Recent Advances in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Abstract

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are chronic complications of HIV infection in the central nervous system. Clinical presentations include asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI), mild neurocognitive impairment (MND), and HIV-associated dementia (HAD). In the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the prevalence of HAD has significantly decreased, but the rates of ANI and MND have increased, impairing patients’ daily functioning, medical adherence, employment, driving abilities, risk of HIV transmission, overall quality of life, and posing challenges to society, economy, families, and public health. This article reviews the latest research findings regarding the pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis and treatment, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological assessment of HAND, aiming to provide insights into the prevention and management of HAND.