Cognitive Training With and Without tDCS to Improve Cognition in HIV
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- HIV
- Sponsor
- Nova Southeastern University
- Enrollment
- 21
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Working Memory: Participants' Rate of Improvement
- Status
- Terminated
- Last Updated
- 4 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to develop pilot data on the potential efficacy of computer-based cognitive training or the combination of computer-based cognitive training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving cognitive function in persons with HIV-related mild neurocognitive disorder (MND).
Detailed Description
The purpose of this study is to develop pilot data on the potential efficacy of computer-based cognitive training or the combination of computer-based cognitive training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving cognitive function in persons with HIV-related mild neurocognitive disorder (MND). tDCS is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique in which a small direct current (1-2 mA) is applied to the scalp during a cognitive or motor activity, inducing a very small current that affects specific neural circuits related to the site at which electrodes are placed. tDCS has been judged safe and has shown significant treatment effects in studies with other populations, but has not been extensively studied in individuals with HIV infection. tDCS has been shown to facilitate learning in a number of studies, suggesting that it may improve or enhance learning in those with cognitive problems. As HIV infection is associated with decrements in a number of cognitive skills, including working memory, executive functions, and psychomotor speed that are related to individuals' functional status and medication adherence, the demonstration of a technique to enhance the effects of cognitive training in this population would have substantial clinical benefits as well as scientific value.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •18 years of age or older
- •Fluent in English
- •Meets Frascati criteria for mild neurocognitive disorder
Exclusion Criteria
- •Left handed
- •Presence of dementia
- •Use of specific psychotropic medications including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleep-promoting medications
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Working Memory: Participants' Rate of Improvement
Time Frame: 3 weeks
Participants' rate of improvement on a verbal working memory task. Participants completed a battery of cognitive measures administered by an evaluator blind to treatment assignment. We used the Digits Backward trial of the Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV; Pearson Assessment) to measure working memory. We used raw scores for analyses. These are the largest number of digits the participant could remember and repeat in reverse order. Possible range of scores is from zero to 10. Normal persons typically remember from 5 to 7 digits. Higher scores are considered better. Analysis results are overall estimated marginal means from repeated measures analysis of covariance with treatment group as a fixed factor and age, gender, race, education, helper T cell count, and log viral load as covariates.
Secondary Outcomes
- Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)(3 weeks)
- Patient's Own Assessment of Function (PAOF)(3 weeks)