NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding cognitive impairment in older adults with HIV in Uganda

Official title: Clinical Spectrum and Societal Impact of Cognitive Impairment with HIV in Uganda

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11124415 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how HIV affects memory and thinking skills in older adults in Uganda, comparing those with HIV to those without, to help us understand the risks of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's in this group.

More Cognitive Impairment research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,103,953
NIH project number1R56AG087790-01
Project IDNIH-11124415 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 60 and above living with HIV in Uganda, as well as demographically similar HIV-negative individuals.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger than 60 years old or those without HIV may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the risk factors and causes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's related dementia (ADRD) among older adults living with HIV in Uganda. It employs advanced techniques such as neuropsychological assessments, brain imaging, and machine learning to better understand the cognitive health of this population. The study aims to compare cognitive decline trajectories between older adults with HIV and similar-aged individuals without HIV, providing a comprehensive view of the impact of HIV on cognitive health. By focusing on a demographic that has been underrepresented in previous studies, this research seeks to fill critical gaps in knowledge regarding cognitive health in sub-Saharan Africa.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive impairment in older adults living with HIV, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive impairment in HIV populations, but this study aims to explore this area in a novel context with older adults in Uganda.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Siedner, Mark J — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Siedner, Mark J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.