HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder

There are several reasons why early recognition of cognitive impairment is important:  People with HIV with cognitive impairment have been shown to be less adherent to HIV medication regimes (33-34). This may lead to drug-resistant HIV, resulting in their current medication regime becoming ineffective (20-21). Morbidity and mortality can then be affected as the person …

Significance of early recognition of HAND Read More »

Changes in cognition may have an impact on daily function and the PLHIV may experience a level of disability related to their cognitive impairment as previously discussed. Cognitive difficulties can also lead to decreased socialising and increased social withdrawal. PLHIV need to be supported to maintain social connectedness and relationships.   Providing information to the PLHIV …

Impacts of cognitive impairment Read More »

Regularly review the PLHIV – annual assessment is recommended. Ask the PLHIV questions about changes they may have noticed.   Be aware of risk factors for HAND and other general cognitive impairment.  Identify, reduce, and treat preventable cognitive risk factors including:   smoking  reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. treat hypertension, diabetes, HCV.  reduce alcohol intake,   reduce or cease …

What to do Read More »

Caring for someone with cognitive impairment may at times be stressful. Assisting someone with practical activities such as medication adherence, help with cooking, shopping, and attending appointments, may all increase a caregiver’s exhaustion.   Caregivers may be concerned about the person’s deterioration and what that means to their relationship; grief for the change in relationship – …

Advice for caregivers Read More »

Cognitive impairment continues to represent substantial personal, societal, and economic burdens and may place an increasing burden on Australian resources, especially as PLHIV age. Early recognition and treatment are paramount and can have a positive impact on quality of life and health outcomes for those living with HIV. 

Alford, K., Daley, S., Banerjee, S. et al. “A fog that impacts everything”: a qualitative study of health-related quality of life in people living with HIV who have cognitive impairment. Qual Life Res 31, 3019–3030 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-022-03150-x  del Palacio M, Alvarez S, Munoz-Fernandez, MA. HIV-1 infection and neurocognitive impairment in the current era. Rev Med Virol 2012; 22(1): 33-45, …

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