The utility of olfactory function in distinguishing early-stage Alzheimer's disease from HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Title | The utility of olfactory function in distinguishing early-stage Alzheimer's disease from HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2021 |
Authors | Sundermann, EE, Fields, A, Saloner, R, Gouaux, B, Bharti, A, Murphy, C, Moore, DJ |
Journal | AIDS |
Volume | 35 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 429-437 |
Date Published | 2021 03 01 |
ISSN | 1473-5571 |
Keywords | Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Alzheimer Disease, CHARTER, Cognitive Dysfunction, Female, HIV Infections, Humans, Internal, Male, Memory, Neuropsychological Tests |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: Given the rising number of older people with HIV (PWH) and the overlap in cognitive dysfunction profiles in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and Alzheimer's disease and its precursor, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), methods are needed to distinguish aMCI/Alzheimer's disease from HAND. As an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease, we examined whether olfactory dysfunction could help to distinguish between aMCI/Alzheimer's disease and HAND among PWH.DESIGN: An observational cohort study.METHODS: Eighty-one older (≥50 years) PWH (83% men, 65% white) from the California NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium completed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT; higher scores = better smell identification) and a comprehensive seven-domain neuropsychological test battery and neuromedical evaluation. HAND was classified via Frascati criteria. High aMCI risk was defined as impairment (>1.0 SD below normative mean) on two of four delayed recall or recognition outcomes (at least one recognition impairment required) from the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised. We examined UPSIT scores in relation to aMCI risk and HAND status, and continuous memory scores considering adjustments for demographics and relevant clinical or HIV disease characteristics.RESULTS: Fifty-seven participants were classified with HAND (70%) and 35 participants were classified as high aMCI risk (43%). UPSIT scores were lower (worse) in the high versus low aMCI risk group [F (1,76) = 10.04, P = 0.002], but did not differ by HAND status [F (1,76) = 0.62, P = 0.43]. UPSIT scores positively correlated with all memory outcomes (Ps < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Olfactory assessments may help in detecting early aMCI/Alzheimer's disease among PWH and allow for appropriate and early disease intervention. |
DOI | 10.1097/QAD.0000000000002761 |
Alternate Journal | AIDS |
PubMed ID | 33252483 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC7856221 |
Grant List | R25 MH108389 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States HHSN271201000030C / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States U24 MH100928 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States HHSN271201000036C / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States R01 AG062006 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States N01MH22005 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States RF1 AG061070 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States P30 MH062512 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States F31 AG064989 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States N01 MH022005 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States |