HIV viremia contributes to neurocognitive impairments in persons who use cocaine

J Neurovirol. 2023 Jun;29(3):331-336. doi: 10.1007/s13365-022-01100-4. Epub 2023 Mar 1.

Abstract

Persons with HIV (PWH) who use illicit drugs are at elevated risk for neurocognitive impairment (NCI). This study investigated the effects of HIV disease and HIV viremia on NCI among adults who use cocaine. PWH who were not virologically suppressed showed greater global deficits compared to participants with HIV viral suppression and HIV-negative participants, but no differences emerged between the latter two groups. These findings highlight the adverse effects of poorly controlled HIV disease on NCI, beyond the independent effects of cocaine on cognition, and underscore the importance of strengthening the HIV care continuum for persons who use cocaine.

Keywords: Cocaine use; HIV; Neuropsychological impairment; Viral load; Viral suppression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine* / adverse effects
  • Cognition
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Viremia

Substances

  • Cocaine