HIV and Dementia

This text documents the involvement of the nervous system in AIDS, using established models in monkeys, cats and mice which faithfully demonstrate aspects of neuropathophysiology of HIV infection. This text initiates further opportunities for extensive research in NeuroAIDS.

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The principal objective of this text is to inform scientists and educated lay audience of the documented involvement of the nervous system in AIDS and the tremendous opportunities for basic neuroscience research in this evolving area. Recent evidence indicates that HIV infection results in the perturbation of the blood-brain barrier potentially facilitating the entry of HIV into the brain parenchyma and directly causing neuronal dysfunction and ultimate death. In addition, recently established models of AIDS in monkeys, cats and mice faithfully recapitulate aspects of neuropathophysiology of HIV infection in humans, thereby providing new opportunities for research in NeuroAIDS.