HIV and dementia
Written by Ada’s Medical Knowledge Team
Updated on
Overview
- HIV dementia is also called HIV-associated dementia or the AIDS dementia complex.
- HIV-associated dementia is a form of dementia caused by the HIV virus.
- Some common symptoms of HIV dementia are memory loss, feeling confused, and lacking emotion.
HIV dementia is a condition which affects the brain. It’s also known as the AIDS dementia complex and often happens during the late stages of an HIV infection. In this article, you’ll be able to find out more about HIV dementia in general, as well as the way it can be diagnosed, the symptoms associated with the condition, and the possible treatment options.
How does HIV cause dementia?
HIV dementia happens when HIV affects the brain and causes damage to the neurons present there. This damage is irreversible. In some cases, HIV dementia may also be the result of opportunistic infections. These infections happen due to the weakened state of the immune system. Some of these infections with bacteria, viruses, and fungi may affect the brain and cause a form of HIV dementia, which can be treated.
What are common HIV dementia symptoms?
HIV-related dementia can cause an array of symptoms which are similar to those of other forms of dementia. When HIV affects the brain, you can experience: 1
- Memory loss, especially for more recent events
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling confused
- Slow thinking
- Slow speech
- Slow movements
- Lack of emotion
How can HIV-associated dementia be diagnosed?
HIV-associated dementia can be diagnosed by taking the symptoms into consideration. Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your medical history and examine your mental status. If you already have a diagnosis of HIV, your CD4 count and HIV viral load will be measured. These values are important to assess how likely it's that you would develop HIV dementia. Another technique that can be done is an MRI followed by a lumbar puncture. In case there's not a known diagnosis of HIV, but there are certain symptoms or risk factors present that could point to an infection, then you'll be tested for HIV first. 2
What is the appropriate treatment for HIV-associated dementia?
HIV dementia is irreversible, although antiretroviral therapy can help increase DC4 counts, which leads to improved cognitive function. This therapy is generally used to suppress the viral load, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of opportunistic infections in those who have HIV. Once this therapy is started, some people experience a decline in mental status at first. This is a known possibility which should be anticipated and treated.
Besides antiretroviral therapy, some additional measures can be taken to help treat AIDS dementia complex symptoms or to provide support and ensure safety. Some of these measures may include: 3
- Lifestyle changes
- Refraining from alcohol and drugs
- Promoting orientation by placing clocks and calendars in the room
- Creating a familiar atmosphere
- Monitoring systems for people who wander
People with HIV and dementia who are untreated often have a low life expectancy of 6 months on average. As the symptoms of dementia often get worse, it’s vital that someone is indicated to oversee finances and to make sure that the wishes about care are respected.
Wrapping up
HIV dementia is a form of dementia that appears in the late stages of HIV. The possible symptoms of this condition are quite similar to those of regular forms of dementia, such as loss of memory, slow thinking, concentration issues, slow movements, and lack of emotion. Although HIV dementia is irreversible, getting diagnosed can lead to treatment options which help provide support for this condition.
FAQs
Q: What is the late-stage AIDS dementia complex?
A: The AIDS dementia complex refers to dementia caused by HIV affecting the brain. This usually happens in the late stages of HIV.
Q: What is another name for the AIDS dementia complex?
A: Another name for the AIDS dementia complex is HIV-associated dementia or HIV dementia in short.
Q: Is HIV dementia reversible?
A: HIV dementia is irreversible in most cases. If HIV dementia is caused by a secondary infection, however, then the infection can be treated.
Q: What is the life expectancy of someone with HIV-related dementia?
A: Someone with untreated HIV dementia has a life expectancy of 6 months on average.
Q: Does HIV cause memory loss?
A: HIV can cause memory loss in the late stages of the condition if the virus enters the brain and starts causing damage to the neurons.
Q: Can HIV cause dementia?
A: HIV can cause dementia in the late stages of the infection. This happens when the virus starts affecting the brain.