Research

Impact of Alcohol Use and HIV Infection on Brain Connectivity Abnormalities

Agency:  NIH/NIAAA

Agency Award Number: R00AA020235

Alcoholism is a common comorbid condition of HIV infection. Both conditions have been independently associated with significant brain damage. Mounting evidence suggests that excessive alcohol use may exacerbate HIV-associated brain damage, yet few studies are available that directly address their combined effects. The proposed research will examine the structural and functional brain integrity in HIV-infected individuals and HIV seronegative controls with and without history of heavy alcohol use. Specifically, Diffusion tensor imaging will be used to examine the integrity of brain white matter and structural connectivity. Functional MRI will be used to examine functional brain response to cognitive task.