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Working memory deficits in HIV-seropositive drug users
J A Bartok1, E M Martin, D L Pitrak
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago 60612, USA.
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|October 10, 1997
Summary
HIV-1 infection impairs working memory, specifically the ability to encode and maintain information, as shown by performance on the Tower of London-Working Memory (TOL-WM) task. This highlights working memory
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with cognitive impairments.
- Working memory deficits have been previously suggested in HIV-1 infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the integrity of working memory operations in HIV-seropositive individuals.
- To assess the utility of working memory measures in evaluating HIV-related cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- A modified Tower of London task (TOL-WM) with a delayed-response component was administered.
- Participants included 38 HIV-seropositive and 20 seronegative drug users.
- Performance was compared between symptomatic HIV-seropositive participants and matched seronegative controls.
Main Results:
- Symptomatic HIV-seropositive participants solved significantly fewer TOL-WM problems than seronegative controls.
- Both groups demonstrated similar planning efficiency, indicating a specific working memory deficit.
- The deficit appears related to encoding or maintaining online memory representations.
Conclusions:
- Working memory deficits are confirmed in HIV-1 infection.
- The Tower of London-Working Memory (TOL-WM) task is a sensitive measure for detecting HIV-related cognitive impairments.
- Working memory assessment is valuable for evaluating cognitive function in individuals with HIV.