Neurological disorders in HIV: Hope despite challenges

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system and can cause neurological disorders.
• Neurological pathologies like dementia and neuropathy often manifest late, after Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) development.
• The central nervous system is significantly affected by HIV, leading to various complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the neurological disorders observed in the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) population.
• To examine the current understanding and attempts to limit HIV-associated neurological diseases.
• To highlight the ongoing challenges in managing neurological complications in HIV patients.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Embase.
• The search strategy focused on identifying articles related to neurological disorders associated with HIV.
• All relevant articles were considered for inclusion in the review.

Main Results:

• The pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurological complications is not well understood, limiting treatment options.
• Alterations in dendritic spines have been suggested as a cause of brain damage in HIV patients.
• Neurological manifestations remain a significant concern in HIV patients despite effective antiretroviral therapies.

Conclusions:

• HIV poses a major global health challenge, with neurological issues being a primary concern.
• The risk of neurological complications persists in HIV patients, even with available treatments.
• Future strategies, including the 2030 HIV vision, must prioritize enhanced preventive measures against neurological complications.