Neuropsychological Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Latinx Adults: A Scoping Review

Objective: Latinx populations are rapidly growing and aging in the United States. There is a critical need to accurately and efficiently detect those at risk for dementia, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI diagnosis often relies on neuropsychological assessment, although cultural, demographic, and linguistic characteristics may impact test scores. This study provides a scoping review of neuropsychological studies on MCI in Hispanic/Latinx populations to evaluate how studies report and account for these factors in diagnosis of MCI. Method: Studies were identified using Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, using search terms (Hispanic* OR Latin* OR "Mexican American*" OR "Puerto Ric*" OR Caribbean) and ("Mild Cognitive Impairment" OR MCI). Studies using neuropsychological tests in diagnosis of MCI for Latinx individuals in the United States were identified. Sample characterization (e.g., country of origin, literacy, language preference and proficiency), neuropsychological testing methods (e.g., test selection and translation, normative data source), and method of MCI diagnosis were reviewed. Results: Forty-four articles met inclusion criteria. There was considerable variability in reporting of demographic, cultural and linguistic factors across studies of MCI in Latinx individuals. For example, only 5% of studies reported nativity status, 52% reported information on language preference and use, and 34% reported the method and/or source of test translation and adaptation. Conclusions: Future studies of diagnosis of MCI in Latinx individuals should report cultural details and use of appropriate neuropsychological assessment tools and normative data. This is important to accurately estimate the prevalence of MCI in Latinx individuals. Key Points Question: Have studies described methods for accounting for demographic, cultural, and linguistic diversity when using neuropsychological assessment for mild cognitive impairment in Latinx populations? Findings: Studies often do not report their methods for accounting for demographic, linguistic, and cultural diversity in assessment of MCI in Latinx individuals. Importance: Increased detail is needed in reporting of neuropsychological assessment methodology for Latinx individuals, as this will lead to better identification of knowledge gaps in our understanding of MCI in these populations. Next Steps: Future work is needed to further develop culturally appropriate neuropsychological assessment