Impact of human immunodeficiency virus type-1-associated cognitive dysfunction on activities of daily living and quality of life

We examined the impact of neuropsychological (NP) impairment on activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-infected persons of low socioeconomic status (SES). Thirty-n ine patients were stratified into one of three groups! cognitively normal ( n = 13), mild cognitive impairment (n = 15), and moderate/severe impair men t (n = 11). Quality of life was assessed with the Sickness Impact Profile a nd ADLs were evaluated via structured interview performed in the patient's residence. While there were no significant differences across groups On dis ease stage, drug use, depression, or estimated premorbid re, cognitively im paired patients were more likely to be unemployed and fail social planting and medication management tasks. Our study confirms a previously reported a ssociation between NP impairment and unemployment among HN-l-infected patie nts. The data also extend this relationship to a low-SES sample with a high base rate of unemployment, and to instrumental activities of daily living other than work. (C) 2000 National Academy of Neuropsychology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.