Using neuropsychological tests that have normative data from the population in which they are being applied has positive effects on the accuracy and validity of the diagnoses, which can influence the effectiveness of the interventions derived from them. In addition, it provides greater precision in the studies that use such tests. In Ecuador, there are no studies on the use of standardized tests, which is why the objective of this study was to identify the neuropsychological tests for children and adolescents that have been adapted, standardized and/or validated in Ecuador. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA model. There are 10 tests with normative data for the Ecuadorian population: Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Modified Version, Trail Making Test, Color and Word Test: STROOP, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Symbol and Digit Test SDMT, Rey Complex Figure – Osterrieth, Learning and Verbal Memory Test (TAMV-I), Concentration Endurance Test (d2), Verbal Fluency Test and Token Test. The instruments allow the evaluation of 17 cognitive functions. Based on the results, it is recommended that the country’s professionals choose to use these tests and their Ecuadorian scales.
Datos Normativos
Neuropsychological evaluation of 246 Portuguese normal subjects with Luria Nebraska Neuropsychological battery, MMSE, Clock Drawing Test, Luria’s Graphic Series & Depression symptomatology questionnaire.
A total of normal 246 adult subjects were evaluated with Luria Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery – LNNB (Portuguese Experimental Version – Maia et al, 2006), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clock Drawing Test, Luria’s Graphic Series and Depression symptomatology questionnaire (IACLIDE – anachronism for the Portuguese denomination Inventory of Clinical Assessment of Depression); they were randomly selected from the Portuguese population that voluntarily accepted to take part in this project. All subjects selected had right hand specialization and were Caucasian. The age range was selected following the usual procedures in Portugal (18 old – 65 old, with average = 35, 80 and S.D. 13,869). The major results of tests were evaluated having as grouping factors the age, sex and scholar level. The analysis of data with Chi Square test, T tests, Anova and Pearson correlation showed great consistency with results around the world about the internal consistency of LNNB in strongly discriminating normal subject from neuropsychological affected patients. The concurrent validity with the other tests used shows again a great relation about the variables that were studied. Finally, the first Portuguese normative data about LNNB -in an experimental phase, with almost a quarter of thousand patients- were presented. We believe that this article could be of great value and help for those who are engaged in neuropsychological assessment and are principally interested in the viability of the plethora of cognitive tests particularly used to adequately evaluate normal and abnormal neuropsychological performance.
