Stephanie Santiago-Mejias, Gabrielle Hromas, Ashley LaRoche, David A. Gonzalez, Robin C. Hilsabeck, Katya Rascovsky, Silvia Mejia Arango, Amy Werry-McFarlin, Claudia L. Satizabal, Hector Trevino, Monica Goss, Jennifer Del Bosque, Amaya Seidl, Roberto Garcia, Marialy Salinas Valdez, Angel Velarde, Jessica Zapata, Samantha Gates, Patricia Hernandez, Juan Toranzo, Marucela Uscamayta Ayvar, Denisse Garcia Cisneros, Vanessa M. Young, Sudha Seshadri, Anna Campbell Sullivan
{"title":"Addressing language challenges in bilingual neuropsychological assessments at the South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC)","authors":"Stephanie Santiago-Mejias, Gabrielle Hromas, Ashley LaRoche, David A. Gonzalez, Robin C. Hilsabeck, Katya Rascovsky, Silvia Mejia Arango, Amy Werry-McFarlin, Claudia L. Satizabal, Hector Trevino, Monica Goss, Jennifer Del Bosque, Amaya Seidl, Roberto Garcia, Marialy Salinas Valdez, Angel Velarde, Jessica Zapata, Samantha Gates, Patricia Hernandez, Juan Toranzo, Marucela Uscamayta Ayvar, Denisse Garcia Cisneros, Vanessa M. Young, Sudha Seshadri, Anna Campbell Sullivan","doi":"10.1002/alz.70800","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div>\n \n \n <section>\n \n <h3> INTRODUCTION</h3>\n \n <p>Neuropsychological assessment of bilingual (English/Spanish) individuals presents challenges that can impact test validity. Language proficiency influences cognitive performance, yet clear guidelines for determining the appropriate test language are lacking. We describe our experiences at the South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (STAC) in addressing these challenges within the context of National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) assessments and broader Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) protocols. We outline steps toward a structured language assessment approach.</p>\n </section>\n \n <section>\n \n <h3> METHODS</h3>\n \n <p>We implemented a process to assess language proficiency, integrating self-reported and objective measures, including the language dominance index (LDI). Case examples illustrate the impact of language on cognitive testing.</p>\n </section>\n \n <section>\n \n <h3> RESULTS</h3>\n \n <p>Challenges included discrepancies between self-reported and objective language proficiency, language switching during assessments, and resistance to testing in the dominant language.</p>\n </section>\n \n <section>\n \n <h3> DISCUSSION</h3>\n \n <p>Language assessment improves test validity and research consistency. Future efforts should refine bilingual assessment methods and establish standardized protocols.</p>\n </section>\n \n <section>\n \n <h3> Highlights</h3>\n \n <div>\n <ul>\n \n <li>Systematic test language selection may improve accuracy in bilingual assessments.</li>\n \n <li>Discrepancies in reported versus objective language proficiency challenge bilingual assessments.</li>\n \n <li>Language evaluation guidelines are needed to improve test validity and data consistency.</li>\n </ul>\n </div>\n </section>\n </div>","PeriodicalId":7471,"journal":{"name":"Alzheimer's & Dementia","volume":"21 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":11.1000,"publicationDate":"2025-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/alz.70800","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Alzheimer's & Dementia","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.70800","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CLINICAL NEUROLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Neuropsychological assessment of bilingual (English/Spanish) individuals presents challenges that can impact test validity. Language proficiency influences cognitive performance, yet clear guidelines for determining the appropriate test language are lacking. We describe our experiences at the South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (STAC) in addressing these challenges within the context of National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) assessments and broader Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) protocols. We outline steps toward a structured language assessment approach.
METHODS
We implemented a process to assess language proficiency, integrating self-reported and objective measures, including the language dominance index (LDI). Case examples illustrate the impact of language on cognitive testing.
RESULTS
Challenges included discrepancies between self-reported and objective language proficiency, language switching during assessments, and resistance to testing in the dominant language.
DISCUSSION
Language assessment improves test validity and research consistency. Future efforts should refine bilingual assessment methods and establish standardized protocols.
Highlights
Systematic test language selection may improve accuracy in bilingual assessments.
Discrepancies in reported versus objective language proficiency challenge bilingual assessments.
Language evaluation guidelines are needed to improve test validity and data consistency.
期刊介绍:
Alzheimer's & Dementia is a peer-reviewed journal that aims to bridge knowledge gaps in dementia research by covering the entire spectrum, from basic science to clinical trials to social and behavioral investigations. It provides a platform for rapid communication of new findings and ideas, optimal translation of research into practical applications, increasing knowledge across diverse disciplines for early detection, diagnosis, and intervention, and identifying promising new research directions. In July 2008, Alzheimer's & Dementia was accepted for indexing by MEDLINE, recognizing its scientific merit and contribution to Alzheimer's research.