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