Interactions between betaine, insulin resistance, and cognitive impairment in people with and without HIV - Scorecard - MDSpire

Interactions between betaine, insulin resistance, and cognitive impairment in people with and without HIV

  • By

  • Azin Tavasoli

  • Bin Tang

  • Mohammadsobhan S. Andalibi

  • Debra Cookson

  • Melanie Crescini

  • Margery A. Connelly

  • Scott L. Letendre

  • Ronald J. Ellis

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Scorecard: The Relationship of Betaine, Insulin Resistance, and Cognitive Decline in Individuals With and Without HIV

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionCognitive decline in individuals with and without HIV
Key MechanismsInsulin resistance, inflammatory pathways, and metabolic markers
Target PopulationIndividuals with HIV and individuals without HIV
Care SettingClinical research on metabolic and cognitive health

Key Highlights

  • Higher Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) levels associated with worse cognitive performance.
  • Betaine linked to better cognitive performance in people with HIV.
  • Insulin resistance may have a greater impact on cognitive health in people with HIV than in those without.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Use neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive performance.
  • Evaluate metabolic markers such as GlycA, DRI, and LP-IR.

Management

  • Consider dietary and lifestyle interventions to improve metabolic health.
  • Monitor betaine levels as a potential therapeutic target.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regular assessment of insulin resistance and inflammatory markers.
  • Track cognitive performance over time in individuals with HIV.

Risks

  • Increased risk of cognitive decline associated with higher insulin resistance.
  • Potential for metabolic dysfunction to exacerbate cognitive impairment in individuals with HIV.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals with HIV and diabetes mellitus, and those without HIV.

Betaine may have protective effects against cognitive decline.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Incorporate metabolic assessments in cognitive health evaluations for individuals with HIV.
  • Address insulin resistance through lifestyle modifications and dietary changes.

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