Sustained attention and vigilance deficits associated with HIV and a history of methamphetamine dependence

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders persist in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART). One factor that is elevated among persons with HIV (PWH) and independently associated with neurocognitive impairment is methamphetamine dependence (METH+). Such dependence may further increase cognitive impairment among PWH, by delaying HIV diagnosis (and thus, ART initiation), which has been posited to account for persistent cognitive impairment among PWH, despite subsequent treatment-related viral load suppression (VLS; <50 copies of the virus per milliliter in plasma or cerebrospinal fluid). This study examined the independent and combined (additive versus synergistic) effects of HIV and history of METH+ on the sustained attention and vigilance cognitive domain, while controlling for VLS. Methods: Participants included 205 (median age=44 years; 77% males; HIV-/METH-n=67; HIV+/METH -n=49; HIV-/METH+ n=36; HIV+/METH+ n=53) individuals enrolled in the Translational Methamphetamine AIDS Research Center, who completed Conners' and the 5-Choice continuous performance tests (CPTs). Results: METH+ participants exhibited deficits in sustained attention and vigilance; however, these effects were not significant after excluding participants who had a positive urine toxicology screen for methamphetamine. Controlling for VLS, PWH did not have worse sustained attention and vigilance, but consistently displayed slower reaction times across blocks, relative to HIV-participants. There was no HIV x METH interaction on sustained attention and vigilance. Conclusions: Recent methamphetamine use among METH+ people and detectable viral loads are detrimental to sustained attention and vigilance. These findings highlight the need for prompt diagnosis of HIV and initiation of ART, and METH use interventions.

Effects of Taijiquan and Qigong exercises on depression and anxiety levels in patients with substance use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Drug abuse can cause chronic illness 3 ; long-term abuse may also lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and impaired social functioning. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 Opioid dependence is one of the most severe types of drug dependency. 9 Currently, the treatment of drug dependency relies on drug replacement therapy, in which either methadone or buprenorphine is used to treat opioid addiction.…”

Association between white matter microstructure and cognitive function in patients with methamphetamine use disorder

“…Attention is crucial as it affects other cognitive functions such as language, memory, and problem‐solving; it also reflects the complex interplay of multiple independent systems in the brain (Burgoyne & Engle, 2020; Fan et al, 2005; Pessoa et al, 2003). Reduced sustained attention (London et al, 2005; Pocuca et al, 2020; Rubenis et al, 2018) has been reported in previous studies, suggesting that MUD might be associated with sustained attentional deficits. Poor sustained attention is also indicative of limited improvement in motivation during early rehabilitation programs, suggesting its importance in the prediction of treatment outcome (Rubenis et al, 2018).…”

“…Reduced sustained attention (London et al, 2005;Pocuca et al, 2020;Rubenis et al, 2018) has been reported in previous studies, suggesting that MUD might be associated with sustained attentional deficits.…”

A Pilot Assessment of the Effects of HIV and Methamphetamine Dependence on Socially Dysregulated Behavior in the Human Behavioral Pattern Monitor

“…Participants were stratified into one of four groups: HIV−/METH−, HIV−/METH+, HIV+/METH− and HIV+/METH+. Exclusion and inclusion criteria have been described in full in previous publications and are described in brief here as well [ 18 , 19 ].…”