (California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Participants were administered the WHO-UCLA AVLT as part of a comprehensive …neuropsychological battery. A Bayesian regression approach was used to estimate normative data, including covariates found to be important for predicting performances on measures of learning and memory. RESULTS: Bayesian models showed a logarithmic link between education and all WHO-UCLA AVLT trials, except recognition. For delayed recall, increased Spanish proficiency benefited women’s performance exclusively. Time in the U.S. was a significant predictor for total recall, indicating worse performance with longer residency. CONCLUSION: Recognizing cultural factors like language proficiency and duration of U.S. residence is essential for accurately evaluating cognitive function among Spanish-speaking Hispanics. This research emphasizes the importance of accounting for cultural nuances in developing norms for neuropsychological assessments, thereby improving their relevance and effectiveness in diverse communities. Show more

Keywords: Acculturation, cultural diversity, hispanic or latino, memory and learning tests

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240090

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 183-193, 2024

Authors: Olabarrieta-Landa, Laiene | Rivera, Diego | Xia, Bridget | Moreno, Oswaldo | Ramos Usuga, Daniela | Morel Valdés, Gloria M. | Lopez, Enrique | Rodriguez, Miriam J. | Carrión, Carmen I. | Lequerica, Anthony H. | Drago, Christin I. | García, Patricia | Rivera, Patricia M. | Perrin, Paul B. | Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Linguistic deficits are common across neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Currently there are limited neuropsychological norms available for Spanish-speaking adults residing in the U.S. OBJECTIVE: To generate norms for two verbal fluency tests and the Boston Naming Test (BNT) in a Spanish-speaking population in the U.S., with adjustments for demographic and cultural variables. METHODS: The sample consisted of 245 adults from the U.S. Participants completed phonological and semantic verbal fluency tests and the BNT. A standardized four-step statistical procedure was used. RESULTS: For the phoneme F, interactions between Spanish proficiency, age, and education arose. …Better performance on phonemes A, S, and M was related to education. Spanish proficiency, acculturation, and time in the U.S. were associated with the phonemes S, A, P, M, and R. An age by education interaction was found for phonemes M and R. The FAS and PMR triads were related to age, sex, time in U.S., and Spanish proficiency. For the semantic verbal fluency tests, an interaction between education and Spanish proficiency arose. For the BNT, test scores were related to education, and significant interactions were also found based on education’s interaction with Spanish proficiency and acculturation. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of accounting for sociodemographic and acculturative factors when developing normative data for verbal fluency tests and the BNT for dominant Spanish-speaking adults in the U.S. These sociodemographically-adjusted norms will help improve accuracy of diagnosis and interpretation of linguistic test performance in Spanish speakers living in the U.S. Show more

Keywords: Verbal fluency, Boston Naming Test, Hispanic, Bayesian inference, normative data

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240087

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 195-208, 2024

Authors: Ramos Usuga, Daniela | Rivera, Diego | Xia, Bridget | Carrión, Carmen I. | Morel Valdés, Gloria M. | Moreno, Oswaldo | Rodriguez, Miriam J. | Krch, Denise | Wongserbchart, Wongthipa | Drago, Christin I. | García, Patricia | Rivera, Patricia M. | Olabarrieta-Landa, Laiene | Perrin, Paul B. | Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Normative data for Spanish-speaking populations, particularly Hispanics in the U.S., is notably scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to establish normative data for executive function tests (Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop Color and Word Test) among Spanish-speaking Hispanics in the U.S. METHODS: We assessed 245 individuals aged 18–80 from eight U.S. states (California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin) and employed Bayesian regression to estimate norms, considering various sociodemographic factors influencing performance. RESULTS: The posterior distribution suggests a high probability that age impacts SCWT performance, with older adults likely …to show greater declines, particularly among those with high proficiency in Spanish. The posterior distribution suggests a stronger effect of age on M-WCST performance among individuals with longer U.S. residency. Educational attainment demonstrates a robust positive impact on M-WCST outcomes, with lower levels of education associated with a higher probability of increased errors. An interaction between education and Spanish proficiency was observed, influencing SCWT scores differently across proficiency levels. Sex and acculturation levels interact to affect SCWT performance, with distinct patterns observed between men and women. This suggests that the impact of acculturation on cognitive test performance may vary by gender. CONCLUSION: Establishing culturally sensitive normative data can enhance accurate identification of executive dysfunction and reduce misdiagnosis risks. This study underscores the importance of considering sociocultural factors including acculturation and language proficiency in neuropsychological assessments to better serve diverse populations. Show more

