AIDS dementia complex as a complication of human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

Introduction: dementia associated with HIV infection is the most frequent cause of non-traumatic dementia in patients of all ages. Objective: to describe the AIDS dementia complex as a complication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Method: a literature review was conducted between July 25 and August 9, 2021. A total of 16 articles, in English and Spanish, were selected in the databases Scopus, SciELO, Dialnet, EBSCO, PubMed/Medline, and the descriptors used were as follow: AIDS dementia complex; Dementia; Infection; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Central Nervous System; Human Immunodeficiency Virus, all in both languages, English and Spanish. Development: AIDS dementia complex usually occurs after several years of being infected with HIV and is associated with low CD4 + T-cell and elevated plasma viral load. It is histologically characterized by infiltration of monocytes and macrophages in the central nervous system. These structural and functional impairments are associated with neurological manifestations such as gait disturbances, and motor involvements like bradykinesia, tremor and hyperreflexia, and coordination failures. The diagnosis is essentially clinical and by exclusion; treatment is based on the use of antiretroviral drugs. Conclusions: this neurological disorder is an entity characterized by three aspects: cognitive involvement, behavioral and motor symptoms. Dementia only exists when the neurocognitive impairment in patients is severe enough to significantly interfere with the person's day-to-day functions.