AIDS dementia complex


AIDS de·men·ti·a com·plex (ADC),

a subacute or chronic HIV-1 encephalitis, the most common neurologic complication in the later stages of HIV infection; manifested clinically as a progressive dementia, accompanied by motor abnormalities. Synonym(s): AIDS dementia, HIV encephalopathy

AIDS Dementia Complex

An insidious metabolic encephalopathy affecting up to two-thirds of AIDS patients, which is triggered by HIV and driven by neurotoxins secreted by macrophages and microglia. It may be complicated by infections—e.g., Toxoplasma gondii, CMV, or lymphomas.
Clinical findings Poor concentration, loss of memory, incoordination, dysgraphia, lethargy, apathy.
Note: 30% of asymptomatic HIV-positive subjects have EEG abnormalities or progressive cognitive, motor, or behavioural dysfunction.

AIDS dementia complex

AIDS An insidious–30% of asymptomatic HIV-positive subjects have EEG abnormalities, progressive cognitive, motor, behavioral dysfunction, which affects up to 2⁄3 of AIDS Pts; ADC may be complicated by infections–eg, Toxoplasma gondii, CMV, lymphomas Clinical Inability to concentrate, loss of memory, gait incoordination, dysgraphia, slowing of psychomotor functions and eventually, apathy Pathology Degeneration of subcortical white matter and deep gray matter, white matter vacuolization in the lateral and posterior columns of the spinal cord

AIDS dementia complex

A feature of certain cases of AIDS in which there is so much direct damage to brain cells by HIV that DEMENTIA occurs. The condition occurs in some 20% of people with untreated AIDS in the late stages. The drug ZIDOVUDINE appears to be capable of greatly reducing the likelihood of this effect. Other anti-AIDS drugs may be less useful in preventing ADC.

AIDS dementia complex

A type of brain dysfunction caused by HIV infection that causes difficulty thinking, confusion, and loss of muscular coordination.Mentioned in: AIDS

AIDS de·men·ti·a com·plex

(ADC) (ādz dĕ-menshē-ă kompleks) Subacute or chronic HIV-1 encephalitis, the most common neurologic complication in the later stages of HIV infection.