Reduction in cerebral oxygen metabolism in subcortical regions may be a biomarker of cognitive decline in people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

In recently diagnosed PLHIV, no association was found between rCBF or rCMRO2 and cognitive impairment at baseline. There was a reduction in rCMRO2 in those with worsening of cognitive function at 12 months on ART. Reduction in rCMRO2 may be a biomarker of cognitive decline in PLHIV.