Hold tests are neuropsychological tests which measure abilities which are thought to be largely resistant to cognitive decline following neurological damage. As a result, these tests are widely used for estimating premorbid intelligence in conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Usage In neuropsychological assessment it is important to be able to accurately estimate premorbid intelligence. Accurate estimation allows the quantification of the impacts of neurological damage or decline, when compared to tests of current intelligence. The magnitude of decline is important for prognosis, rehabilitation planning and financial compensation. Hold tests used Hold tests typically measure crystallised intelligence, that is stored knowledge and skills, such as vocabulary and pronunciation. Of course, hold tests of abilities directly affected by neurological damage are likely to underestimate intelligence. For example, using reading tests in patients with aphasia. Examples of hold tests used: National Adult Reading Test (NART) North American Adult Reading Test (NAART) Picture Completion subtest of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Similarities subtest of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR) Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) Alternate methods The use of hold tests is only one of a few possible methods of quantification of premorbid function. In practice a neuropsychologist may use a combination of methods to yield the most accurate estimate of premorbid intelligence. Some of the other methods used are: Previous testing: While this method can be highly accurate and useful, it is rare that such information is available and even rarer still that any information beyond basic IQ testing was obtained. In the majority of cases this information is not available and other methods of estimation are required. Historical method: This involves a clinical interview and review of records to make a subjective estimation of premorbid Intelligence. An advantage of this method is that a clinical interview and review of records are an essential part of assessment and thus can be assessed from information that is obtained in the normal course of assessment. Statistical estimation: Involves the incorporation of demographic information, such as age, race education and occupational attainment into a regression equation that yields a probable intelligence complete with standard error of the estimate. One advantage of this method is the avoidance of the use current performance levels. Best estimate: This method determined from test scores, other observations and historical data what is the best performance of an individual. Once the highest level of