brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
HIV Associated Dementia
Diagnosis of HIV Associated Dementia
A doctor's evaluation for dementia, HIV infection, or both Blood tests to determine how severe HIV infection is Magnetic imaging and usually a spinal tap Generally, the diagnosis of dementia in people with HIV infection is similar to that of other dementias. Doctors must determine whether a person has dementia and, if so, whether the dementia is HIV-associated dementia. Doctors base a diagnosis of dementia on the following: Symptoms, which are identified by asking the person and family members or other caregivers questions Results of a physical examination, including a Neurologic Examination None Results of a Mental Status None Results of additional tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Mental status testing, consisting of simple questions and tasks, helps doctors determine whether people have dementia. which is more detailed, is sometimes needed. This testing covers all the main areas of mental function, including mood, and usually takes 1 to 3 hours. This testing helps doctors distinguish dementia from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as Dementia , Information from the above sources can usually help doctors rule out Dementia as the cause of symptoms (see table If people who are not known to have HIV infection develop symptoms of dementia and have risk factors for HIV infection, doctors may suspect HIV-associated dementia and do tests to check for HIV as well as for dementia. When HIV infection is diagnosed or when mental function changes in people with HIV infection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is done to check for other causes of brain dysfunction, such as Toxoplasmosis or Unless results of CT or MRI suggest that pressure within the skull is increased, doctors usually do a Spinal Tap (lumbar puncture) to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which is analyzed. Findings can support but not confirm the diagnosis of HIV-associated dementia. If people have HIV infection or if HIV-associated dementia is suspected, doctors also do blood tests to measure the following: The number of white blood cells called CD4 lymphocytes (the CD4 count ) The amount of HIV ( Viral load ) These tests help determine how severe the HIV infection is. Having with a very low CD4 count and a very high viral load increases the risk of developing brain infections, lymphoma, and HIV-associated dementia. 