Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Abstract
Title: Script generation of activities of daily living in HIV-1 infection.
Authors: Scott JC, Woods SP, Vigil O, Heaton RK, Grant I, Marcotte TM, and the HNRC Group
Year: 2010
Publication: 118th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, San Diego, CA
Volume: Issue: Pages:
Abstract:Script generation is a novel cognitive construct describing the ability to generate complex, sequential action plans derived from mental representations of everyday activities (Grafman et al., 1995). Script generation is theorized to depend on the integrity of prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia and, indeed, is sensitive to frontal systems dysfunction in several neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease; Godbout & Doyon, 2000). Given the prominent frontostriatal neuropathogenesis of HIV infection, script generation may be of particular relevance to neuroAIDS, although it has not previously been examined in this population. Its applicability may be especially apparent in the prediction of everyday functioning, successful independence in which ostensibly requires the efficient generation and execution of script-based action schemas to achieve specific goals (Shallice, 1982). The aim of this study was therefore to assess the effect of HIV infection on the ability to generate and organize scripts of everyday activities.

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