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Effect of Aging and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on Cognitive Abilities
Author(s) -
Ciccarelli Nicoletta,
Fabbiani Massimiliano,
Baldonero Eleonora,
Fanti Iuri,
Cauda Roberto,
Giambenedetto Simona Di,
Silveri Maria Caterina
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.04213.x
Subject(s) - serostatus , medicine , neuropsychology , population , cognition , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , cohort , asymptomatic , cohort study , gerontology , clinical psychology , immunology , psychiatry , viral load , environmental health
Objectives 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.