Perceptions of Brain Health and Cognition in Older African Americans and Caucasians With HIV: A Focus Group Study

Abstract

As people age with HIV, cognitive problems may become more prevalent and severe, but lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity) have been shown to protect brain health and cognition. We examined the perceptions that older adults living with HIV have about protecting and improving brain health and cognition through lifestyle behaviors. Qualitative data were analyzed from 4 focus groups (N = 30) of African Americans and Caucasians living with HIV and at least 50 years of age. An open-coding scheme using conventional content analysis was employed. Two results were found. First, many older adults with HIV in our study expressed a variety of cognitive complaints that interfered with daily function. Second, these participants reported few specific ideas about how such health behaviors were important to their own brain health and cognition. Education interventions may help older adults with HIV learn to improve and protect brain health and cognition as they age.

Feedback on a Multimodal Cognitive Intervention for Adults Aging With HIV: A Focus Group Study

“…In a prior study (Vance et al, under review) leading up the analysis of the study presented here, participants expressed: (a) that they were experiencing cognitive problems that interfered with daily life, (b) the importance of keeping their brain health and cognition as they aged, and (c) varying levels of understanding of lifestyle and health behaviors that were important for brain health and cognition. Despite these acknowledgements, in general, the expressed understandings appeared to be very cursory.…”

“…Fortunately, nurses can use the basic Cognitive Prescription format highlighted here to introduce a practical strategy to begin discussing and educating clients about this topic. Unfortunately, prior research has suggested that older adult PLWH know little about brain health or cognition, and many may just accept that cognitive decline and brain dysfunction are inevitable (Vance et al, under review). In fact, nurses should assess what their clients living with HIV know about brain health and empower patients to be proactive about protecting and improving their own brain health and cognition.…”

“…Related to this, four focus groups of 30 older (50 years of age and older) African Americans and Caucasians with HIV who reported cognitive complaints during a telephone screen were asked about their cognitive complaints and what they knew about how physical activity, mental activity, nutrition, social engagement, emotional health, sleep hygiene, and substance use affects brain health and cognition (Vance, Gakumo, Childs, Enah, & Fazeli, under review). In general, the participants reported the usual cognitive complaints such as forgetting appointments and names, trouble finding words (dysnomia), and occasional “foggy” or slowed thinking.…”

Neurocognitive Performance of African Americans and Hispanic Adults in Relation to Diet and Physical Activity: A Literature Review

“…In several longitudinal studies, a positive connection was noted between elderly participants' physical activity and dietary changes on the one hand and their brain health on the other; this, in turn, was linked to sustained independence [83,84]. Walking was the most frequently mentioned physical activity.…”

“…Some authors have noted the positive effects of a healthy physical lifestyle (not specific to physical activity) on brain health in middle-aged and elderly adults. Educational interventions have also been viewed as a way to help older adults with certain comorbidities improve their well-being and cognitive functions [84].…”