Neuropathogenesis of AIDS.

Neurological disease directly attributable to HIV-1 infection (HIV dementia) is one of the most frequent disorders in persons with AIDS. HIV-1 dementia is associated with neuronal loss, but occurs in the absence of direct viral infection of neurons, suggesting that neurological damage occurs by an indirect mechanism. Recent studies have identified a number of candidate HIV-1 neurotoxins that may cause neuronal damage through common pathways involving the induction of oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. These findings suggest new therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of HIV-1-induced neurological disease.