Advances in the treatment of HIV dementia.

The onset of HIV dementia is uncommon until the middle-to-late symptomatic phases of HIV disease, when it may be found in up to 15% of patient populations. Signs and symptoms of dementia become progressively disabling. Highly active antiretroviral therapy may be effective in mitigating the degree of neurologic deterioration. Investigations of immune-based and neuroprotective agents as potential adjunctive therapies are under way or planned for the near future. Symptomatic treatment of psychiatric symptoms is an important adjunct to antiretroviral treatment of HIV dementia.