Cognitive Decline Related to HIV

The Correlation Between Cognitive Decline and HIV
While most people are aware of the impacts that HIV can have on human health, you may not be aware of another symptom of HIV infection – cognitive decline. A recent peer-reviewed study conducted by the University of Alabama demonstrated that adult participants with HIV who completed 10 hours of our brain training program, BrainHQ, improved in a number of cognitive measures versus the control group who received no training.

Researchers also notice another area of improvement. The group who completed the BrainHQ training showed remarkable improvements in Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (TIADL) which includes things like reading instructions on medicine containers and locating a phone number.

These cognitive skills developed by participants using the Posit Science's visual training exercises resulted in an overall improvement in many different aspects of the participant's daily lives and general health. To learn more about this study and the incredible results, please see the press release. 

 

 

Learn more about the BrainHQ exercises from the study now:
Target Tracker (try now for free) Double Decision (subscription required)
Visual Sweeps (try now for free) Eye for Detail (subscription required)
Hawk Eye (try now for free)  
Take advantage of these exercises now, click here to launch BrainHQ.

 

Background on HIV-Related Cognitive Decline
Thanks to advancements in HIV treatments and medications, HIV is now a chronic condition and individuals infected with HIV can often live for decades. Recent research has discovered direct correlations between HIV and cognitive decline. This decline in brain functions creates further difficulties in performing everyday activities and has been seen to occur in 30-60% of adults living with HIV, leading researchers to now recognize this condition as "HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders" (HAND).

"It's imperative for people with HIV and their treatment teams be proactive in addressing cognitive problems as they emerge," says David E. Vance, PhD, MGS, the University of Alabama study's lead author and Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Associate Director, Center for Nursing Research, University of Alabama, Birmingham. "Without effective treatment, these cognitive problems—which act like premature aging—can lead to difficulties with working and living independently."

There have been numerous studies on HIV and the effects of the infection on cognitive performance and many of these have been published in leading journals. Researchers, for example, have found that HIV-related cognitive declines can lead to a much poorer quality of life for individuals suffering from severe cases. The overall impacts can be seen in many aspects of life from employment, survival, performing daily tasks in addition to the more commonly known health implications. Also older adults with HIV are at greater risk for neurological dysfunction related to HIV than younger cohorts.

Webinar: Sharing Success Stories with using Posit Science Brain Training

Dr. Sean Rourke in "HIV-Related Cognitive Decline: Can Brain Training Help?" webinar discussed the benefits of using our brain training program as a treatment method for HIV-related cognitive issues. Joining the webinar, two patients also shared their success stories from using Posit Science brain fitness program to help improve their cognitive performance and quality of life.

Click here to download the presentation slides

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