Characterizing cognitive profiles in diverse middle‐aged and older Hispanics/Latinos: Study of Latinos‐Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (HCHS/SOL)

Abstract

Abstract Introduction We investigated cognitive profiles among diverse, middle‐aged and older Hispanic/Latino adults in the Study of Latinos–Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL‐INCA) cohort using a cross‐sectional observational study design. Methods Based on weighted descriptive statistics, the average baseline age of the target population was 56.4 years, slightly more than half were women (54.6%), and 38.4% reported less than a high school education. We used latent profile analysis of demographically adjusted z scores on SOL‐INCA neurocognitive tests spanning domains of verbal memory, language, processing speed, and executive function. Results Statistical fit assessment indices combined with clinical interpretation suggested five profiles: (1) a Higher Global group performing in the average‐to‐high‐average range across all cognitive and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) tests (13.8%); (2) a Higher Memory group with relatively high performance on memory tests but average performance across all other cognitive/IADL tests (24.6%); (3) a Lower Memory group with relatively low performance on memory tests but average performance across all other cognitive/IADL tests (32.8%); (4) a Lower Executive Function group with relatively low performance on executive function and processing speed tests but average‐to‐low‐average performance across all other cognitive/IADL tests (16.6%); and (5) a Lower Global group performing low‐average‐to‐mildly impaired across all cognitive/IADL tests (12.1%). Discussion Our results provide evidence of heterogeneity in the cognitive profiles of a representative, community‐dwelling sample of diverse Hispanic/Latino adults. Our analyses yielded cognitive profiles that may assist efforts to better understand the early cognitive changes that may portend Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among diverse Hispanics/Latinos. Highlights The present study characterized cognitive profiles among diverse middle‐aged and older Hispanic/Latino adults. Latent profile analysis of neurocognitive test scores was the primary analysis conducted. The target population consists of middle‐aged and older Hispanic/Latino adults enrolled in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and ancillary Study of Latinos ‐ Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging.

Keywords

• aging
• Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
• cognitive phenotyping
• Hispanic/Latino
• neuropsychology