DHEA and Cognition in HIV-Positive Patients with Non-Major Depression

BackgroundDihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been investigated for its potential role in improving cognition in a number of patient populations. Treatment options are limited for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.ObjectiveThe authors tested the effect of DHEA administration on the cognitive functioning of HIV-positive subjects with non-major depression.MethodThe neuropsychological testing data for 60 HIV-positive patients enrolled in a clinical trial for non-major depression were analyzed to determine if DHEA-treated patients demonstrated improved cognitive functioning versus placebo.ResultsAt baseline, 80% of the sample met criteria for asymptomatic cognitive impairment. No benefit in cognitive performance was found on 16 of 17 neuropsychological measures evaluated. One measure showed a modest benefit for placebo-treated patients over DHEA.ConclusionDHEA treatment was not associated with improved cognitive performance in HIV-positive patients with non-major depression.