Characterizing the neuropsychological functioning of persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, Part II. Neuropsychological functioning of persons at different stages of HIV infection.
Neuropsychological impairment has been reported to occur in persons at all stages of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the findings of studies to characterize the incidence and pattern of impairment have been limited by inconsistent definitions of impairment and the failure to control for confounding variables, such as hematological abnormalities, history of head injury, or substance abuse. In the present study, neuropsychological tests were administered to 141 persons at four stages of HIV infection. Significant differences were found in the percentage of persons who showed impairment at each stage of infection. Further, participants' performance on the tests tended to decline across progressive stages of infection. These findings may help psychiatric nurses identify and manage the changes associated with HIV infection.
Swanson
B
B
Department of Medical Nursing, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
Cronin-Stubbs
D
D
Zeller
J M
JM
Kessler
H A
HA
Bieliauskas
L A
LA
D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing