Dementia in HIV

Question

Dementia in HIV

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

HIV can directly attack brain cells and cause damage, leading to symptoms of dementia. This is known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Secondary infections may also contribute to dementia in people with HIV, but they are not always the sole cause. Antiviral therapy can help slow the progression of HAND, but it is not a common side effect of the therapy itself. Acute damage to temporal lobe structures may contribute to some cases of dementia, but it is not the only cause.