Understanding how HIV affects social brain health

Evaluating Social Brain Health in HIV: An RDoC-based approach

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11100113

This study looks at how HIV affects the way people understand social situations and emotions, focusing on certain parts of the brain that help with these skills, to better understand the social challenges faced by those living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11100113 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of HIV on social cognition, which includes the ability to recognize social cues and understand others' emotions and intentions. By examining specific brain regions associated with social functioning, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, the study aims to identify how difficulties in these areas can affect daily social interactions for individuals living with HIV. The research employs a multi-level assessment approach, integrating neural and behavioral evaluations to gain insights into the mechanisms that contribute to social challenges faced by patients. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance understanding of social brain health in the context of HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HIV who experience challenges in social interactions.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or those who do not experience social cognition difficulties may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing social functioning and support for individuals living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding social cognition in various neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for HIV as well.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.