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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
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Sex differences in HIV-associated cognitive impairment
Erin E Sundermann1, Robert K Heaton1, Elizabeth Pasipanodya1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.
AIDS (London, England)
|November 9, 2018
Summary
Women, especially Black women, face higher risks of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment. Educational quality may explain these disparities in cognitive function for individuals with HIV.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Public Health
- HIV/AIDS Research
- Cognitive Impairment Studies
Background:
- HIV infection can lead to neurocognitive impairment, affecting brain function.
- Existing research suggests potential sex differences in HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (HIV-ANI) prevalence and impact.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted interventions and care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine sex differences in the prevalence and profile of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment.
- To investigate if sex moderates the relationship between HIV status and neurocognitive impairment.
- To assess if biopsychosocial factors explain disparities in HIV-positive women.
Main Methods:
- An observational cohort study analyzed 1361 HIV-positive and 702 HIV-negative participants (ages 18-79).
- Neuropsychological tests assessed domain-specific and global deficit scores (GDS); GDS ≥ 0.5 indicated neurocognitive impairment.
- Biopsychosocial risk factors (education, substance use, mood, syndemic count) and race were analyzed, with adjustments for covariates.
Main Results:
- HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment was more prevalent in women but normalized after adjusting for reading level.
- The association between HIV and neurocognitive impairment was stronger in women, attenuated by reading level adjustment.
- These findings were specific to Black participants, with race influencing sex differences in HIV-ANI profiles.
Conclusions:
- Women, particularly Black women, are at the highest risk for HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment.
- Differences in educational quality may contribute to higher rates of HIV-ANI observed in women compared to men.
- Addressing educational disparities is vital for mitigating cognitive risks in this population.
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