Componential analysis of verbal fluency in HIV-infection. (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Executive dysfunction versus slowed information-processing speed: Componential analysis of verbal fluency in HIV-infection sub-groups.
IRAS ID
128252
Contact name
Matthew H Jones Chesters
Contact email
Research summary
This is a study to learn more about how HIV-infection affects brain function. Particularly, the study will investigate how people with Human Immunodeficiency Infection (HIV) at a particular stage of the infection produce word lists. This is referred to as verbal fluency (VF) or word list generation according to a rule (e.g. letter) in a defined period of time (60s). Research has found that word generation is impaired in 40% of people with HIV-infection. When VF performance is examined in detail, strategies are sometimes adopted to get through the task more efficiently. Intact executive functioning or flexibility of thinking is required to do this. This study aims to examine such processes in depth.
VF is a simple test which can detect executive dysfunction. But what causes poor performance in VF? Is it difficulties retrieving words because people with HIV have difficulties using and changing strategies or is it due to slow processing of the demands of the task? Information-processing speed is a basic cognitive process which drives executive functioning. It is often found in HIV-infection that individuals experience slowed information-processing speed as well as slower motor function. Therefore, these factors might be responsible for poor performance in VF. These will be accounted for in this study by including processing speed and motor functioning tasks, leading to stronger conclusions about impaired performance underlying VF.
HIV participants will be recruited from a sexual health clinic. Cognitive tests will be administered, lasting 90 minutes. Results of VF and cognitive tests of the HIV group will be compared to another group without cognitive difficulties. This control group will be recruited in the community. This will tell us if a difference exists between groups in VF ability. It is important to understand the finer details of VF because it involves abilities which are necessary for everyday living.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1122
Date of REC Opinion
13 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion