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Working memory performance predicts subjective cognitive complaints in HIV infection
Chris Bassel1, Sean B Rourke, Mark H Halman
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Neuropsychology
|July 31, 2002
Summary
Working memory performance significantly predicts cognitive complaints in adults with HIV, comparable to depression. This highlights working memory
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mental Health
Background:
- Cognitive complaints are common in individuals with HIV infection.
- Depressive symptoms are known to influence cognitive function.
- The specific contribution of working memory to these complaints requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between working memory performance and subjective cognitive complaints in adults with HIV.
- To determine if working memory contributes to cognitive complaints independently of depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six adults with HIV underwent neuropsychological testing, including working memory and psychomotor assessments.
- Participants completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints.
- Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of cognitive complaints.
Main Results:
- Working memory performance, depression scores, and complex psychomotor efficiency were strongly associated with self-reported cognitive complaints.
- Working memory emerged as the strongest neuropsychological predictor of cognitive complaints, explaining variance comparable to depression scores.
Conclusions:
- Working memory performance is a significant factor in subjective cognitive complaints among individuals with HIV.
- Neuropsychological assessments of working memory may offer insights into daily functioning for this population.