Psychology Graduate Research Series to Discuss Neurological Aging of HIV-Positive Latinos

AIDS ribbonThe first lecture of the fall 2014 Psychology Graduate Research Series, co-hosted by the NSU Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies (CPS), will feature a presentation by two students in the center’s Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program.

“Aging with HIV: Neuropsychological Impact in the Older Latino(a)”
Presenters: Marina Sarno, M.S., and Monica Gamez, B.S.
Faculty Adviser: Amarilis Acevedo, Ph.D., associate professor, CPS
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Noon–1:00 p.m.
Maltz Psychology Building | Room 2058

The rate of HIV/AIDS in older Hispanics living in the U.S. is five times higher than that of their non-Hispanic Caucasian counterparts. Older Latinos in the U.S. also have higher rates of medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, and stroke) and socio-economic factors (lower income and limited access to medical care) that are associated with a higher risk for aging-related memory problems and neurocognitive impairment.

This presentation will provide an overview of the neurocognitive changes associated with HIV infection and will discuss pilot data on HIV-positive and HIV-negative Spanish-speaking adults 50 years of age and older. Assessed cognitive domains include processing speed; executive, visuospatial, and psychomotor functioning; and memory and language.

The Psychology Graduate Research Series is free and open to the public. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Mercedes Fernandez, Ph.D., associate professor at the college, or Sarah Valley-Gray, Psy.D., associate professor at the center.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to toolbar