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Published on: July 24, 2013
DHEA and cognition in HIV-positive patients with non-major depression
Mark Bradley1, Martin McElhiney, Judith Rabkin
1New York University/Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY 10036, USA. mark.bradley2@va.gov
Background:
Dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been investigated for its potential role in improving cognition in a number of patient populations. Treatment options are limited for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Objective:
The authors tested the effect of DHEA administration on the cognitive functioning of HIV-positive subjects with non-major depression.
Method:
The neuropsychological testing data for 60 HIV-positive patients enrolled in a clinical trial for non-major depression were analyzed to determine if DHEA-treated patients demonstrated improved cognitive functioning versus placebo.
Results:
At baseline, 80% of the sample met criteria for asymptomatic cognitive impairment. No benefit in cognitive performance was found on 16 of 17 neuropsychological measures evaluated. One measure showed a modest benefit for placebo-treated patients over DHEA.
Conclusion:
DHEA treatment was not associated with improved cognitive performance in HIV-positive patients with non-major depression.
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