Application of a Finite Mixture Model to Assess the Role of CD4+ T Cell Count as a Predictor of Memory Loss in HIV+ Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Memory impairment is one of the most important complications in patients with HIV infection. The syndrome is caused by reductions in brain volume and the count of circulating CD4+ lymphocytes. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between CD4+ lymphocyte count and memory function in HIV+ patients. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 150 HIV+ patients referred to the Behavioral Disorders Counseling Center of Kermanshah City. Memory function in patients was measured using the Wechsler memory scale. The patients' CD4+ cell counts and demographic information were extracted from their medical files. The data were recorded in STATA version 16 software and analyzed using regression and finite mixture models. Results: The means ± standard deviations of memory function in three classes of patients were 63.99 ± 7.02, 75.01 ± 14.72, and 85.14 ± 6.43. The results showed that a decrease in CD4+ cell count increased the risk of memory loss in patients (P < 0.001). In addition, higher age (P < 0.001), female gender (P < 0.001), and a lower education level (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of memory loss in HIV+ patients. Conclusion: The results of the present study confirmed the findings of previous studies noting memory impairment in HIV+ patients as a result of immune system suppression, including the depletion of CD4+ cells. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor cognitive function in these patients and to implement measures to strengthen their memory performance.