title: DHEA and cognition in HIV-positive patients with non-major depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been investigated for its potential role in improving cognition in a number of patient populations. Treatment options are limited for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors tested the effect of DHEA administration on the cognitive functioning of HIV-positive subjects with non-major depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  The neuropsychological testing data for 60 HIV-positive patients enrolled in a clinical trial for non-major depression were analyzed to determine if DHEA-treated patients demonstrated improved cognitive functioning versus placebo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, 80% of the sample met criteria for asymptomatic cognitive impairment. No benefit in cognitive performance was found on 16 of 17 neuropsychological measures evaluated. One measure showed a modest benefit for placebo-treated patients over DHEA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DHEA treatment was not associated with improved cognitive performance in HIV-positive patients with non-major depression.
authors.affiliation: New York University/Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY 10036, USA. mark.bradley2@va.gov
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McElhiney
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rabkin
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D010919:Placebos; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone