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Living with Dementia associated with AIDS

A brain condition linked to HIV infection of the central nervous system that affects memory, concentration, and movement.

Understanding Dementia associated with AIDS

Dementia associated with AIDS is a neurologic condition linked to HIV-1 infection of the central nervous system.

It is associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It affects concentration, memory, and movement. Brain examination shows changes in the white matter and immune cells gathered around blood vessels.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a symptom list. Based on its summary, features include:

  • Trouble with concentration and memory
  • Slow hand movements
  • Poor coordination (ataxia)
  • Loss of bladder control (incontinence)
  • Apathy
  • Walking difficulties

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which tests can show how HIV is affecting my brain?
Which specialists should be involved in my care?
How can memory and movement problems be supported at home?

Quick facts

It is associated with HIV-1 infection of the central nervous system in people with AIDS.

Also known as: acquired immune deficiency syndrome dementia complex; acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related dementia; adc - acquired immune deficiency syndrome dementia complex; aids (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) dementia complex; aids dementia; aids dementia complex

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Dementia associated with AIDSGARD ID 8250 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Dementia associated with AIDS.

Explore the Dementia associated with AIDS blog

Explore research for Dementia associated with AIDS

Explore actively recruiting Dementia associated with AIDS studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Dementia associated with AIDS with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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