the 30 day challenge Effects of experimentally-induced reductions in alcohol consumption on brain cognitive, and clinical outcomes and motivation for changing drinking in older persons with HIV infection
SHARC researchers, Robert Cook, M.D., M.P.H. and Ronald Cohen, Ph.D., in partnership with faculty at Florida International University and the University of Miami, were awarded a U01 5-year renewal grant. The $4 million grant was used to conduct research on the effects of alcohol reduction on the brain and liver. The study built on past findings to determine the extent to which marked reductions in alcohol consumption over 12 weeks via contingency management (CM) improved cognitive performance, brain functions and pathophysiology, and HIV-associated health outcomes.
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Past findings indicated that current heavy alcohol use is more strongly associated with cognitive/brain dysfunction among HIV+ adults than lifetime consumption, suggesting that these effects may be reversible with reduction in drinking.
- Alcohol consumption may affect the brain directly or indirectly via liver toxicity and systemic inflammation.
- HIV-associated neurocognitive dysfunction continues even with antiretroviral treatment, and even mild cognitive impairment is associated with detrimental health outcomes in older HIV+ adults.
- Ongoing heavy alcohol use on the brain and cognition may be reversible, providing a strong impetus for the study.
RECRUITMENT
The research was conducted in Florida, which had the highest number of new HIV infections in the U.S., as well as an increasingly diverse population with HIV, 50% of whom were aged 50 years or over. A total of 151 participants were screened, and 57 were enrolled.
SHARC research happens at universities and in communities across the state of Florida.
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