Neurocognitive Disorders and HIV/AIDS: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background and aim: Since the discovery of ARVs, HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease with the corollary of the aging of person living with HIV (PLHIV). This paradoxical aging is unfortunately accompanied by neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), which can be detected by the clinic and neuropsychological tests. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of NCDs before and after the era of antiretrovirals (ARVs). Methods: A retrospective study compared the prevalences of NCDs before and after the era of ARVs. Socio-demographic characteristics, stages of disease, prevalence of NCDs, and neurological and psychiatric disorders were the parameters of interest. Results: Age and sex: 34 9 years, sex ratio 1H: 1F versus 47.4 10.2 years, sex ratio 3F: 1H Depression: 23% -29% at Stages I and II before ARVs NCDs: 11.4% (severe NCDs 8.7%) (light NCDs 2.7%) versus 75% (66% light NCDs, 8% moderate NCDs, 1% severe NCDs). Conclusion: The combination of the clinic and neuropsychological testing showed a clear progression of mild and moderate neurocognitive disorders in older and older, predominantly female PHAs, both asymptomatic and symptomatic on antiretroviral drugs.