| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: Lower levels of moderate physical activity are associated with neurocognitive impairment amond older HIV+ adults. | | Authors: Moore DJ, Fazeli P, Marquine MJ, Dufour C, Montoya JL, Henry B, Moore RC, Woods SP, Letendre SL, Jeste DV, Grant I and the HNRP Group | | Year: 2014 | | Publication: 7th International Symposium on Neuropsychiatry and HIV | | Volume: Issue: Pages: | | Abstract:Background: Older HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals may be particularly vulnerable to neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Physical activity (PA) is a mechanism associated with reduced risk for NCI in HIV and aging population. The current study expands previous research by examining the association between PA and NCI among older HIV+ persons.
Methods: One hundred older (≥50 years) HIV+ adults (Age: M[SD]=58.1[6.5)] 88% men; 81% white) were administered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), which assesses the frequency and duration of vigorous PA, moderate PA, and walking over the past seven days. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed with a comprehensive battery covering seven domains, which yielded global and domain-specific NCI using demographically-adjusted normative standards.
Results: Using IPAQ continuous scores (i.e., minutes/per week X intensity) for each activity level (i.e., vigorous, moderate, walking, and total), we found lower levels of moderate PA among those with NCI (p=0.01). Other PA levels were not different between those with and without NCI. In a multivariable model predicting NCI, moderate PA remained a significant predictor even when controlling for current major depressive disorder diagnosis, which was associated with both global NCI and moderate PA. Examination of domain-specific NCI revealed the association between moderate PA and global NCI was driven by executive function (p=0.04).
Conclusions: Among older HIV+ adults, those with NCI show lower levels of moderate PA; executive dysfunction is particularly associated with lower moderate PA. Although the directionality of the findings is unknown, research among older HIV-uninfected persons shows that PA can promote neurogenesis, reduce important NCI risk factors such as central obesity (a previously determined risk for HIV-associated NCI), and decrease other cardiovascular comorbidities. Future longitudinal studies that utilize objective PA methods (e.g., accelerometers) in participant’s natural environments are needed to more effectively evaluate the effect of PA on NCI among older HIV+ persons. |
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