In:
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Wiley, Vol. 60, No. 11 ( 2012-11), p. 2048-2055
Abstract:
To explore the combined effects of aging and human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) infection on cognitive decay. Design Cross‐sectional, single‐cohort study. Setting Institute of Cl inical I nfectious D iseases, C atholic U niversity of the S acred H eart, R ome, I taly. Participants One hundred fifty‐three asymptomatic HIV ‐positive ( HIV +) outpatients (20% aged ≥ 60) and an age‐ and education‐matched control population of 39 HIV ‐negative individuals. Measurements A neuropsychological investigation was conducted to compare four groups of participants classified on the basis of HIV serostatus and age ( 〈 60 vs ≥60). The effects of age and HIV infection on neuropsychological performance were analyzed using a two‐by‐two factorial analysis of variance. Demographic and clinical variables associated with neuropsychological performance were identified using linear regression analysis in the HIV + population. Results HIV infection and aging had significant negative effects on cognitive performance, but no significant interaction was observed between these two factors. Although older HIV + participants had worse cognitive performance, they showed no distinct cognitive pattern from younger HIV + participants. Moreover, younger HIV + participants' performance on memory tasks was qualitatively and quantitatively comparable with that of older HIV − participants, despite the dramatic age difference. Conclusion Aging and HIV might be additive factors in the expression of cognitive decline. As the HIV + population ages, routine neuropsychological examinations could help clinicians better understand and manage the expression of cognitive impairment.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0002-8614
,
1532-5415
DOI:
10.1111/jgs.2012.60.issue-11
DOI:
10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.04213.x
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2040494-3
