A Study Comparing Long-acting Methylphenidate (ConcertaTM) vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Memory Loss Due to HIV

Inclusion Criteria: Men and women 18 years of age or older and less than 65 years of age. Able to read and understand English. HIV infected on stable ART regimen for 5 months or greater, and not likely to change regimen for the duration of the study. Significant dementia but able to give consent (International HIV Dementia Scale score \<10). Significant cognitive slowing on screening, defined as 1 SD below normal (t-score \>60) on the Conner's CPT-II reaction time test. Beck Depression Inventory score \<16. Documented HIV-1 RNA PCR \<50 copies/mL and documented CD4 count \>200 within 3 months of entry visit. Baseline CBC and chemistry panel Grade 1 or normal. For females of reproductive potential (women who have not been post-menopausal for at least 24 consecutive months, i.e., who have had menses within 24 months prior to study entry), or women who have not undergone surgical sterilization, specifically hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy or tubal ligation) will require a negative serum or urine pregnancy test within 48 hours prior to entry. NOTE: Subject reported history is considered acceptable documentation of hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, tubal ligation, tubal micro-inserts, menopause, and vasectomy/azoospermia. All subjects must agree not to participate in the conception process (e.g., active attempt to become pregnant or to impregnate, sperm donation, in vitro fertilization), and if participating in sexual activity that could lead to pregnancy, th…