Thinking and Memory Problems in People With HIV

Exclusion criteria

• . Illness or other condition that, in the opinion of the PI, may interfere with study participation at the time of enrollment, including, but not limited to those listed below:
• . CNS infections: this includes but is not limited to Varicella zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis, CNS lymphoma and toxoplasmosis. Participants who have recovered from effectively treated CNS infections may be considered once they resume baseline daily activities.
• . Non-CNS opportunistic infections: Participants who recovered from or are completing treatment for non-CNS opportunistic infections (Ois) (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, Candida esophagitis, or pulmonary TB) can be enrolled if they have returned to self-reported baseline activity and functional level.
• . Conditions other than HAND associated with cognitive impairment or dementia such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, head injury with loss of consciousness \>30 minutes, untreated sleep apnea with day-time sleepiness, or seizure disorders. Participants with a history of seizure disorder with no seizure activity that are on a stable, non-sedating anti-seizure regimen for \>6 months may be enrolled.
• . Concurrent severe, unstable psychiatric illness that, in the opinion of the investigators, may interfere with study participation and/or data interpretation. Participants on psychotropic anxiolytic, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other psychiatric medications may be included if clinically stable for 6 months.
• . Concurrent substance abuse that, in the opinion of the investigators may interfere with study participation and/or data interpretation. Active substance abuse includes illegal drug use and/or excessive narcotic or alcohol use as determined by the investigator. Urine drug screen will be performed on all participants. Use of nicotine containing products will not be an exclusion criterion.
• . Contraindication to MRI scanning, including pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, some types of dental implants, aneurysm clips (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves, and cochlear implants), implanted delivery pump, or shrapnel fragments. Participants requiring a low dose oral benzodiazepine for mild to moderate claustrophobia will be allowed to participate. Pregnancy testing will be performed in enrolled participants of childbearing potential 48 hours prior to any MRI.
• . Medications: narcotics, psychiatric, and anti-seizure medications will not be allowed except under certain conditions as noted above. Corticosteroids may be permitted for participants on stable short-term therapy without CNS disease (i.e. resolving Pneumocystis pneumonia). Participants must be willing not to take the following medications within 48 hours of neuropsychological testing: sedating antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, zolpidem and other drugs identified by the study team that are associated with altered alertness or impaired memory.