Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0003-4851-6260
Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Anatomy & Neurobiology
First Advisor
Gretchen Neigh
Abstract
Biological systems that regulate cellular energy, stress responses, and neuroendocrine function play a central role in shaping cognitive and overall health outcomes in women with HIV (WWH). Although previous research has established links between peripheral mitochondrial function and cognition in other disease contexts—and has characterized the cognitive and biological consequences of chronic stress—the interplay between mitochondria, cognition, and glucocorticoids (GCs) remains especially underexplored in WWH. A deeper understanding of how mitochondrial function, cognition, and GC biology intersect in WWH is essential to identify potential mechanistic pathways and develop novel therapeutic approaches to mitigating cognitive impairment in WWH.
Thus, the goal of this dissertation is to expand our understanding of the relationships between mitochondrial health and stress biology to cognitive function in WWH. We demonstrate that alterations in peripheral mitochondrial markers are associated with variability in specific cognitive domains. Additionally, we explore the impact of chronic stress exposure and GC signaling patterns on mitochondrial indices and cognitive performance. These data are positioned to increase our understanding of stress-related bioenergetic mechanisms contributing to cognitive impairment in WWH and to inform the development of targeted, biologically grounded interventions.
Rights
© Hannah Stadtler
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-2-2026
Included in
Molecular Biology Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Virus Diseases Commons