Open Access
Executive function tests: normative data for Spanish-speaking adults in the United States
(2024-09-02) Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Rivera, Diego; Xia, Bridget; Carrión, Carmen I.; Morel Valdés, Gloria M.; Moreno, Oswaldo; Rodríguez, Miriam J.; Krch, Denise; Wongserbchart, Wongthipa; Drago, Christin I.; García, Patricia; Rivera, Patricia M.; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Perrin, Paul B.; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
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 (M-WCST, SCWT) 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: age impacts SCWT scores negatively, especially in older individuals, with stronger effects among those proficient in Spanish. Age also affects M-WCST performance more in individuals with longer U.S. residency. Education correlates with M-WCST outcomes, with lower attainment linked to more errors. Education interacts with Spanish proficiency, influencing SCWT scores differently based on proficiency levels. Sex and acculturation levels interact, affecting SCWT performance differently between men and women. Conclusions: establishing culturally sensitive normative data can enhance accurate identification of executive dysfunction and reduce misdiagnosis risks. This underscores the importance of considering sociocultural factors including acculturation and language proficiency in neuropsychological assessments to better serve diverse populations.
Open Access
Moderate, little, or no improvements in neurobehavioral symptoms among individuals with long COVID: A 34-country retrospective study
(MDPI, 2022) Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Perrin, Paul B.; Bogdanova, Yelena; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Alzueta, Elisabet; Baker, Fiona C.; Iacovides, Stella; Cortes, Mar; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
(1) Background: Some people with COVID-19 develop a series of symptoms that last for several months after infection, known as Long COVID. Although these symptoms interfere with people’s daily functioning and quality of life, few studies have focused on neurobehavioral symptoms and the risk factors associated with their development; (2) Methods: 1001 adults from 34 countries who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 completed the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory reporting the symptoms before their COVID-19 diagnosis, during the COVID-19 infection, and currently; (3) Results: Participants reported large-sized increases before vs. during COVID-19 in all domains. Participants reported a medium-sized improvement (during COVID-19 vs. now) in somatic symptoms, a small-sized improvement in affective symptoms, and very minor/no improvement in cognitive symptoms. The risk factors for increased neurobehavioral symptoms were: being female/trans, unemployed, younger age, low education, having another chronic health condition, greater COVID-19 severity, greater number of days since the COVID-19 diagnosis, not having received oxygen therapy, and having been hospitalized. Additionally, participants from North America, Europe, and Central Asia reported higher levels of symptoms across all domains relative to Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa; (4) Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of evaluating and treating neurobehavioral symptoms after COVID-19, especially targeting the higher-risk groups identified. General rehabilitation strategies and evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation are needed in both the acute and Long COVID phases.
Open Access
Network analysis of neurobehavioral symptom patterns in an international sample of spanish-speakers with a history of COVID-19 and controls
(MDPI, 2023) Perrin, Paul B.; Ramos Usuga, Daniela; West, Samuel J.; Merced, Kritzia; Klyce, Daniel W.; Lequerica, Anthony H.; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Alzueta, Elisabet; Baker, Fiona C.; Iacovides, Stella; Cortes, Mar; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background: Psychometric network analysis provides a novel statistical approach allowing researchers to model clusters of related symptoms as a dynamic system. This study applied network analysis to investigate the patterns of somatic, cognitive, and affective neurobehavioral symptoms in an international sample of Spanish-speaking individuals with a history of COVID-19 positivity and non-COVID controls; (2) methods: the sample (n = 1093) included 650 adults from 26 countries who reported having previously tested positive for COVID-19 (COVID+) through a viral and/or antigen test (average of 147 days since diagnosis). The control group (COVID−) was comprised of 443 adults from 20 countries who had completed the survey prior to the COVID19 pandemic; (3) results: relative to the COVID− network, the COVID+ network was very wellconnected, such that each neurobehavioral symptom was positively connected to the network. The organize-to-headache and dizzy-to-balance connections in the COVID+ network were stronger than in the COVID− network. The hearing, numbness, and tense symptoms were more central to the COVID+ network with the latter connected to the sleep, fatigue, and frustrated symptoms. The COVID− network was largely disjointed, with most of the somatosensory symptoms forming their own cluster with no connections to other symptom groups and fatigue not being connected to any other symptom. The cognitive and affective symptoms in the COVID− network were also largely connected to symptoms from within their own groups; (4) conclusions: These findings suggest that many of the long-term neurobehavioral symptoms of COVID-19 form a discernable network and that headaches, frustration, hearing problems, forgetfulness, and tension are the most central symptoms. Cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation strategies targeting these central symptom network features may hold promise to help fracture the lingering symptom network of COVID-19.
Embargo
Test of memory malingering 2nd edition: normative data from cognitively intact adults living in Spain
(Routledge, 2024-11-05) Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ayearst, Lindsay E.; Rivera, Diego; Dini, Mia E.; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Perrin, Paul B.; McCaffrey, Robert; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
This study evaluated the universality of the TOMM 2 and provided a reference sample of cognitively intact adults living in Spain whose native language was Spanish. A total of 203 adults completed the TOMM 2 from June 2019 to January 2020. When using the original TOMM cutoff scores derived from English speakers, all participants scored in a range that would suggest that they passed the TOMM. When using a cut score less than 40 on Trial 1, only one participant in this study would be mistakenly classified as providing an invalid performance. Spanish-speaking adults in Spain from this study achieved a perfect score on Trial 1 at a rate more than double that of English-speaking individuals on the original TOMM. At the item level, all but one item met the minimum standard for performance validity; this item fell only marginally below the standard at 89%. This study found a very low failure rate for the TOMM 2, suggesting that the second edition has at least as high specificity as the original in Spanish adults.
