The encephalopathy associated with direct nervous system infection by
the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been recognized as one of the
major debilitating aspects of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
and of pre-AIDS conditions. A comprehensive neuropsychological examination
of symptomatic HIV-infected subjects without opportunistic cerebral disease
demonstrated a distinctive pattern of cognitive deficits marked by
prominent attentional impairment. Evidence of organizational and reasoning
impairments also was observed, but language, visual-spatial, and memory
consolidation abilities were relatively preserved. The findings suggest a
profile of impairment similar to other cognitive syndromes involving
dysfunction of predominantly anterior brain structures and projections and
suggest a rationale for psychostimulant drug treatment.Abstract Teaser