HIV-related dementia common in Africa

Dementia caused by the AIDS virus may be far more common in Africa than previously believed, making it one of the leading causes of dementia in the world, researchers reported on Monday. Alzheimer's disease and strokes are currently the most common causes of dementia.Doctors know that the AIDS virus can cause dementia, probably by destroying brain cells. AIDS drug combinations greatly reduce this rate but only 20 percent of people infected with HIV in the world get the drugs.The dementia hits people at a much younger age than Alzheimer's usually does, and has even been seen in children.About 25 of the HIV patients had dementia -- 31 percent of the total. None of the people without HIV had it.Giving people the HIV drug combinations known as highly active antiretroviral therapy can reverse the damage. Without it, the numbers of patients could grow.These individuals with HIV dementia would have higher rates of unemployment and a decreased ability to perform their activities of daily living.Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia globally, affecting 18 million people according to the World Health Organization, and 5 million people in the United States alone. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, which becomes far more common as people age.