title: Longitudinal change in cognitive function and medication adherence in HIV-infected adults.
abstract: Neuropsychological (NP) dysfunction has been linked to poor medication adherence among HIV-infected adults. However, there is a dearth of research examining longitudinal changes in the relationship between NP status and adherence rates. We hypothesized that declines in NP functioning would be associated with a corresponding decline in medication adherence while stable NP functioning would be associated with stable or improving adherence rates. Participants included 215 HIV-infected adults who underwent cognitive testing at study entry and six months later. Compared to the NP stable group, the NP decline group showed a greater drop in adherence rates. Further analysis revealed that, beyond global NP, learning and memory was significantly associated with changes in adherence rates. These findings further support the link between cognitive functioning and medication adherence and illustrates the importance of documenting changes in cognitive abilities for identifying individuals at risk for poor adherence.
authors: Neuropsychology Lab, VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, CA 90073, USA. brian.becker@va.gov
authors: Brian W
authors: BW
authors: Becker
authors: April D
authors: AD
authors: Thames
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Woo
authors: Steven A
authors: SA
authors: Castellon
authors: Charles H
authors: CH
authors: Hinkin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests