Is language translation enough in cross-cultural neuropsychological assessments of patients from Latin America?

Objective: The purpose of this review was to highlight the need to consider factors other than language when adapting tests across cultural groups and to offer a list of tests that have been adapted for use among patients from or descended from Latin American Countries. Despite efforts in the field through publications and workshops, the authors were aware of continued errors in cross-cultural assessment of these patients, resulting in misdiagnosis and unintentional inequitable care. Thus, we sought to reinforce the existing literature.

Method: We reviewed the literature pertaining to cross-cultural adaptation of neuropsychological measures. Relevant papers were identified by our institution's Academic Enhanced Search Option (AcESO) Database, PubMed, and Google Scholar.

Results: 102 papers, articles, and other published literature were reviewed describing issues related to the adaptation of tests for groups originally from or descended from Latin American Countries residing in the United States.

Conclusions: It is imperative that tests be appropriately developed or adapted for the target population with appropriate normative data available, and ideally administered by a fluent speaker trained in assessment. Inappropriate use of tests not adapted for a particular patient's language and country of origin can result in misdiagnosis, potentially resulting in harm to the individual.