Self-generation Enhances Verbal Recall in Individuals Infected with HIV

Abstract

Despite the prevalence of HIV-associated episodic memory impairment and its adverse functional impact, there are no empirically-validated cognitive rehabilitation options for HIV-infected persons. The present study examined the self-generation approach, which is theorized to enhance new learning by elaborating and deepening encoding. Participants included 54 HIV-infected and 46 seronegative individuals, who learned paired word associates in both self-generated and didactic encoding experimental conditions. Results revealed main effects of HIV serostatus and encoding condition, but no interaction. Planned comparisons showed that both groups recalled significantly more words learned in the self-generation condition, and that HIV+ individuals recalled fewer words overall compared to their seronegative counterparts at delayed recall. Importantly, HIV+ participants with clinical memory impairment evidenced comparable benefits of self-generation compared to unimpaired HIV+ subjects. Self-generation strategies may improve verbal recall in individuals with HIV infection and may therefore be an appropriate and potentially effective cognitive rehabilitation tool in this population.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Heightens Concurrent Risk of Functional Dependence in Persons With Long-Term Methamphetamine Use

“…Psychomotor slowing and deficits in strategic aspects of memory acquisition are prevalent in MA+/HIV+ persons, with the latter being increasingly common (Heaton et al 2010) and detrimental to adherence (Woods et al 2010), making them potential targets for neuroremediation. For instance, treatment facilitating encoding of new material and increased psychomotor speed and accuracy such as self-generation of new material (Weber et al 2012b), spaced retrieval (Neundorfer et al 2004), or psychomotor training (Baldelli, Boiardi, and Ferrari 2004), may have particularly relevant effects for everyday functioning outcomes in MA+/HIV+. Additionally of note, neither duration of abstinence from MA or recency of MA-related disorder diagnoses were associated with functional outcomes, suggesting that the MA contribution to disability in HIV+ individuals is independent of use timing and therefore may exert its functional impact simply as soon as MA use becomes problematic (i.e., reaches abuse/dependence criterion).…”

Semantic Cueing Improves Category Verbal Fluency in Persons Living With HIV Infection

“…In fact, there are relatively few theoretically driven studies examining ways to improve specific cognitive functions in HIV-infected individuals {cf. 3, 4} on which broader rehabilitation efforts may be based. Research examining cognitive and behavioral strategies derived from cognitive theory and aimed at remediating HAND is needed, and may help to improve everyday activities and overall quality of life among persons living with HIV infection.…”

Neurologic Complications and Considerations in HIV-Infected Persons

“…Similar results were seen with transdermal selegeline, a monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitor with an unsuccessful 24-week double-blind phase result and improvements later seen in all treatment groups after an additional 24 weeks of an open-label phase [28]. Benefits from nontherapeutic interventions such as cognitive rehabilitation have shown some promise in early-phase studies [29, 30], although larger trials are needed to more adequately assess the impacts of such interventions.…”