Use of the barona method to predict premorbid intelligence in the elderly

Abstract

The prediction of individuals' general intelligence that was held prior to cerebral trauma is essential to the determination of a loss of their cognitive functions. This is important both in the case of acute injury or disease and in the various types of dementia commonly seen among older people. Several methods have been developed to perform this function, including the use of prediction equations based upon demographic factors known to be associated with intelligence. The best-known of these is the Barona modification of the equations developed by Wilson for the Wechsler scales. The Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA) obtained a random sample of elderly Canadians and the information necessary to calculate the Barona formula. Results are reported for the 8660 cases for which complete data were available, together with a modification of the formula for use with people over the age of 74.