HIV/AIDS & Dementia

HIV/AIDS & Dementia

HIV infection can lead to AIDS-related dementia. Fortunately, this condition is much less common since the advent of potent combination antiretroviral therapy. When AIDS dementia does develop, the complex usually involves cognitive (e.g., inability to pay attention, loss of memory), motor (e.g., clumsiness, slowed movements), and behavioral (e.g., changed personality) dysfunction and typically develops in the later stages of HIV infection. Most HIV patients who are not on antiretroviral therapy experience dementia at some point during the illness.

There is no specific treatment for AIDS dementia, other than antiretroviral therapy. Patients with dementia who do not respond to antiretroviral therapy may benefit from treatment with tranquilizers such as haloperidol, respirdal, or zyprexa. These patients should seek treatment from a neurologist or psychiatrist who is experienced in treating AIDS-related dementia.