Cognitive tests used in HIV

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Neuropsychological Examination

Both subcortical and cortical functions were evaluated. Subcortical functioning was assessed using the Reaction time, Rapid Visual Information Processing, and Spatial Working Memory from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery,[18] the Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B,[19] and the digit spans backward and forward.[20] Cortical functioning was assessed through the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog). This scale is a reliable and valid instrument originally used to assess cognitive dysfunction in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. It is composed of 11 cognitive tasks assessing orientation, verbal memory, language skills, and praxis.[21] For all these tests a deficit score was calculated using Z-scores retrieved from available normative data. Finally, the HDS and the National Adult Reading Test (NART)[22] were performed in all patients.

According to the updated research nosology for HANDs,[1] patients were then diagnosed as having: ANI [cognitive deficits involving at least two domains (e.g. language, praxis, memory, attention, executive functions, or processing speed) and documented by performances of at least one Z-score below the mean, without interference in everyday functioning], MNDs (cognitive deficits involving at least two domains and documented by performances of at least one Z-score below the mean, mild interference in everyday functioning), HIV-D (cognitive deficits involving at least two domains and documented by performances of at least two Z-score below the mean, marked interference in everyday functioning), or no cognitive impairment.

Behavioral and Health Status Examination

Mood disorders were measured for all patients using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale addressing depressive (HAD-D) and anxious (HAD-A) symptoms, separately. Patients were considered depressed or anxious if the HAD-D or HAD-A subscale score was at least 10 of 21.[23] Behavioral changes were assessed with a patient's relative using the neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI).[24] In this scale, the maximum NPI total score is 144 and the maximum score is 12 for each of the 12 symptoms assessed. Finally, quality of life (QoL) was assessed with the Medical Outcome Study HIV Health Survey (MOS HIV)[25] in which scores range from zero (worst) to 100 (best).

From http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/722241_4-- Greetings, VergelAmazon Author profile: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003E3RYKY