Dementia associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Article Abstract:
AIDS dementia complex may be caused by toxic chemicals produced by HIV-infected cells that damage nerve cells. Approximately one-third of HIV-infected patients develop AIDS dementia complex, which is often characterized by an inability to concentrate and difficulty moving. Most of the HIV-infected cells in the brain are immune cells, which consequently secrete chemicals such as interferon, tumor necrosis factor and free radicals. These chemicals in turn cause excess calcium in the brain, which can damage nerve cells. Calcium channel blockers and drugs that block another receptor responsible for calcium secretion called the NMDA receptor may be effective in treating AIDS dementia complex. Memantine and nitroglycerin are two NMDA receptor blockers that are known to be safe in humans. The National Institutes of Health is funding studies of these drugs in AIDS dementia complex.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A 37-year-old man with AIDS, neurologic deterioration, and multiple hemorrhagic cerebral lesions
Article Abstract:
A 37-year-old man with AIDS was admitted to a hospital because of progressive confusion and disorientation. He had developed shingles 10 months before hospitalization and after developing several neurologic defects, MRI and CT scans revealed swelling and hemorrhages in his brain. He continued to deteriorate and died one month after admission. At autopsy, his brain was found to contain hemorrhages and tissue samples tested positive for varicella-zoster, the virus that causes shingles.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Erythropoietin for neurologic protection and diabetic neuropathy
Article Abstract:
Erythropoietin receptors can ameliorate neural damage in patients and are able to prevent and reverse diabetic neuropathy. Recent data suggest that when erythropoietin is combined with other factors, such as the insulin-like growth factor it acts synergistically to active neuroprotective pathways.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2004
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Zidovudine and the natural history of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Race, sex, drug use, and progression of human immunodeficiency virus disease
- Abstracts: Physicians' experience with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as a factor in patients' survival. Improving the outcomes of care for patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection
- Abstracts: Sexual factors associated with cytomegalovirus seropositivity in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men. The use of auxiliary events to improve the analysis of survival for HIV-infected patients: application to the French Prospective Multicenter Cohort (SEROCO)
- Abstracts: Viral load and disease progression in infants infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Obstetrical factors and the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 from mother to child
- Abstracts: Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection associated with human immunodeficiency virus: a report of two cases and a review of 35 published cases