H.I.V. and the brain by Dr. Luz Miranda When you think of HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, usually you think of a variety of medical complications that can affect the person and the need to protect from infections. The disease, which often leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS has a host of associated problems, and continues to spread. With treatment, a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS doesn’t mean the death sentence it once did. However one part of the HIV disease not commonly known is that infected individuals often have brain changes known as neuro-cognitive impairments. The changes affect thinking, motor control and psychological states/moods. Symptoms can appear in any of the following combinations: Poor concentration or attention, confused or altered mental state, impaired short term or long term memory, decreased problem solving or calculation ability, reduced ability to plan ahead, difficulty learning new things, changes in speech and language comprehension, vision changes, psychomotor changes, impaired movement, decreased fine motor skills, poor coordination, changes in mood,e.g., hopelessness, depression, personality changes, and altered behavior. Depending on how noticeable the change is and how many areas of functioning are affected, the person may have a dementia. The good news is that a thorough evaluation can sort out what is attributable to the HIV diagnosis and what may be related to another preexisting condition. Once a clear assessment is made, treatment is available that can prevent permanent damage, if the changes have not existed for too long. Unfortunately, persons may not know they are infected for quite some time; and HIV enters the brain within days of being infected. It is important for persons with HIV to seek treatment for the brain changes, to prevent permanent damage. The Manhattan Times is the bilingual newspaper of Washington Heights and Inwood.
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