Keywords: Acculturation, cultural diversity, hispanic or latino, executive function, wisconsin card sorting test, neuropsychological tests

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240088

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 209-221, 2024

Authors: Morel Valdés, Gloria M. | Rivera, Diego | Olabarrieta-Landa, Laiene | Carrión, Carmen I. | Lequerica, Anthony H. | Maltez, Fatima Iyarit | Rodriguez, Miriam J. | Dini, Mia E. | Munoz, Geovani | Usuga, Daniela Ramos | Drago, Christin I. | García, Patricia | Rivera, Patricia M. | Perrin, Paul B. | Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) are commonly used in clinical practice. The ROCFT measures constructional praxis, visual perception, and visuospatial learning and memory, and the CDT assesses for visuospatial, constructional, and executive difficulties. Several neurological disorders are associated with visuospatial and visuo-constructional impairments, yet reliable normative data accounting for sociodemographic and acculturative variables are scarce for Hispanics living in the U.S. OBJECTIVE: To generate normative data for the ROCFT and CDT in a Spanish-speaking adult population living in the U.S. METHODS: The sample consisted of 245 cognitively healthy …adults recruited from several states in the U.S. Each participant was administered the ROCFT and CDT as part of a larger cognitive battery. The ROCFT and CDT were normed using a Bayesian approach. Age, age2 , education, sex, acculturation, and language proficiency were included as predictors in the analyses. RESULTS: ROCFT performance was associated with education and age, particularly as they interacted with Spanish language proficiency and time spent in the U.S. Education was significantly associated with recall abilities and a lower memory recall on the ROCFT. Age was found to vary depending on a person’s bilingual abilities. Sex did not emerge as a predictor of performance, and it did not interact significantly with other variables. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to include acculturation and language proficiency variables in the creation of norms for the assessment of visuo-constructional abilities. This study will have a large impact on the practice of neuropsychology in the U.S. Show more

Keywords: Rey figure, visuospatial, constructional, clock drawing test

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240089

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 223-233, 2024

Authors: Ramos Usuga, Daniela | Ayearst, Lindsay E. | Rivera, Diego | Krch, Denise | Perrin, Paul B. | Carrión, Carmen I. | Morel Valdés, Gloria M. | Loro, Delly | Rodriguez, Miriam J. | Munoz, Geovani | Drago, Christin I. | García, Patricia | Rivera, Patricia M. | Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) is a widely used performance validity measure that is available in both English and Spanish. The Spanish version, however, has historically lacked normative data from samples that are representative of the U.S. Hispanic/Spanish speaking population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to collect normative data on the update TOMM 2 for Hispanic individuals residing in the U.S. METHODS: Normative data on the TOMM 2 was collected across 9 sites from different regions of the U.S. The total sample consisted of n  = 188 cognitively healthy adults aged 18 …and over with no current or prior history of neurological or psychiatric disorder. Descriptive analyses were performed on total raw scores. RESULTS: Participants obtained a mean score of 48.15 (SD = 2.81) on trial 1 of the TOMM 2, 49.86 (SD = 0.487) on trial 2, and 49.84 (SD = 0.509) on the recognition trial. Scores are provided for traditional cutoff scores as well as some popular cutoffs reported in the literature. Item level analyses were conducted as well as evaluation of performance based on a variety of demographics. CONCLUSION: When compared to the English-speaking normative sample used for the original TOMM, this sample demonstrated better performance on the TOMM 2 indicating better cultural appropriateness of the items. This is the first study conducted that provides culturally appropriate descriptive norms for use with Spanish speakers living in the U.S. Show more

Keywords: Performance validity, test taking effort, cross-cultural normative data

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240085

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 235-242, 2024