A-027 Differentiating HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder from Alzheimer’s Disease: A Neuropsychological Profile

Abstract

Abstract Objective This meta-analysis examined the potential for executive function, episodic memory, and motor function to differentiate HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in an attempt to aid in accurate differential diagnosis. Data Selection The literature search identified records investigating neuropsychological test performance associated with HAND and AD. Databases used were: PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, and Medline with Full Text. Eligibility was assessed using the following inclusion criteria: (a) study examines HAND or AD, (b) diagnosis is determined using standard diagnostic criteria, (c) study contains data regarding executive function, episodic memory, and/or motor function, (d) study published in English, (e) study is quantitative, and (f) study contains statistical information for effect size calculations. A total of 947 relevant studies were initially identified. Twenty studies were included. Data Synthesis Group difference effect sizes were converted/calculated using Cohen’s d and Cohen’s (1998) conventions. Three weighted effect sizes were calculated for constructs of interest for each disorder. Weighted effect size for executive function was large for each group (HAND d = 1.28; AD d = 1.57). A large weighted effect size for episodic memory in AD (AD d = −2.17) and a medium effect size for HAND (HAND d = −0.65) were calculated. A large weighted effect size was determined for motor function in AD (d = 3.60), while a small effect size was calculated for HAND (d = 0.27). Conclusions Level of impairment in episodic memory and motor function can be used to differentiate HAND from AD. Executive function lacked differences needed for diagnostic differentiation. Future research should be done directly comparing neuropsychological performance between HAND and AD.