AIDS DEMENTIA COMPLEX - A REVIEW

AIDS dementia complex (ADC) is a constellation of cognitive, motor, an d behavioral dysfunctions frequently observed in persons with AIDS. Es timates of its prevalence vary. ADC may occur at any stage of AIDS but is usually associated with later stages of disease. Its severity vari es among patients and often, but not always, is progressive. Various p athogenic mechanisms have been proposed for ADC, including effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-mediated cytokine production and di rect neural cell damage by HIV. Antiretroviral therapy can delay or mi tigate the symptoms of ADC.