Open Access
Normative data for tests of visuo-spatial, visuo-constructional skills, and visual memory for Spanish-speaking adults in the United States
(SAGE, 2024-09-17) Morel Valdés, Gloria M.; Rivera, Diego; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Carrión, Carmen I.; Lequerica, Anthony H.; Maltez, Fatima Iyarit; Rodríguez, Miriam J.; Dini, Mia E.; Munoz, Geovani; Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Drago, Christin I.; García, Patricia; Rivera, Patricia M.; Perrin, Paul B.; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
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 visuoconstructional impairments, yet reliable normative data accounting for sociodemographic aspects of identity and acculturative variables are scarce for Hispanics living in the U.S. Objective: To generate normative data for the ROCF and CDT in a Spanish-speaking adult population living in the U.S. Methods: The sample consisted of 245 participants' cognitively normal 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, age, education, sex, acculturation, and language competence, were included as predictors in the analyses. Results: ROCFT was associated with education and age, particularly as they interact with Spanish language competency, 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 was not moderated by other variables. Conclusions: This is the first study to include acculturation and language proficiency variables in the creation of norms for the assessment of visuoconstruction abilities. This study will have a large impact on the practice of neuropsychology in the U.S.
Open Access
Normative data for verbal fluency and naming tests in Spanish-speaking adults in the United States
(SAGE, 2024-08-22) Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Rivera, Diego; Xia, Bridget; Moreno, Oswaldo; Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Morel Valdés, Gloria M.; López, Enrique; Rodríguez, Miriam J.; Carrión, Carmen I.; Lequerica, Anthony H.; Drago, Christin I.; García, Patricia; Rivera, Patricia M.; Perrin, Paul B.; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
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 visuoconstructional impairments, yet reliable normative data accounting for sociodemographic aspects of identity and acculturative variables are scarce for Hispanics living in the U.S. Objective: To generate normative data for the ROCF and CDT in a Spanish-speaking adult population living in the U.S. Methods: The sample consisted of 245 participants¿ cognitively normal 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 competence, were included as predictors in the analyses. Results: ROCFT was associated with education and age, particularly as they interact with Spanish language competency, 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 was not moderated by other variables. Conclusions: This is the first study to include acculturation and language proficiency variables in the creation of norms for the assessment of visuoconstruction abilities. This study will have a large impact on the practice of neuropsychology in the U.S.
Open Access
Attention and processing speed tests: normative data for Spanish-speaking adults in the United States
(SAGE, 2024-09-26) Carrión, Carmen I.; Rivera, Diego; Forte, Anabel; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Moreno, Oswaldo; Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Morel Valdés, Gloria M.; López, Melisa; Rodríguez, Miriam J.; Lequerica, Anthony H.; Drago, Christin I.; García, Patricia; Rivera, Patricia M.; Perrin, Paul B.; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Hispanics/Latinos are the largest Spanish-speaking subgroup 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 TMT, Bells Test, SDMT, and the 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. Conclusions: 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.
Open Access
Longitudinal growth curve trajectories of family dynamics after pediatric traumatic brain injury in Mexico
(MDPI, 2020) McKee, Grace B.; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Pérez Delgadillo, Paula K.; Valdivia Tangarife, Edgar Ricardo; Villaseñor Cabrera, Teresita; Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Perrin, Paul B.; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a serious public health concern. Family members are often caregivers for children with TBI, which can result in a significant strain on familial relationships. Research is needed to examine aspects of family functioning in the context of recovery post-TBI, especially in Latin America, where cultural norms may reinforce caregiving by family members, but where resources for these caregivers may be scarce. This study examined caregiver-reported family satisfaction, communication, cohesion, and flexibility at three time points in the year post-injury for 46 families of a child with TBI in comparison to healthy control families. Families experiencing pediatric TBI were recruited from a large hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico, while healthy controls were recruited from a local educational center. Results from multilevel growth curve models demonstrated that caregivers of children with a TBI reported significantly worse family functioning than controls at each assessment. Families experiencing pediatric TBI were unable to attain the level of functioning of controls during the time span studied, suggesting that these families are likely to experience long-term disruptions in family functioning. The current study highlights the need for family-level intervention programs to target functioning for families affected by pediatric TBI who are at risk for difficulties within a rehabilitation context.
Open Access
WHO-UCLA auditory verbal learning test: normative data for Spanish-speaking adults in the United States
(SAGE, 2024-09-18) Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Rivera, Diego; Rodríguez, Miriam J.; Christ, Bryan R.; Moreno, Oswaldo; Ramos Usuga, Daniela; 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.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Hispanics are a significant demographic in the US, with diverse cultures and languages. Yet, 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 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 from eight U.S. states (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 resi-dency. Conclusions: Recognizing cultural factors like language proficiency and duration of U.S. residence is essential for accurately evaluating cognitive function among His-panics. This research emphasizes the significance of accounting for cultural nuances in developing norms for neuropsychological assessments, thereby improving their relevance and effectiveness in diverse communities.