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Anti-retroviral therapy and cognitive function
D L Damos1, R S John, E S Parker
1Damos Research Associates, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Background:
The effect of anti-retroviral medications on the cognitive functions important in flying has not been determined.
Hypothesis:
Anti-retroviral medications have no effect on the cognitive performance of individuals at the CDC 4C2 (symptomatic HIV disease with no illness indicative of full-blown AIDS) stage of infection.
Methods:
A two-group study using a cross-sectional design was used. The participants in each group represented a sample of convenience obtained from a larger, naturalistic study. Each group consisted of 10 HIV+ males at the CDC 4C2 stage of infection. The two groups were found to be comparable on age, education, pre-morbid intelligence, and ethnicity. All members of the anti-retroviral medication group had been receiving medications for at least 3 mo. Those in the control group (no anti-retroviral medication) had received no anti-retroviral medications for at least 6 mo. Cognitive functioning was assessed using a computerized information processing battery that included test similar to those under consideration for inclusion in military pilot selection batteries and a neuropsychological battery. As part of the larger study, the participants were carefully and repetitively screened on factors known to affect performance on neuropsychological instruments.
Results:
The groups showed little difference in cognitive functioning.
Conclusion:
Although more research is needed, anti-retroviral medication does not impair, and may improve, the cognitive processes of individuals with symptomatic HIV infection who do not have AIDS.