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Novel Neuroimaging Methods to Understand How HIV Affects the Brain
Paul M Thompson1, Neda Jahanshad
1Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Imaging Genetics Center, University of Southern California, 4676 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA, pthomp@usc.edu.
Current HIV/AIDS Reports
|April 24, 2015
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can accelerate brain aging and cognitive decline, even with treatment. Advanced brain imaging and large research collaborations are key to understanding and combating these neurological effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Antiretroviral therapy has controlled the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic globally.
- Concerns persist regarding accelerated brain aging and cognitive impairments in individuals with HIV.
- Factors promoting resilience or resistance to HIV-related neurological damage are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in brain imaging techniques for understanding HIV's effects on the brain.
- To correlate brain changes with blood markers, cognitive function, and clinical symptoms.
- To explore the potential of large-scale research alliances in resolving current evidence gaps.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent developments in brain imaging, including advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to map structural brain connectivity.
- Functional MRI (fMRI) to assess functional brain connectivity.
Main Results:
- Brain imaging reveals structural and functional alterations in the brains of individuals with HIV.
- These brain changes are associated with specific blood markers and cognitive deficits.
- Symptoms like apathy and neuropathic pain are linked to these neurological changes.
Conclusions:
- Emerging brain imaging techniques offer new insights into HIV-associated neurological complications.
- Large-scale international research collaborations, such as ENIGMA, are crucial for powerful analysis.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the long-term neurological consequences of HIV.
