A-10 High Score Multivariate Base Rates for the Spanish-Language NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery: Potential Resource for Assessing High-Functioning Spanish-Speaking Patients. (30th August 2021) - Karr, Justin E
Abstract: Objective: This study involved the preparation of high score multivariate base rates for the Spanish-language NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) to inform neuropsychological practice with high-functioning Spanish-speaking patients. Method: Participants included 250 healthy adults from the Spanish-language NIHTB-CB normative sample (M = 38.8 ± 13.7 years-old; 72.0% women; 100% Latinx) who completed the full battery (2 crystallized and 5 fluid cognition tests). Multivariate base rates quantified the frequency at which participants obtained 1+ fluid test scores ≥50th, ≥63rd, ≥75th, ≥84th, ≥91st, ≥95th, and ≥ 98th percentile based on age-adjusted and demographic-adjusted normed scores, with stratifications based on education, crystallized ability, and sociocultural characteristics. Results: It was common for participants in the normative sample to obtain 1+ high scores (50.8% obtained 1+ scores ≥84th percentile) and uncommon for participants to obtain no high scores, especially when using lower, non-conventional thresholds for defining a high score (10.8% obtained no scores ≥50th percentile). The frequency of participants obtaining no high scores varied by education (36.8% with <12 years obtained no scores ≥63rd percentile vs. 2.1% with ≥16 years), crystallized ability (47.8% with below average ability obtained no scores ≥75th percentile vs. 21.9% with above average ability), and sociocultural characteristics (37.1% from households below national median income obtained no scores ≥75th vs. 6.9% from households above). Conclusion(s): The frequency of high scores varied by education, crystallized ability, and sociocultural characteristics, which was not fully accounted for by use of demographic-adjusted norms. In high-functioning patients and patients of higher socioeconomic status, the absence of high scores is uncommon and may indicate cognitive decline.