In this study, the authors evaluated the relationship between cognitive impairment and nadir CD4 count in 1,525 HIV patients across the U.S.  Results from a recent study indicate that the lowest CD4 count measured after HIV infection, called the nadir CD4 count, is a predictor of brain impairment in people with HIV. In particular, lower nadir CD4 counts were associated with increased likelihood of cognitive impairment.

To Cite:

Ellis RJ, Badiee J, Vaida F, Letendre S, Heaton RK, Clifford D, Collier AC, Gelman B, McArthur J, Morgello S, McCutchan JA, Grant I for the CHARTER Group. (2011). Nadir CD4 is a predictor of HIV neurocognitive impairment in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. 25(14), 1747-1751.

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George Hightower, a UCSD MD/PhD student with an infectious disease concentration, was recently interviewed for the NIH's Findings Magazine.  His research focuses on the genetic attributes of HIV, especially as related to the brain and cognition.

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Several Hightower HNRP Publications:

Hightower GK, Letendre SL, Cherner M, Gibson SA, Ellis RJ, Wolfson TJ, Gamst AC, Ignacio CC, Heaton RK, Grant I, Richman DD, Smith DM, and the HNRC Group.  (2009). Select resistance-associated mutations in blood are associated with lower CSF viral loads and better neuropsychological performance. Virology, 394 (2), 243-248. PMID: 19762060  PMCID: 3046809 

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"Depression Is Still Common In People With HIV" by April Clayton and Courtney McQueen of The AIDS BEACON featured results of the CHARTER Study that showed higher rates of suicidal ideation among HIV positive individuals.  The CHARTER Study data points to the importance of clinicians considering mood disruption in HIV positive patients to facilitate treatment that may reduce the rates of suicidal ideation and attempt among this patient population.

To Cite:

Badiee J, Moore DJ, Atkinson JH, Vaida F, Gerard M, Duarte NA, Franklin D, Gouaux B, McCutchan JA, Heaton RK, McArthur J, Morgello S, Simpson D, Collier A, Marra CM, Gelman B, Clifford D, Grant I.  (2011). Lifetime suicidal ideation and attempt are common among HIV+ individuals. Journal of Affective Disorders. PMID: 21784531

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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.

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