title: Cognitive Consequences of Aging with HIV: Implications for Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation.
abstract: Combination active antiretroviral therapy prevents HIV from replicating and ravaging the immune system, thus allowing people to age with this disease. Unfortunately, the synergistic effects of HIV and aging can predispose many to become more at-risk of developing cognitive deficits which can interfere with medical management, everyday functioning, and quality of life. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of cognitive reserve and neuroplasticity on cognitive functioning in those aging with this disease. Specifically, the role of environment and the health of these individuals can compromise cognitive functioning. Fortunately, some cognitive interventions such as prevention and management of co-morbidities, cognitive remediation therapy, and neurotropic medications may be of value in preventing and rehabilitating the cognitive consequences of aging with HIV. Novel approaches such as cognitive prescriptions, transcranial direct stimulation, and binaural beat therapy may also be considered as possible techniques for cognitive rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Associate Director of the Center for Nursing Research, PhD Coordinator, NB Building Room 2M026, School of Nursing, 1701 University Boulevard, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, Office: 205-934-7589.
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Vance
authors.affiliation: Martha Lucinda Luker Saxon Endowed Chair in Rural Health Nursing, The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing, Box 870358, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0358, Office: 205-348-0650.
authors.forename: Graham J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: McDougall
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham. School of Nursing, 1701 University Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35294-1210.
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, NB Building Room 352, University Boulevard, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, Office: 205-996-9825.
authors.forename: Marcus Otavio
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Debiasi
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, NB Building Room 2M026, 1701 University Boulevard, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, Office: 205-934-7589.
authors.forename: Shameka L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Cody
keywords: Aging; Cognitive Remediation Therapy; Cognitive Reserve; HIV/AIDS; Microbial Translocation; Neuroplasticity; cART