A-078 Examining the Neuropsychological Effects of Opioid Use in the Aging Population of People Living with HIV

Abstract

Abstract Objective People living with HIV (PLWH) exhibit accelerated and premature cognitive aging in comparison to age-matched, seronegative controls. Although opioid use is elevated among PLWH, literature regarding the neurocognitive effects of opioid use across the lifespan of PLWH is limited. This cross-sectional study examines the neurocognitive effects of opioid use across the mid-older adult lifespan of PLWH. Methods One-hundred fifty-two PLWH (72% Latinx; 71% Male; Mdn(IQR) Age = 47(43, 51) years; M Education = 133 years) completed comprehensive neurocognitive, neuromedical, quality of education (Wide Range Achievement Test- 4 [WRAT-4]), psychiatric/substance-use (Composite International Diagnostic Interview [CIDI]), and urine toxicology assessments. Opioid users were defined by DSM diagnostics for lifetime opioid use disorder. A series of LSR tested the interactive effects of age and opioid use across seven neurocognitive domains. Results After controlling for covariates (e.g., CD4 cell count; WRAT-4; comorbid substance use), a least-squares regression demonstrated significant interactive effects between age and opioid use upon verbal fluency, such that older opioid users exhibited greater verbal fluency scores (F [11] = 4.28, p < .0001, R2 = .33). No significant interactions were detected in other domains. Discussion The moderate observed effect sizes indicate a positive relationship between older age and lifetime opioid use upon verbal fluency among PLWH. These findings may be representative of a selective survival bias among opioid users within this population. Nonetheless, verbal fluency could serve as a marker of greater survivability among PLWH with opioid use histories. Future directions should examine this interaction longitudinally and evaluate differences in the severity/duration of opioid use.