AIDS Dementia Complex
Though the majority of patients with HIV do not develop dementia (due to treatment with AZT and combination therapy), the AIDS Dementia Complex may occur when a HIV-infection affects neurons in the brain. The disease mainly occurs in later stages of the infection.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Forgetfulness
- Concentration problems
- Anxiety
- Language difficulties
- Slowing down of thinking
- Slow, unsteady movements
- Difficulty keeping balance
- Coordination problems
- Jerky eye movements
- Personality changes, mood-swings
- Hallucinations
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite
It is difficult to be precise about the incidence of AIDS-related cognitive impairment. Estimates are from 10-25% of all AIDS patients (Woods & Moore, Cognitive Neuropsychology of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders, 2009).
Tips for First Responders:
- Turn off lights and sirens as soon as possible
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Use "adult" words, but ask questions one at a time, rather than asking multiple part questions
- Ask the individual if s/he wears a medic alert device (this may tell you where they live)
- Maintain a calm manner; this may help the individual calm down is s/he is anxious