You Should Know!

Crystal methamphetamine can cause brain structure changes in HIV patients, leading to a higher risk of impaired cognitive functions, according to researchers at the University of California, San Diego. Brain scans showed that meth use increased the volume in portions of the brain linked with understanding one's surroundings, motor function, and motivation. The greater the size increase, the more significant the loss of cognitive function. Because HIV itself can shrink other key parts of the brain that control thought, reasoning, memory, and learning, a combination of HIV infection and meth use could result in significant brain changes and greater chances for cognitive loss.