February 26, 2009

HIV and the Brain: What to Watch Out For

At the 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Montreal, David Evans talks with Scott Letendre, MD, from the University of California in San Diego, about the latest research on HIV and neurocognitive functioning. Dr. Letendre reveals how commonplace cognitive disorders are in people with HIV, and what you and your doctor can do about them.

 

11 1/2 minutes. Click here for the transcript.

Search: HIV associated neurocognitive disorder, HAND, neurocognitive, neurocognitive impairment, dementia, Scott Letendre, CROI, Montreal

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Previous Comments:

Rich, St. Louis, 2009-03-05 12:06:24
I am so happy to see this. I was diagnosed in 85 and started meds in 96. I lost my partner to AIDS in 96, his demintia was severe. I've known for the last several years that I've had a problem. I was even refered to a neurologist about 5 years ago (one of the nations top HIV researchers even) and was given a clean bill of health. But I knew better. I am now un-able to work. I look healthy, and my numbers are great but I can't complete a task. It's very scary.

Roger, Denver, 2009-03-04 21:38:04
I am an older long term HIV survivor and have been experiencing most of these symptoms with increasing anxiety for more than 2 years and still my Dr. says I'm fine. Cudos to those who recognize this problem, now how do I get my Dr. to listen?

James Jackson, Santa Rosa Ca., 2009-03-04 18:55:24
I have this problem going on and I can't keep a job i'm an iron worker can i go on dissablity or better fix the problem? It sucks I feel so stupid when i do work.

Rachel Nkama, London, 2009-03-04 17:00:25
What useful and timely information. I now have a clear understanding of what is happening with me. Memory lapses,brain shut down and unable to construct a sentence. Thanx for pointing me in right direction.

George, South Carolina, 2009-03-04 13:58:28
This interview was very helpful to me. I was hospitalized with dementia 3 yrs. ago and I have serious problems remembering and learning most anything that confronts me and have had this problem for several yrs. I also have had a few serious problems with motor functions with no explanation from doctors until now. I knew it had to be a neurological problem. I would LOVE to learn about any treatment that is available. Especially if it is a full reversal treatment. Thank You so much.

Ricky Wadlow, Pinckneyville, 2009-03-04 10:44:03
Finally..........someone is realizing that this is a big problem among alot of us HIVers! I am developing cognative issues more and more, yet have not been able to have any of my problems recognized locally. My hats off to all that are studying this problem!

Deke, SW Missouri, 2009-02-27 19:36:56
And are these cognitive disorders caused by the HIV infection, or by the drugs that are used to treat the infection? Since some HAART drugs have been shown to be highly psychoactive, are the side effects caused by the disease or by the drugs?