AIDS dementia complex

AIDS dementia complex (ADC; also known as HIV dementia, HIV encephalopathy and HIV-associated dementia) has become a common neurological disorder associated with HIV infection and AIDS. It is a metabolic encephalopathy induced by HIV infection and fueled by immune activation of brain macrophages and microglia. These cells are actively infected with HIV and secrete neurotoxins of both host and viral origin. The essential features of ADC are disabling cognitive impairment accompanied by motor dysfunction, speech problems and behavioral change. Cognitive impairment is characterised by mental slowness, trouble with memory and poor concentration. Motor symptoms include a loss of fine motor control leading to clumsiness, poor balance and tremors. Behavioral changes may include apathy, lethargy and diminished emotional responses and spontaneity. Histopathologically, it is identified by the infiltration of monocytes and macrophages into the central nervous system (CNS), gliosis, pallor of myelin sheaths, abnormalities of dendritic processes and neuronal apoptosis.
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AIDS dementia complex n. The neurological disease complex that is sometimes experienced by AIDS patients, caused by neuron injury and death and [more]AIDS dementia complex - Community and Resources

deterioration of intellectual faculties, often accompanied by emotional disturbance. HIV is active in the brain (central nervous system) and can cause dementia, even in those with high CD4 counts and low viral loads. Treatment usually involves an anti-HIV drug -- such as AZT -- that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. (also called ADC)

abbreviation,  AIDS Dementia Complex. deterioration of intellectual faculties, often accompanied by emotional disturbance. HIV is active in the brain (central nervous system) and can cause dementia, even in those with high CD4 counts and low viral loads. Treatment usually involves an anti-HIV drug -- such as AZT -- that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

mental impairment with an organic cause that is due to HIV infection (i.e., not an opportunistic pathogen). Symptoms may include cognitive impairment (e.g., difficulty concentrating, memory loss), disorientation, mood and personality changes, speech and vision difficulties, psychomotor dysfunction (lack of coordination, incontinence) and paralysis. AIDS-related dementia typically affects people in the later stages of HIV disease. Early stages of the syndrome are referred to as HIV-associated minor cognitive/motor disorder.

Also called HIV-associated dementia. A progressive mental disorder with different nervous system and mental symptoms. Mental symptoms may be memory loss, speech problems, inabilty to concentrate, or poor judgment. There may be behavior changes, such as not being able to perform daily tasks. There may also be mood changes, such as depression. Motor difficulties may include loss of control of the legs or moving slowly or stiffly. ADC is considered an AIDS-defining condition in people with HIV.
  

A degenerative neurological condition attributed to HIV infection, characterized by a group of clinical presentations including loss of coordination, mood swings, loss of inhibitions, and widespread cognitive dysfunctions. It is the most common central nervous system complication of HIV infection. Characteristically, it manifests itself after the patient develops major opportunistic infections or AIDS-related cancers. However, patients can also have this syndrome before these major systemic complications occur. The cause of ADC has not been determined exactly, but it may result from HIV infection of cells or inflammatory reactions to such infections.