Research

Brain Response to HAART Measured with MR Spectroscopy

Agency: NIH/NINDS/USC
Agency Award Number:

The goal of the proposed project is to systematically study biochemical markers of cerebral response to highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) in people with HIV associated cognitive impairment using proton (1 H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Metabolic findings will also be related to virological studies and indices of neuropsychological impairment. The specific aims of the proposed study are 1) to evaluate brain metabolites before and after treatment with HAART regimens in individuals with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (dementia and minor cognitive-motor disorder); 2) To relate changes in brain metabolites with alterations in CSF and plasma HIV RNA as a result of treatment; and, 3) To evaluate the effect of altering treatment strategies in those individuals who fail HAART treatment and initiate a new regimen after structured treatment interruption.