AIDS dementia complex

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome can cause dementia. Since the development of better anti-HIV therapy fewer cases of AIDS dementia have been reported in America and in Europe. However when people who have been treated with anti-HIV (antiretroviral) therapy get dementia there is evidence to suggest they do tend to have more severe symptoms.

The type of Dementia that people with HIV get can differ from person to person. It is reported that about 15 to 30% of people with HIV infection show mild neuropsychological problems. That is mild physical and psychological problems of the human nervous system (ie brain, spinal cord). These symptoms of HIV dementia can be so mild that people suffering from HIV infection resulting in dementia may not be aware of them.

As the symptoms of HIV dementia increase and become evident it may mean that the HIV infection has progressed to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Severe dementia demonstrating a progression from HIV to Aids occurs in about 20% of older patients.

At one time 15 to 20% of all people with AIDS developed AIDS dementia complex. That picture has changed with the increasing success of the combination retroviral drugs and the numbers of people progressing to AIDS dementia complex has halved.

A number of terms have been used to describe the more severe neurological and psychiatric (mental) symptoms including HAD, HIV 1-associated dementia (a subcortical dementia), HIV encephalopathy and AIDS dementia complex.

Aids dementia complex is now more associated with people in the late stages of AIDS when people affected suffer multiple infections because of their poor immune systems.

Symptoms of AIDS dementia complex
Symptoms of AIDS dementia complex includes

Poor concentration

Forgetfulness

Loss of short- or long-term memory

Social withdrawal

Slowed thinking

Short attention span

Irritability

Apathy

Ego centric attitude-lack of caring or concern for oneself or others

Weakness

Poor coordination

Impaired judgment

Problems with vision

Personality change.

Treatment of AIDS dementia complex
Aggressive treatment is required for AIDS dementia complex as it is associated with higher death rates. Treatment with antiretroviral drugs. Ritalin (methylphenidate) a psycho stimulant can be helpful for lethargy and slowed thinking.

Antiretroviral drugs can cause temporary problems with cognition (mental activity such as thinking, attention, reasoning, decision making and dealing with concepts) and some people on this type of medication can become confused.