Dementia due to HIV-1 virus

HIV associated dementia

Recent studies show that some people who diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) they may have a complication to the disease .This is known as HIV associated dementia, or as AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC).

Generally HIV associated dementia is considered very complex disease.People who suffer from this syndrome represents variety of nervous system difficulties and mental symptoms that can progressively develop at the same time with HIV disease.

Causes of HIV associated dementia

HIV-associated dementia occurs when the HIV virus spreads to the brain It has been shown that HIV virus does not directly affect to neurons in the brain. Infection spreads to neurons indirectly, where brain immune cells act as HIV reservoirs and they are the primary source of indirect damage to nerve cells. Once HIV-1 virus entered to the nervous system system it remain there for many years. In the early phase HIV-1 virus affects axons and white matter.In the later phase ,MRI findings show that virus can affect cerebral cortex and cause atrophy in nearby areas. Neuronal loss and demyelination are also observed in HIV-1 associated dementia. Existence of HIV-1 virus in the brain causes deterioration of cognitive function also multiple symptoms of motor, cognitive dysfunction and behavioural changes.

Symptoms of HIV associated dementia

There are different symptoms that accompanied dementia related symptoms during HIV associated dementia. Symptoms of HIV-associated dementia include loss of memory, difficulty in thinking skills, concentrating, and or speaking clearly, lack of interest in activities and gradual loss of motor skills. The virus affects behaviour, memory, thinking, and movement. In the onset of disease symptoms are restrained and may be unnoticed, but over the disease progression they gradually become difficult.