Journal Article

Neurocognitive Disorder and Emotional Symptoms in HIV+ Brazilian Elderly: Influence of Gender, Income, Diet, and Sleep

Barroso, Sabrina Martins, Sousa, Kelly Cristina Ramira

2021

Overview

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and symptoms of anxiety and depression in HIV+ Brazilian elderly on antiretroviral treatments. The study included 112 HIV+ elderly who completed a questionnaire, tests for cognitive screening, attention, problem solving, processing speed, visual perception, memory, and anxiety and depression scales. The results showed presence of HAND (89.3%), pathological anxiety (48.2%) and depression (58%) in the sample. Higher income was a protective factor for HAND (OR = 0.33). Waking up well-rested (OR = 0.63) and better diet quality (OR = 0.62) reduced the chance of pathological anxiety. Higher education (OR = 0.74) and waking up well-rested (OR = 0.61) reduced the chance of depression. Being female (OR = 7.73) increased the chance of depression. It can be concluded that it is important to evaluate cognitive and emotional aspects of HIV+ elders and to consider social and educational status, diet, and sleep in interventions, paying special attention to elderly women.

• Publisher: Frontiers Media SA,Frontiers Media S.A
• Subject: Alcoholic beverages / antiretroviral treatment (ART) / Anxiety / Cognition / Cognition & reasoning / Cognitive ability / cognitive deficits / Diet / Drugs / Education / elderly / Emotions / Family income / Geriatrics / HIV / HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) / Human immunodeficiency virus / human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / Information processing / Life expectancy / Memory / Mental depression / Neuroscience / Older people / Population / Problem solving / Questionnaires / Reference services / Sleep / Visual perception