AIDS dementia complex (ADC) can occur in people with
. ADC results in changes in multiple neurologic areas:
ADC is a common nervous system complication of late-stage HIV infection.
HIV destroys white blood cells vital to the immune system.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
It is not clearly understood how HIV infection causes ADC.
Risk factors that increase your chances of having ADC include:
Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time. They are grouped into stages:
Walking, balance, and coordination require a great deal of effort at this stage.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume they are due to ADC. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Anti-HIV drugs are often used to treat ADC. Your doctor will create a medicine plan that is right for you. These drugs are often given in combination.
Other medicines may be used along with antiretroviral therapy to treat symptoms of ADC. These may include:
ADC occurs in people with HIV. Ways to help reduce the risk of getting HIV include:
American Foundation for AIDS Researchhttp://www.amfar.org/
National Association of People with AIDShttp://www.napwa.org/
AIDS Committee of Torontohttp://www.actoronto.org/
Canadian AIDS Societyhttp://www.cdnaids.ca/
AIDS dementia complex. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at:
. Updated February 28, 2012. Accessed November 21, 2012.
AIDS dementia complex. Project Inform website. Available at:
. Updated January 2011. Accessed November 21, 2012.
AIDS dementia complex. University of California at San Francisco website. Available at:
. Accessed November 21, 2012.
HIV-associated dementia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
. Updated February 10, 2012. Accessed November 21, 2012.
Luo X, Carlson KA, Wojna V, et al. Macrophage proteomic fingerprinting predicts HIV-1-associated cognitive impairment.
Meehan RA, Brush JA. An overview of AIDS dementia complex.
Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen.
Nicholas MK, Lukas R, van Besein K.
Textbook of Neurological Surgery.
6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2011: chap 46.
Royal W. HIV-associated Dementia. In: Gilman S, ed.
San Diego, CA: MedLink Corp.
Still have questions? Contact firstname.lastname@example.org. We are happy to assist you!
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