We propose to characterize the dementia which complicates the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with respect to clinical profile, diagnostic approach, natural history, etiology and pathogenesis. Dementia is now being recognized as one of the most common and most devastating complications of AIDS. At present neither the etiology nor pathogenesis of AIDS dementia is established. Clinical characterization of dementia and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders complicating AIDS will be accomplished by a prospective study of newly diagnosed AIDS patients as well as by a thorough analysis of patients with overt neurological impairment. Patients will undergo standardized evaluation including neurological examination, extensive neuropsychological testing, and neurodiagnostic studies including CT or MRI scan and CSF analysis. The hypothesis that AIDS dementia is due to direct CNS infection with HTLV-III will be pursued using viral culture, immunohistochemical staining of viral antigens, and viral nucleic acid hybridization to evaluate brain tissue obtained at autopsy. Positron emission tomographic (PET) scanning and analysis of neurotransmitters will be used to investigate the pathophysiology of brain dysfunction in these patients. These studies will provide a rational basis for the development and evaluation of efforts to prevent and treat this devastating complication of AIDS.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS021703-01A1
Application #
3403114
Study Section
Neurology A Study Section (NEUA)
Project Start
1985-12-01
Project End
1988-11-30
Budget Start
1985-12-01
Budget End
1986-11-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Memorial Hospital for Cancer & Allied Di
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10021
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