A Simplified Screening Tool for AIDS Dementia?

An algorithm that took only 3 minutes to complete had 78% sensitivity for identifying HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment when compared with formal testing.

HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (HAND) is a common, serious problem, affecting up to 50% of patients, even in the current HIV treatment era. Standard assessment can be challenging, because it involves considerable time and expertise, but a new algorithm has the potential to simplify the process.

The algorithm was developed and evaluated in a cohort of 97 HIV-infected men in Australia who were receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). Mean age was 49, and mean CD4 count was 347 cells/mm³; 53% of the men had undetectable viral loads. Based on formal neuropsychological assessment, 37% of the men had some degree of HAND.

The algorithm includes four factors: age, current CD4-cell count, past HIV-related central nervous system (C…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

A Simplified Screening Tool for AIDS Dementia?

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Reviewing Author