Understanding cognitive challenges in older adults with HIV
Official title: Executive Function Impairments in HAND and Aging
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11196189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects thinking skills in older adults with HIV, and it aims to find new treatments that could help improve their brain function and slow down any decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $587,739 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082539-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11196189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults over the age of 50 who are HIV-positive and experiencing cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 50 or those who do not have HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging affects cognitive function in older adults living with HIV. It focuses on the neurocognitive impairments that are more prevalent in this population compared to younger individuals. The study aims to develop innovative therapies that target specific neuronal injuries caused by HIV, potentially restoring cognitive function. By using a unique approach that involves dendritic spine-targeted therapeutics, the research seeks to delay the progression of cognitive decline associated with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that improve cognitive function and quality of life for older adults living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting neurocognitive impairments in HIV, but this specific dendritic spine-targeted approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mactutus, Charles F. — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Mactutus, Charles F.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.