Publication Abstract Display
Type: Poster
Title: Cannabis exposure and neuropsychological functioning in people living with HIV: Effects of Lifetime, 12-month, and 30-day use.
Authors: Chentsova V, Marcotte TD, Iudicello JE, Atkinson JH, Grant I, Cherner M, HNRP Group, CMCR Group
Date: 07-20-2024
Abstract:Despite advancements in anti-retroviral therapies (ART), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can lead to neuroinflammation, neural injury, vulnerability to opportunistic infections and substance use, thus increasing risk for neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Though higher rates of NCI have been observed in people living with HIV (PLWH) who use certain substances, the specific relationship of cannabis use and NCI in this group is unclear. Cannabis use has grown to be among the most used substances in the United States, with rates of use 2-3 times higher in PLWH. Emerging research in PLWH has provided some evidence that regular exposure to cannabis in the lifetime may be associated with lower risk of NCI. However, the well-known acute and short-term neurocognitive effects of cannabis may confound its chronic effects.

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