A Novel Neurorehabilitation Approach for Cognitive Aging With HIV

Speed of Processing Training With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older HIV+ Adults (HtDCS)

The goal of this study is to conduct a small, self-contained project to test the hypothesis that tDCS will augment SOP cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) in older HIV+ adults. The investigators will randomly assign 60 HIV+ older adults (i.e., ≥ 50 years old) to 10-hours in either a SOP CRT + sham tDCS condition (n=30) or SOP CRT + active tDCS condition (n=30) and examine neurocognitive functioning at baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention. Hypothesis 1: The SOP CRT + active tDCS condition will show larger proximal (i.e., SOP) gains than the SOP CRT + sham tDCS condition. Hypothesis 2: The active tDCS condition will demonstrate generalization to secondary neurocognitive domains compared to the sham tDCS condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV+
• Aged 50 and older
• Patient at University HIV/AIDS Clinic

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not homeless
• Not blind or deaf
• No significant neuromedical issues (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, stroke, epilepsy or history of seizures)
• No pacemaker or other biomedical devices or metal implants
• No untreated hypertension
• Not undergoing chemo or radiation
• No head injury with LOC greater than 30 mins