Everyday Action Organization in HIV Infection
P.I.: J. Cobb Scott, M.S.
This study attempts to improve the assessment of everyday, "real world" functioning and what might lead to such difficulties in HIV-infected individuals by examining two cognitive skills that are commonly used but seldom assessed: multitasking and script generation. Such skills are expected to be of particular relevance to the prediction of daily functioning in HIV infection. It is hypothesized that performance on these novel functional assessments will display greater sensitivity to everyday functioning impairment than has been shown with traditional cognitive or functional measures in HIV infection.

Combined Effects of HIV-1 Infection and Aging on Prospective Memory
P.I.: Steven Woods, Psy.D.
This study will evaluate the combined effects of aging and HIV infection on prospective memory. Prospective memory is a unique kind of memory that describes one's ability to "remember to remember" and plays a vital role in performing normal daily functions, especially adhering to medications. As such, this project will identify the day-to-day impact of prospective memory impairment in older adults with HIV infection, including its relationship to medication adherence and quality of life. Findings from this study will help in the early detection of HIV-associated prospective memory impairment, as well as in the development of treatments designed to limit the everyday effects of such deficits on older adults with HIV infection and their care providers.

Prospective Memory and Transmission Risk in Methamphetamine Dependence
P.I.: Steven Woods, Psy.D.
The primary aim of this study is to clarify the nature and extent of prospective memory impairment in persons who use methamphetamine. Prospective memory is a unique kind of memory that describes one's ability to "remember to remember" and plays a vital role in performing normal daily functions. We are particularly interested in the role that prospective memory impairment may play in the extent to which people who use methamphetamine engage in HIV transmission risk behaviors.

Medication Adherence in HIV and Bipolar Disorder
P.I.: David J. Moore, Ph.D.
Both bipolar disorder and HIV infection can impact cognitive abilities such as ability to remember, pay attention, and perform problem solving tasks. These cognitive difficulties can create problems for daily functioning activities such as paying the bills and managing medications. In addition, things such as substance abuse, mood instability, and cognitive problems might prevent people from taking their medications on a consistent basis. Dr. David J. Moore has an NIMH-funded R03 to examine whether there are more cognitive problems among persons with both HIV infection and co-occurring bipolar disorder. The study also plans to examine what things predict ability to consistently take medications in this group of individuals. Future research with this population will examine both the the biology behind cognitive impairments as well as interventions that may improve cognition, adherence, and daily functioning.

Igor Grant, M.D.
HNRC DIrector
Distinguished Lifetime Contribution Award
National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN)
This award is given to a senior member of NAN who has made significant scientific, intellectual, and training-related contributions to the field of neuropsychology. As the 2007 award recipient, Dr. Grant will give an invited address at the annual conference, which will subsequently be published in the NAN journal Archives.

Steven Paul Woods, Psy.D.
Early Career Award
National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN)
This award is given to someone who is judged to have made substantial early career contributions within 10 years of the doctoral degree, particularly regarding scholarly activity.