Da. Orr et Pf. Pinto, THE CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF HIV-RELATED DEMENTIA AND OTHER MEMORY DISORDERS IN THE RESIDENTIAL DRUG-TREATMENT ENVIRONMENT, Journal of substance abuse treatment, 10(6), 1993, pp. 505-511
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related dementia and other memory a
nd attention disorders are described in terms of etiology, incidence,
and symptoms. Assessment for cognitive impairment includes basic scree
ning (examples are given), or a thorough neuropsychological evaluation
. Implications for treatment within the residential drug treatment env
ironment include: (a) providing accurate information to staff and resi
dents; (b) identifying residents' anticipatory anxiety; (c) supportive
counseling of residents; (d) coaching residents in the use of coping
strategies; (e) creating environmental support; and (f) frequent reass
essment of treatment goals, including the appropriateness of independe
nt living. Helpful concrete suggestions are listed.