Cognitive Improvement Following Antiretroviral Treatment for HIV

Event Name/Location

31st Annual Meeting of the National Academy of Neuropsychology

Event Location / Date(s)

Marco Island, FL / November 16-19, 2011

Presentation Date

11-16-2011

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Presenter(s)/Author(s)

C. Carroll
Kathleen Knee, Nova University School of Psychology
Wiley Mittenberg, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Description

Abstract

Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often leads to neurocognitive deficits. HIV progression is slowed by antiretroviral therapy. Antiretroviral may reduce the incidence of HIV-related dementia but not HIV-associated cognitive impairment. This case demonstrates mild cognitive improvement following 1 year of antiretroviral treatment. The patient was a 44-year-old with HIV and mild cognitive impairment. Impairment of memory and executive functioning was less pronounced following 1 year of antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: Examination of intellectual, memory, executive, and language functioning were conducted prior to and following 1 year of antiretroviral treatment. Results: Intelligence (WAIS-4 IQ = 118, 126), Perceptual Reasoning (100, 98), and Processing Speed (114, 111) remained relatively intact over time, consistent with premorbid estimates (WAIS Vocabulary = 14, 13). Language remained intact (FAS = 18, 16, BNt = 116, 116). Auditory Memory (102) was mildly impaired prior to treatment but was not administered at follow-up as the client recalled complete stories from Logical Memory and Verbal Paired Associates from prior administration. There was significant improvement in ability to reproduce designs immediately (Visual Reproduction I = 7, 10). Executive functioning (RUFF = 74, 100, WCST Preservative Errors = 73, 85), Verbal Comprehension (127, 143), and Working Memory (122, 136) improved.

Conclusion: HIV-related cognitive impairment may be reduced following antiretroviral treatment. Intelligence and perceptual reasoning are more resistant to HIV cognitive impairment while executive functioning and memory are more susceptible to impairment. Following a 1-year course of antiretroviral treatment impairments in executive functioning and memory may improve.

Comments

Organization Website

Abstract from 2011 Conference

NSUWorks Citation

Carroll, C., Knee, K., Mittenberg, W. (2011). Cognitive Improvement Following Antiretroviral Treatment for HIV. 31st Annual Meeting of the National Academy of Neuropsychology.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facpresentations/1598