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12:34
Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
HIV, cognition and women
Pauline M Maki1, Eileen Martin-Thormeyer
1Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60605, USA. pmaki@psych.uic.edu
Neuropsychology Review
|May 12, 2009
Summary
Women living with HIV show higher rates of neurocognitive impairment, particularly affecting psychomotor skills. Factors like age, depression, and lack of antiretroviral therapy increase this risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Globally, approximately 50% of individuals living with HIV are women, yet they remain underrepresented in neuropsychological research.
- Existing studies indicate a higher prevalence of neurocognitive impairment in women living with HIV compared to HIV-negative controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the underrepresentation of women in HIV neuropsychological studies.
- To review existing evidence on neurocognitive impairment in HIV-positive women.
- To emphasize the need for further research into female-specific factors affecting HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HIV and neurocognitive impairment in women.
- Analysis of factors contributing to neurocognitive risk in HIV-positive women.
Main Results:
- Neurocognitive impairment is more prevalent in HIV-positive women, especially on psychomotor tasks.
- Risk factors include not being on antiretroviral therapy, older age, and depressive symptoms.
- Impairment is observed regardless of symptom status or AIDS diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- HIV-positive women face a significant risk of neurocognitive impairment.
- Further research is crucial to understand female-specific aspects, including hormonal influences, PTSD, and their impact on memory and the hippocampus.
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