Overall, 256,000 bariatric surgeries were completed in the United States in 2019 (ASMBS, 2023). Bariatric surgeries are effective in reducing morbidity, prolonging life, and improving cognition, particularly among patients with BMI >40 and those with BMI >35 and obesity-related complications (Handley et al., 2016; Cornejo-Pareja et al., 2021). Nevertheless, up to 16% of patients undergoing bariatric procedures experience neurological sequelae (Thaisetthawatku et al., 2004) that is likely secondary to surgery-related nutritional deficiencies (Gasmi et al., 2022). Although neuropsychological assessments may help to identify postsurgical cognitive changes, cultural and linguistic differences may preclude reliable and valid assessment of non-native English-speaking persons. A Spanish-dominant 38-year-old, right-handed, female reported diminished attention, reduced thinking speed, and memory difficulties that were interfering with her daily functioning. She completed a thorough Clinical Interview (both individually and with collaterals), Record Review, and a comprehensive neuropsychological workup. She demonstrated multi-domain impairment (>1.5S.D. below the normative mean), suggesting a possible dementia or encephalopathy. When her cognitive profile was interpreted in the context of her medical history, further testing was recommended to rule out reversible etiologies. Interdisciplinary collaborations with primary care and gastroenterology revealed nutritional deficiencies that had persisted for over 18months after bariatric surgery and that were not fully resolved with regular oral vitamin consumption. Cultural and linguistic differences were relevant when assessing cognitive changes in non-native English-speaking persons, and in helping to determine whether pharmacological and behavioral interventions are ameliorating these complications. Practical considerations of these high-stakes assessments will be discussed from neuropsychological, psychosocial, and ethical perspectives.
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