Aids Dementia Complex (ADC) by Jos van der Poel Through 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, and appears to involve subcortical, rather than
cortical, brain structures. There is more dysfunction than
destruction of neurons. Characteristic are memory problems, slow
and unsteady movements, anxiety and mood-swings. HIV/AIDS
encephalopathy, HIV/AIDS related brain impairment, HIV dementia.
Symptoms and course Symptoms, which may vary from person to
person, are: - concentration problems - language difficulties -
slowing down of thinking - slow, unsteady movements - difficulty
keeping balance - coordination problems - jerky eye movements -
personality changes, mood-swings - sleep disturbances - loss of
appetite The number of symptoms gradually increases. Sometimes
psychosis, depression and suicide o