This study evaluated the influence of cognitive reserve on neuropsychological test performance in 198 patients infected with the hepatitis C virus. IQ scores, educational level, and occupational rating were combined to calculate a Cognitive Reserve Score (CRS) for each patient. Similar to studies of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, there was a significantly increased risk of impairment in neuropsychological test performance in individuals with lower CRSs. It is important to account for CRS when assessing cognitive findings in large-scale clinical trials. (JINS, 2007, 13, 687–692.)Financial relationships of the authors with Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., are as follows: K.L. Lindsay is a consultant and receives research support; A.S.F. Lok is a consultant and receives grant support; and R.J. Fontana is on the speaker's bureau. Authors with no financial relationships related to this project are as follows: L.A. Bieliauskas, C. Back-Madruga, E.C. Wright, and Z. Kronfol.

This study followed 118 HIV+ individuals who had taken steps to return to work to determine facilitators or barriers in returning to work. Over the two-year study period, 52% of the participants obtained employment. Memory function served as the most potent predictor of obtaining employment. Persons who were younger, did not have a diagnosis of AIDS and who had shorter periods of unemployment prior to entering the study also had better chances of finding employment during the study. After finding employment, participants reported lower levels of depression as well, an apparent result of their obtaining employment. These findings indicate that memory is a key neuropsychiatric variable that is perhaps most relevant to HIV+ persons' quest to return to work. (JINS, 2007, 13, 80–89.)