Results of this study showed that inconsistency in performing mental tasks was significantly worse in older HIV-positive participants compared to both younger HIV-positive participants and older HIV-negative study participants. The authors hypothesized that the problems are due to accelerated aging in the HIV-positive population, which has been observed in other studies.

To Cite:

Morgan EE, Woods SP, Delano-Wood L, Bondi MW, Grant I.  (2011). Intraindividual variability in HIV infection: Evidence for greater neurocognitive dispersion in older HIV seropositive adults. Neuropsychology, 25(5), 645-54. PMID: 21574712  PMCID: 3158302

Link to Abstract

Link to AIDS BEACON News Story

Ms. Duarte began her affiliation with the HNRP in 2009 as a Psychiatric Coordinator.   She holds an MA degree in Psychology with BCIA-C (Biofeedback certification) and is in her final semester of a PhD degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology. She has  completed CAPIC-approved internship rotations at 1) Sharp Hospital - Pain Rehabilitation Program, 2) Palomar Hospital - Outpatient Partial Hospitalization Program & Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit and 3) ISIS Crisis House (CRF START Program).  Her research interests include 1) Psychiatric Aspects of NeuroAIDS, 2) Substance Use & HIV, 3) Severe comorbid mental illness & HIV, 4) Adherence and HIV, 5) Psychiatric Aspects of Chronic Pain Conditions, 6) Psychiatric Aspects of Chronic Health Conditions and 7) Psychiatric Assessment in the Context of HIV.

This study explored how ADHD/Methamphetamine use may impact an individual's higher propensity to engage in risky behaviors that yield immediate rewards even in light of future possible negative results.  The theory underpinning design of this study postulates that deficits in working memory/decreased activation in the frontal cortex of the brain may contribute to the inability to adequately weigh rewards and consequences.