Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Manuscript
Title: MR spectroscopy in HIV and stimulant dependence.
Authors: Taylor MJ, Alhassoon OM, Schweinsburg BC, Videen JS, Grant I, and the HNRC Group
Year: 2000
Publication: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society
Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Pages: 83-85
Abstract:HIV infection and abuse of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are both associated with brain damage and dysfunction. CNS stimulant overdose can lead to microinfarction, hemorrhagic lesions, and vasculitis (Bostwick, 1981; Cahill et al., 1981), and may impact frontostriatal systems. Investigations of HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals have demonstrated deficits in attention, speed of information processing, motor functioning, executive functioning, and learning efficiency. These deficits are consistent with frontostriatal involvement (Heaton et al., 1995; Martin, 1994). Given the rise in AIDS cases attributable to drug use at a time when the number of AIDS cases due to sexual transmission is stable or declining, it is critical to determine if drug use, especially CNS stimulants, potentiates HIV-related neuronal injury.

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