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Neurocognitive Problems

CROI 2013: Researchers Look at Neurological Complications among People with HIV

Data from a small, yet well-designed trial to evaluate whether particular antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens penetrate the central nervous system (CNS) and enhance neurocognitive performance were among several interesting findings regarding neurological complications among people with HIV presented at the 20th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2013) this month in Atlanta. Another study looked at similarities between Alzheimer's disease and neurocognitive impairment in people with HIV.

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Working Group Releases Guidelines for Improved Care of HIV-associated Cognitive Impairment

All people with HIV should be screened for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders soon after testing positive, and those with evidence of impairment should be monitored regularly, according to international consensus guidelines developed by the Mind Exchange Working Group published in the November 28, 2012, advance edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases. Beyond antiretroviral therapy (ART), however, there are limited options for managing neurocognitive problems.

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Speed of Processing Training Can Improve Cognitive Function for People with HIV

Completing 10 hours of exercises designed to enhance mental processing speed led to improvements in cognitive functioning for middle-aged and older people with HIV and increased their ability to carry out daily tasks, researchers reported in the November 2012 Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care.  alt

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Raltegravir (Isentress) Can Cause Central Nervous System Side Effects for People with HIV

The HIV integrase inhibitor raltegravir (brand name Isentress) is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it can cause central nervous system (CNS) symptoms such as insomnia, dizziness, and mood changes, especially when used with other drugs that raise its levels in the body, researchers reported in the October 1, 2012, advance online edition of AIDS. alt

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Efavirenz Metabolism May Damage Neurons, Contribute to Neurocognitive Problems

Metabolites produces during processing of the widely used NNRTI efavirenz (Sustiva, also in the Atripla combination pill) can reach high levels in the brain, which can be toxic to neurons and interfere with cell signaling, according to a report in the September 19, 2012, online edition of the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. alt

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