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Human immunodeficiency virus-associated neurobehavioural disorder.
I Grant1, J H Atkinson, J R Hesselink
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093.
Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Cognitive changes may occur early in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, even before AIDS symptoms appear. This suggests HIV may directly impact brain function earlier than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- HIV/AIDS was initially viewed solely as an immune system disorder.
- Emerging evidence suggests HIV can also be a primary neuropsychiatric condition.
- The exact mechanisms of HIV-induced brain impairment and damage are still unclear.
Observation:
- Neurological and neuropsychiatric issues in HIV were thought to manifest late in the disease.
- Preliminary evidence indicates cognitive decline can occur earlier in HIV infection.
- Some studies show neuropsychological deficits in asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals and those with lymphadenopathy syndrome.
Findings:
- Four out of seven asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals showed abnormal cerebral glucose metabolism in frontal and temporal regions.
- This suggests focal reductions in brain metabolism may occur early in HIV disease.
- Other research indicates the virus may enter the central nervous system early in the course of HIV infection.
Implications:
- HIV may cause cognitive changes earlier than previously believed.
- This challenges the traditional view of HIV disease progression.
- Further research is needed to understand the early impact of HIV on the central nervous system.