dementia

HIV-associated Dementia (HAD)

HAD formerly known as AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC) is an AIDS defining condition that can be a serious problem with a poor prognosis. HAD is a term used to describe the most severe cognitive, motor and behavioral neurological impairments associated with HIV. The effects of HAD can significantly decrease patient independence and quality of life.

HAD is a subcortical dementia, affecting structures beneath the cerebral cortex. Dopamine transport in the basal ganglia is known to be diminshed in HIV ⁺ patients with dementia. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (including dementia) share many features with diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington disease. People with damage or dysfunction in the basal ganglia have slower thought processes (bradyphrenia), and move more slowly (bradykinesia). They are forgetful, but may often recall information if given enough time.

About 20% of those in the very late stages of AIDS exhibit signs of HAD, with 10,000 cases occurring annually in the USA. Individuals with HAD exhibit severe cognitive, motor, and neurological impairments that seriously impair day-to-day functioning in the later stages of the disease process.

Diagnosis is difficult, as symptoms may vary. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of cognitive impairment and appropriate treatment. Procedures used in the diagnostic process include: neuropsychological testing; mental status examination; neuropsychiatric interview; neurologic examination; and radiologic and laboratory testing.

Currently, HAART is effectively suppressing viral replication and viral suppression is associated with less HIV related neuropathology. There is increasing evidence that HIV is developing resistance to HAART. Strict HAART compliance is the most effective means to avoid the progressive neurocognitive and motor effects of HIV.

One of the listed resources for this course is AIDS Education Global Information System (AEGIS).

You can search this system for information about dementia, for example. Click here for an article about dementia and HIV. Then, be prepared to answer this question.

The onset of dementia occurs fairly slowly, always taking a number of months to establish itself.

True or False?

AREAS IN THE BRAIN IMPACTED BY HIV
FRONTAL: loss of organizational skills; disinhibition	BASAL GANGLIA: involuntary movements
LIMBIC/TEMPORAL: language impairment, memory loss	BRAIN STEM: gait, visual disturbances

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The following is a list of disorders associated with dementia :

* Learning problem

* Addiction

* Dysarthria or Involuntary Movement

* Somatic or Sexual Dysfunction

* Psychosis

* Sexually Deviant Behavior

* Depressed Mood

* Anxious / Fearful or Dependent Personality

* Hypo/Hyperactivity

* Dramatic / Erratic or Antisocial Personality

* Odd or Eccentric or Suspicious Personality

Cognitive Symptoms Of HAD:

Symptom	Example	Interventions
Severe confusion	Unawareness of illness; Difficulty following directions.	Talk in a calm, slow manner, using simple information.
Delayed or absent verbal responses	Language difficulties	Communicate to person using nonverbal gestures such as touching and smiling. Simplify questions which require a yes or no answer. Obtain evaluation by a Speech-Language Pathologist for speech and swallowing difficulties.
Global deterioration	Difficulty generating ideas; Mutism	Provide a board with pictures of common objects to which the person can point when making needs known.

Assess the photo to the left.
* Identify 3 risk factors or safety concerns that could pose harm to Jim.
* Identify 2 positive strategies in the environment to help Jim organize his day-to-day routines

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