This study compared 74 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative and
131 HIV-positive asymptomatic homosexual or bisexual men on an extensive
neuropsychological test battery. HIV-positive subjects' performance was
significantly worse on verbal memory and psychomotor skills. The prevalence
of mild but persistent neurobehavioral impairment in the HIV-positive group
was approximately twice that in HIV-negative patients, consistently across
several criteria for impairment. There was evidence that degree of
neuropsychological impairment was related to patients' perceptions of
dysfunction in daily life. Findings were not related to degree of
depression or to medication effects. These data suggest that approximately
10% to 20% of HIV-positive asymptomatic men suffer mild neuropsychological
impairment that influences their daily lives.Abstract Teaser