Normative cognitive data and psychometric validation of the 10/66 harmonized assessment protocol in Latin American

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the latent cognitive structure of the 10/66 Dementia Research Group protocol and assessed its psychometric properties in culturally diverse older adults in Latin America and the Caribbean. METHODS: Data from 10,838 adults aged 65+ across five countries were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analyses tested unidimensional and multidimensional models representing major cognitive domains. Model fit, reliability, and a hierarchical second-order structure were examined. Measurement invariance was assessed across normative and non-normative subsamples and gender. RESULTS: A multidimensional structure emerged, comprising memory, orientation, executive functioning, semantic/language, and visuospatial domains, along with a higher-order global cognition factor. Most domains demonstrated adequate fit and acceptable reliability. The second-order model provided the best overall fit. Invariance was supported across all groups tested. DISCUSSION: This study provides the first empirical validation of the 10/66 protocol's latent structure, enabling the derivation of standardized cognitive scores and strengthening its utility for harmonized dementia research in diverse cultural settings.