Insulin resistance is associated with cognition among HIV-1-infected patients: the Hawaii Aging With HIV cohort.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if insulin resistance (IR) is associated with lower cognitive performance among HIV-1-infected adults and to determine if advanced age magnifies risk.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis within the Hawaii Aging With HIV Cohort.


METHODS
We calculated the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) among 145 cohort participants. Values were compared to concurrent neuropsychological test performance and cognitive diagnoses.


RESULTS
Hypertension, body mass index (BMI), and non-Caucasian self-identity were directly related to insulin resistance (IR); however, age, CD4 lymphocyte count, and rates of treatment with HAART were not. In logistic regression analyses and stratifying cognition status on a 3-tiered scale (normal, minor cognitive motor disorder (MCMD), and HIV-associated dementia (HAD)), we identified an increased risk of meeting a higher diagnostic category as HOMA-IR increased (OR, 1.12; 95% CI: 1.003 to 1.242 per unit of HOMA-IR, P = 0.044). In linear regression models and among nondiabetic participants, an increasing degree of IR was associated with lower performance on neuropsychological summary scores.


CONCLUSIONS
IR is associated with cognitive dysfunction in this contemporary HIV-1 cohort enriched with older individuals. Metabolic dysfunction may contribute to the multifactorial pathogenesis of cognitive impairment in the era of HAART.
Valcour
Victor G
VG
Office of Neurology and Aging Research, University of Hawaii, Leahi Hospital, 3675 Kilauea Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA. Vvalcour@hawaii.edu
Sacktor
Ned C
NC
Paul
Robert H
RH
Watters
Michael R
MR
Selnes
Ola A
OA
Shiramizu
Bruce T
BT
Williams
Andrew E
AE
Shikuma
Cecilia M
CM
D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015497:HIV-1; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests