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HIV-Associated Dementia
HAD, unlike other non-vascular and the "cortical" dementias (such as Alzheimer's Disease), has relatively well preserved cortical functions. The functional impairment is greater than in MCMD. The clinical presentation of this "subcortical" dementia and its severity vary widely. In early HAD, the patient may appear "depressed" with apathy, lethargy, and social withdrawal. Forgetfulness, loss of concentration, slowing of information processing along with visuo-constructive deficits, dyscoordination, gait disturbance, weakness and tremor may be present. Personality changes are not uncommon, often reported more by others than the patient. In late HAD, psychotic symptoms may be prominent along with severe language dysfunction, verbal memory loss, seizures and mutism. Ataxia may be severe and the patient may be incontinent of urine and stool.
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Clinical Management
Clinical Management
