POZ Magazine Highlights HNRP Research Study on Lipodystrophy and Cognitive Functioning

HNRP investigators led by J. A. McCutchan published data from the CHARTER Study showing that lipodystrophy-related waistline increases adversely affected cognition in HIV infected patients but that overall weight gain conferred a protective effect against cognitive decline. 

The analysis found four factors associated with cognitive impairment (older age, a longer time living with HIV, diabetes (notably in those older than 55), increased waist circumference) but that overall body mass index (BMI) was not associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. In fact, it was associated with a 30 percent lower risk of neurocognitive impairment in the study.

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To Cite: 
McCutchan JA, Marquie-Beck JA, FitzSimons CA, Letendre SL, Ellis RJ, Heaton RK, Wolfson T, Rosario D, Alexander TJ, Marra C, Ances BM, Grant I, for the CHARTER Group. (2012). Role of obesity, metabolic variables, and diabetes in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. Neurology, 78 (7): 485-492 .