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Semin Neurol 1999; 19(2): 129-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1040831
© 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Dementia

Justin C. McArthur, Ned Sacktor, Ola Selnes
  • Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

HIV-associated dementia will eventually develop in 15-20% of individuals with advanced HIV disease. It has become one of the leading causes of dementia in the young, with 10,000 new cases annually in the USA. The clinical syndrome includes progressive development of psychomotor slowing and memory impairment, eventually with brain atrophy and neurol loss. The pathology is characterized by infection of macrophages and microglia, marked activation of macrophages, and release of a variety of postinflammatory cytokines into the parenchyma. Antiretroviral therapy has impacted positively on the incidence rates, and at least partial reversal of neurologic deficits can be achieved in established dementias.

Keywords

HIV-associated dementia - neurologic deficits - antiretroviral therapy

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